Paul Adolph Suihkonen

Gardner-Paul Adolph Suihkonen, 72 died Monday, March 15, 2021 at his home after an illness. He leaves his sister, Esther Burns of St. Michaels, MD; two nieces and one nephew, Robin Voshell and her fiancé Ed Williamson, Sharon Burns, and Ernie Burns and his wife Halina; two great nieces and two great nephews. Scott E. Roe and his wife Karley, Olivia Bonhom and her husband David, Jobie Voshell and Julianna Burns; cousins Gene Rauhala, his wife Leslie and their two sons Ben and Sam; Edwin Rauhala; Ginny Spinney. He was born in Gardner on June 30, 1948 a son of the late Adolph Waldemar and Saime (Pulkinen) Suihkonen. He graduated from Gardner High School in 1966. He was a Sergeant in the US Air Force in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972 and played in the U.S. Airforce Band, also playing taps at military funerals. He worked for the Worcester State Hospital for many years as a mental health care worker. While he was in high school, Paul played the trumpet in the Simplex Drum and Bugle Corps, which allowed him to play in several countries around the world. Paul loved to visit his sister and her family in Maryland. He was an accomplished trumpet player throughout his life and played professionally in the band, "Widespread Depression Orchestra". He loved all things Finnish and traveling to Finland. Funeral Services will be private at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice. Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440 has been entrusted with Paul's funeral arrangements.