Robert F. Paro Jr.

Funeral services for Robert F. Paro Jr., 82, of Richville, New York, will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 11 a.m., at Frary Funeral Home in Ogdensburg, NY. A visitation will be held on Monday, November 25th, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will follow the funeral service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Heuvelton with a reception at the Heuvelton Fire Hall.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.

Robert F. Paro, Jr., known by his family as “Chug,” and by “Popcorn” to his work friends, was born on October 18, 1942 in Fine, NY.  He was the son of the late Robert and Matha (Daniels) Paro, Sr.  As a boy, he attended a one-room school house and later Lisbon Central School and worked on the family farm.  He loved the dairy farm life and working with his parents and siblings.

On February 15, 1963, he married the love of his life, Edna May Carter.  They initially resided on the family homestead until they bought their own farm in Depeyster which Robert operated as dairy for a few years.  He also hauled milk for the local farmers and he and Edna started their family there. He later went on to have a hobby farm in Richville where he loved raising cattle and other livestock for the remainder of his life.

Robert began working for St. Joe Mineral Corp. in Fowler, NY in late 1960’s.  Robert was active in his union and served on the mine rescue team.  After a long strike at the mines, Robert began working as a member of the Laborer’s Local Union #1822 in Massena, NY in 1985.  He worked in construction and as a heavy equipment operator until the end of his career.  Robert had an exemplary work ethic and enjoyed the company of his co-workers.

Robert loved to travel and take long road trips with his family and friends.  As a boy, he dreamed of traveling to all 50 of the United States.  He accomplished this in 2003 with a surprise romantic trip to Hawaii with Edna which he bought her for her birthday.  Family trips also included Nova Scotia, Alaska, Hershey Park, the State Fair, New England, and Myrtle Beach.  He and Edna did an extensive cross-country trip of the US visiting several national parks and monuments.  The year that Disney World opened in 1972 he took his daughters to enjoy the new iconic attraction.  Robert loved sharing his experiences with all who would listen. 

Robert was a storyteller.  He loved to recount the details of his adventures.  He was a great observer of the world, of people, and the wildness of life.  He loved to make people laugh with his corny jokes.  In true grandpa style, he teased his grandchildren and found himself very funny.   He loved gardening (Does anyone need a zucchini?), tooling around on his tractor, and maintaining his swimming pool.  He was an avid fan of SU Basketball and SLU Hockey, both the women’s and men’s teams. 

But he was the biggest fan of his grandchildren.  He loved watching their athletic endeavors and concerts, and cheering them on at games and meets regardless of the weather or distance.  He smiled as they played together in the pool; showed them how to stack wood; and spent as much time with them as he could. They were one of his greatest joys.

His is survived by his wife of 61 years, Edna May (Carter) Paro, his children; Laurie Paro and her companion Hugh Matt of Canton, Linda Paro and her companion Matt Chesebro of Rome, and Lisa Knight and her husband Leo Knight Jr. of Gouverneur.  He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, his grandchildren; Nathan Minckler and his wife Rachel of Fredericksburg, VA, Jonathan Carls of Westboro, MA, Kurtis Knight of Waltham, MA and Kortney Knight of Gouverneur.  He is survived by his sisters; Beverly Becker and her husband Gus of Ogdensburg and Barbara Burns of Ogdensburg. His brother-in-law, Charles “Chick” Carter also survives him along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his daughter Rose Beth Paro in infancy, his brothers; Bradford and Ronald Paro and his sister Beatrice Lytle.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Friends 4 Pound Paws, 55 Owl Road, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Online condolences may be made at www.FraryFuneralHome.com.