LYNN — Paul E. Begen, age 53, of Nottingham Court, Lynn, passed away on Aug. 30, 2016, at the North Shore Medical Center, Salem, due to a complete shutdown of his kidney and liver functions. His family was at his side when he expired.
Paul was born in Brookline in 1963 and spent the majority of his life in Lynn. His love was hockey and the “Bruins.” He played in the Lynn Youth Hockey League earning the MVP award as a defenseman playing with the Lynn Rockets, who reached the state finals. He attended St. Pius V grammar school and while in the 8th grade played for St. Mary’s High School freshman hockey team. He then attended St. Mary’s and captained the varsity squad for two years before transferring to Lynn English, where he played varsity hockey and graduated. He was offered a scholarship at “West Point” but turned it down due to the long commitment required.
Upon graduation he went to work for Sunburst Juices of Salem for many years as a maintenance repairman. At that time he also joined the National Guard, doing basic training at Fort Sill, Okla., specializing in artillery applications and quickly earning his way to the rank of Sgt.
While trying to clear a jammed machine at Sunburst, the fingers of his right hand were crushed and two had to be removed resulting in several operations to remove bone fragments. Eventually, the trauma brought on a condition called RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) and damaged the nervous system. He suffered with this condition for more than 30 years. He was thereafter unable to work or skate and was discharged from the National Guard, He became an avid fan of all the Boston sports teams and enjoyed fishing but being unable to play sports broke his heart.
He was a loyal, active member of “The Friends of Bill W.” for 18 years. He is survived by his loving mother, Judith Begen and devoted brother, Michael Begen, and nieces Tarryn and Skyla, all of Lynn. He also leaves his loving father, Edward Begen and stepmother, Linda Begen of Gardner, two uncles, Joseph Tanner of Braintree and William Tanner of Medford. He also leaves an uncle, Lawrence Begen and aunt, Ellie Begen, and two nieces, Cheryl and Heather Begen and nephew, Richard Begen, all of Lowell. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Service information: Services will be private with no calling hours. A celebration of his life “get together” will be forthcoming and posted in The Item.