Paul Warren Happy

Sterling - Paul W. Happy, 93, passed away from cancer unexpectedly at St. Vincent Hospital on Friday, March 22, 2024. He was born in Worcester, the cherished son of the late Russell (lived in Oklahoma) and Emma (Sundin, who lived in Worcester) Happy and spent his formative years in the Greendale section of Worcester. Paul cherished his Cherokee native American and Swedish ancestry. He called himself the "Swedish Indian".

Paul's first employment was as a delivery carrier for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Paul graduated from Worcester Boy's Trade School and received an engineering degree from the former Worcester Jr. College. He served with pride in the United States Air Force during the Korean war. After his service Paul began a career at Heald Machine Co. in Worcester. Furthering his education at WPI, he earned a degree in Industrial Management. During his military service, Paul married his beloved Barbara (Brandt), September 15, 1951, at George AFB, Victorville, CA., where they lived.

Dedicated to his family and community, Paul served as a devoted Scout Master for Troop 151, West Boylston, for numerous years. Paul spent numerous 2-week summer "vacations" with the boy scouts at Treasure Valley. He was also a Master Mason and esteemed brother of Boylston Lodge of A.F.&A.M. He was a member of the Harold Keith American Legion Post, and a member of the Worcester VA. Paul and Barbara resided in West Boylston for 33 years. Together they were active in the First Congregational Church and devoted to the church restoration project. Together they traveled extensively through Alaska, Caribbean Islands, Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, California, and Florida. Together they spent over 20 years vacationing, renting and renovating their Hampton Beach apartments year-round. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship, Paul was an adept woodworker and the quintessential handyman. He was a lifelong enthusiast of sports, particularly cheering on New England teams with fervor.

Paul will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his wife of 73 years, Barbara (Brandt) Happy; his daughter, Paula Gilmore, and her husband, Bruce, of Jefferson; his brother, Ronald Happy of NM; his daughter-in-law, Kimberly Toupin-Happy of Rutland; his grandchildren, Allison Himmer and her husband, Mike, of Holden, Christopher Mulcahy and his wife, Libby, of Rutland, Danielle Direda and her husband, James, of Shrewsbury; Derrick Happy and his wife, Stacey of West Boylston; Mark, Paul, and C.J. Happy of Sterling; along with 7 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Paul was predeceased by his son, Sgt. Robert Happy, Sterling Police Department, in 2020, and his grandson, Garrett Happy in 2023.

The family would like to thank Dr. Switzer, Oncologist, for his many years of devoted and compassionate care for Paul during his illness.

Funeral services are private and entrusted to the compassionate care of Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, located at 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Conant Free Public Library, 4 Meetinghouse Hill Rd., Sterling, MA 01564 and to the Sterling Senior Center, Sterling. To share a memory or extend condolences online, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.