Paul E. Guilmette

Paul E. Guilmette of Framingham, MA, passed from this life on September 18, 2024. He was born in Bristol, CT in 1933, to the late Wilfred and Albertine Guillmette. Paul fondly remembered his early days in Bristol, where his father built their first home with his own hands and he enjoyed his first car, a 1938 Buick convertible, before even having a license. After graduating Bristol High School, he volunteered for the U.S. Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. Recognizing the good advice of his mother, Paul later used the GI Bill to graduate from the University of Connecticut. He earned a CPA and began a career in finance. His first marriage to Margaret Gustafson resulted in two daughters who survive him, Holly Borowy of Raleigh, NC and Nancy Nevins, husband Richard, of Eastham, MA. He later married Carole Thomson and they began a life journey that lasted 54 years until her death in 2016.

Paul engaged in a whirlwind of Fortune 500 corporate work often placing him, and frequently Carole, in the cities of Europe and South America until they settled in Framingham, MA. There he began and maintained a successful financial investment company until his retirement. His professional life was a source of great pride and he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm by leading seminars and teaching graduate courses at Anna Maria College. Paul’s public life also supported those in need; he tutored the incarcerated and supported the enrollment of immigrants in U.S. Citizenship programs.

Paul and Carole together built a life that centered around curiosity, learning and friendship. They traveled together, physically and spiritually, throughout their lives. Their spiritual life was enhanced by a long relationship with Advaita Meditation Center in Waltham, MA where they made many lifelong friends. This continued up until his death, meeting weekly on zoom for discussions with fellow members.

Paul and Carole maintained close ties with many friends over the years including a special friendship with Ernst (deceased) and Wenche Johnson of Sauda, Norway and their children. John Murphy remained a steadfast and dear friend.

Paul was happiest when in deep conversation with others, preferably accompanied by a good meal and a glass of wine. He loved nothing more than catching up with the lives of his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud.

Paul was predeceased by his sister, Theresa Riccio, of Burlington, CT and brother, Joseph Raymond Guillmette, of Vermont. He was also predeceased by his in-laws: mother-in-law Caroline Theising and Carole’s brothers Arthur with whom he shared his home, and William Thomson of Winsted CT.

Paul is survived by his sister, Irene Boutte of South Windsor, CT. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian Avallone, wife Elizabeth, of Southington, CT, Adam Avallone, wife Elyse Sudoff, of Glastonbury, CT and Rachael Borowy, husband Thomas Cosgrove, of Wake Forest, NC.; his great grandchildren: Joseph Avallone, Hudson Avallone, Hailey Avallone, Keira Borowy Cosgrove (born Sept. 23, 2024) Riley Sudoff, Linus Nevins-Dupont, Finuala Nevins, Calvin Nevins-Dupont, and Layla Nevins. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families with whom he maintained warm relationships.

Memorial donations in Paul’s name may be made to Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 https://www.pinestreetinn.org/ or to Community Servings 179 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 https://www.servings.org/

Services will be privately observed and under the direction of the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, Framingham, MA

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com