It is with sorrow, yet much love and gratitude that we share the passing of a treasure of a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Born in 1929 in Stamford, CT, to Italian immigrants, Paul was the 4th child in a loving family of 5 siblings.

Paul was the son of Carlo and Caterina Gerardi DeBartolomeo of Glenbrook. He graduated from Stamford High School and volunteered for the draft in the United States Army, in 1951, during the Korean War, and served in Sagamihara, Japan.

In 1958, Paul married Jean, the love of his life. Together they raised their family in a home filled with love, laughter and happiness.

The consummate family man, Paul put his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren above all. The love for his nine grandchildren was immeasurable, never missing an event, big or small, and showering them with much love and support. The annual family vacation on Cape Cod provided a lifetime of memories that will be cherish forever.

A devout Catholic, Paul attended Mass daily and set time aside each morning and evening to say prayers for his family and friends and those who were ill, in need of support or spiritual guidance. His faith brought him much strength, joy and peace.

His innate compassion for humankind and sense of fairness touched all who knew him. As a dad he had an incredible ability to nurture any spark of interest in his children. As a grandfather, and great grandfather his love was unconditional.

Paul, a tool and die specialist by trade, retired from Pitney Bowes after 32 years. While he lacked formal training as an engineer, he was frequently sought out for his design suggestions and ability to solve manufacturing problems. Paul enjoyed a long career of solving intricate problems, mentoring apprentices, and building lifelong friendships.

In retirement, Paul and Jean continued their love of travel with yearly vacations to Cape Cod and trips throughout the United States and Europe, as a couple and with friends. They also enjoyed the theater, locally, and in New York. Dad enjoyed his three weekly golf games, tending to his yard, woodworking, and watching his favorite teams. He was a die hard Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Mets, Giants and Rangers fan.

Paul is survived by his children Paula Napoletano and her husband Bill, Kevin DeBartolomeo and his wife Stephanie, Maureen McLaughlin and her husband Barry, and Paul J. DeBartolomeo and his wife Kim. A loving and generous man, Pop was proud of his nine grandchildren, Catherine (Harry), Elizabeth (Brian), Michele (Craig), Gabrielle, Christina, Michael, Daniel, Nicole and Anthony. He was also a great grandfather to Marley, Naomi, James, Nora, Zoey and Zuri.

He is reunited with his wife, Jean, who passed away in 2014, and his son, Michael. In addition, Paul was predeceased by his sisters Frances Arecco, Mamie Cappiello, Roe Costello, and his brother, Carl DeBartholomew.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of Saint John, 1986 Post Road, Darien, CT. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, Darien, CT. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Paul’s memory to Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation, 9 Bear Den Road, Trumbull CT 066611 and Stamford Veterans Park Partnership, Inc., 22 First Street, Stamford CT 06905, vprstamford.org. The Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home is honored to assist the DeBartolomeo family with the arrangements. To send on-line condolences to the family, please visit gallagherfuneralhome.com.