Paul Cecchini

On January 14, 2015, Paul Frank Cecchini of Hardyville, VA, departed this life after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mr. Cecchini, the eldest son of Peter J. and Ida (Micheli) Cecchini, was born March 5, 1928, in Richmond, VA. He was a 1945 graduate of John Marshall High School. In 1949, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech). Upon graduation from VPI, Mr. Cecchini served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army field artillery unit during the Korean War. He began his career with the Virginia Department of Transportation and retired after 40 years of service. After retiring as District Engineer in Staunton, VA, Mr. Cecchini moved closer to the river and spent his years sailing, making crafts and writing poetry. A book of his original poetry titled Holidays, Nature, and Other Rhymes was published in 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Albert L. Cecchini, and a sister, Gloria C. Barbie. Mr. Cecchini is survived by his two daughters, Suzanne E. Cecchini of Staunton, Barbara C. Maclam, and husband Keith L. Maclam, of Staunton, two grandsons, Chris H. McCoy of Richmond and Nickolas P. Georganzis of Staunton, one step grandson, Jeremy K. Maclam, and two step great grandchildren. Mr. Cecchini is also survived by a brother, Peter J. Cecchini of Cape Coral, FL, a brother-in-law, Martin J. Barbie Jr. of Richmond and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Cecchini leaves behind his best friend, Peggy Douglas of Hayes, VA, as well as Mamie Curran, the mother of his children. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, January 19, 2015, at 9 a.m. at the Church of the Visitation in Topping, VA. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service at the church. Interment to follow at 1 p.m. at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Richmond, VA. Family will receive friends following the graveside service at Comboni Sisters, 1307 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews. Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home in Saluda, VA, is handling the arrangements. This information can also be found at their website www.bristow-faulkner.com. The family asks, per Mr. Cecchini’s request, that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of choice.