Obituary
Rodney “Rocky” Paradis was born in Caribou, Maine in 1948 and raised in Fort Kent. He passed on September 8th of pancreatic cancer in Daytona Beach, Fl. He resided all over the US and the world. Prior to moving to Florida he lived on Lake Marranacook in Readfield, Maine.
From August 1967 thru 1968 he served with distinction in the 1st Calvary Division in Vietnam. During his tour he was combat wounded, received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, an Air Medal and various other citations. He served 24 years in the Army, active and reserves, retiring in 2008. He was a member of VFW Post 3282 , Port Orange and the DAV. He also retired from the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company in 2003.
He was honored to attend a celebration of life gathering with his family and friends earlier this year. He plans to join his brother in arms in Arlington National Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Karen Deckelman, his mother Greta Paradis of Auburn, his daughter Suzette Paradis Taylor, husband Aaron and grandchildren Bailey and Jera, step-son Greg Riegel, daughter in law Vanessa, grandchildren Victoria Covas, Cristina Byer and Elizabeth Riegel. He is also survived by his Sister Audrey Schwartz, husband Gary and brother Mark Paradis, wife Brenda and nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered for his friendly and outgoing personality, beautiful smile and infectious laugh.
How can you describe Rocky? He love to socialize and the party never got started until Rocky arrived. He was fiercely loyal and dedicated to his friends and family. He had a strong work ethic and a strong sense of right and wrong. He enjoyed mentoring people and befriended people everywhere he went from all different backgrounds and walks of life. He had a big heart, a smile that would light up a room, and an infectious laugh. He was multi-talented, a craftsman, a master drill instructor, a hunter and fisherman, a salesman, a director and manager, a world traveler, a poker player, a storyteller, a“bullshitter”, and the best “jimmy man” around. He touched many lives and each person he met was a little better off for the meeting.
“Ride safe in your journey as we will be right there beside you some day.” “May the stories and memories give us comfort and peace. Our lives are forever changed by the man with the ‘biggest heart’ who served his family, friends and country with his whole self. The world is a better place for Rocky being among us.” He will be greatly missed by his friends and family, especially his wife.
The Paradis family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time.
In addition to being a wise professional, he was a kind, humorous, and gentle man.
I offer my condolences to his family.