Obituary of Paul Francis Powers

Paul F. Powers Afton, New York After a long, rewarding and fulfilled life, Paul F. Powers went to meet his youngest son, Paul Christopher, where he was awaiting him in Heaven. He passed away on Monday, February 21, 2011 with his loving daughters by his side. Born November 7, 1934 in Providence, RI to the late Jeremiah and Pauline Powers, he attended St. Raphael Academy and Providence College. He served in the United States Air Force from 1956 until 1960. On September 12, 1954, he married Anna J. Be at chapel #1, Shaw AFB, South Carolina; a 52 year courtship filled with undying love and devotion. On October 17, 1981, Paul was ordained as a permanent Deacon in the Syracuse Diocese, serving at St. Agnes in Afton and St. John's in Bainbridge, St. Mary's in Kirkwood and St. Rita's in Chenango Forks. Paul's true passion was teaching and coaching at Afton Central School where he taught high school English, and coached football, track and championship volleyball teams. He also acted as junior class advisor. Never a complainer, Harve as known to his students during his high school teaching/coaching career, was steadfast in his ways, always had a smile, and no matter where he was traveling, he always found someone he knew. His greatest joy was his grandchildren, all who danced their ways around him and to his loving heart. He especially loved watching them perform, whether on a stage or in the living room, known to them as "the big house". He is survived by his loving wife, Anna (Be) Powers; his four children: Brian Powers of Arlington, TX; Denise and Michael Belmont of New Hartford, NY; Marie and Mark Lowe of Nineveh and Kathleen and Pat McNeill of Johnson City. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Ashley Belmont, Malayia and Makenna Lowe and Erin McNeill, as well as Tom Natale, who was like a son. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Phyllis Powers, of Longview, TX, together with his nephews, Kevin and Dennis, and their spouses. Paul was predeceased by his son, Paul Christopher, and his brother, David. Friends are invited to call from 4:00-8:00pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Spring St. Afton, NY 13730. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Friday, February 25, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Liberty St. Sidney, NY 13838 with Fr. Mark Gantley, from St. Agnes and St. John's, as celebrant. Committal will take place in the spring at Glenwood Cemetery, Afton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: The American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org or to St. Agnes and St. John's Churches, 34 South Main St. Bainbridge, NY 13733. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com. The family wishes to send their heartfelt thanks and unending support to Dr. Stephen Dygert, Alice Burnett and his staff, and CNY Cardiology in Utica, NY, especially his "Suzie" for giving him those extra years of quality life. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street, Sidney.