Paul O. Hadsel, Jr. (better known as Chip or Dad to those close to him) passed away at the age of 73 after a long, courageous battle with multiple myeloma and lung cancer on April 22nd, 2021. He is survived by his pride and joy, his daughter Leeanne Hadsel and his loving sister Pam Barber and her partner Chuck Kinney, all of Greenfield. He is also lovingly survived by Leeanne’s siblings Kristina and Kevin Hadsel of Northfield to whom he was an extraordinary dad, and Leeanne’s mother Fran Hadsel. Many friends have shown exceptional love and care through this last journey of life: Charissa Mason-Emond, Hailee Lemke, Bonnie Dwyer, Vanessa Adams, Avis Jenkins, Arthur, Voulie, and Peter Vlahakis, and Larry and Andy Kilroy. The family is so grateful for the many friends not listed here who have shown incredible expressions of love and support to Paul and the family. Chip was predeceased by his loving parents (Paul and Jackie Hadsel), grandparents (Lee and Gladys Dresser and Wesley and Barbara Hadsel), a baby sister Patty Lou, and many aunts and uncles.
Chip graduated from Pioneer Valley High School in 1965, and graduated proudly from Northeastern University in 1970 as a civil engineer. Enrolled in ROTC in college, Chip served 20 years in the Army National Guard. He spent his career as the Chief City Engineer and Director of Public Works for the cities of Medford, Northampton, and Athol, MA. One of his proudest moments was achieving his professional engineering license (PE) on his first try. After retiring from Athol, Chip continued his career by consulting privately for many local firms.
A lifelong resident of Warwick, Chip loved to be on his 83 acre farm. He enjoyed cutting wood, being around his animals (notably his dogs Prince and Tommy), his classic cars and farm equipment, and tending to his gardens, fruit trees, and property. He loved being home with his family, always loved Warwick, and took such pride in building his garage by hand.
The greatest pride and joy of his life was his daughter, Leeanne. Leeanne and Paul had the most special bond, which could be felt by all who knew them. He was so proud of Leeanne’s work as a teacher, and supported her through obtaining her Masters and pursuing her Doctorate. Lovingly known as “Dad” to all of Leeanne’s friends, he had the most welcoming and warm heart that touched the lives of so many. Leeanne feels so grateful to have had the very best dad to share with all who came to know him.
Chip was quite the card shark; he loved the casino, gambling, playing cribbage with friends, and beating everyone at dominoes. His sister Pam, Chuck, and family friend Avis have enjoyed this defeat at the dinner table every Tuesday for the past 10 years. If Chip had one love in his life, it was his family!
Calling hours and a short celebration service will be held at Kostanski Funeral Home Saturday May 1st, from 9:30-11:30 AM, with a short service beginning at 11:30 AM. Face coverings and social distancing are required. Family and friends are welcome to gather after the services at the Moose Club on School Street in Greenfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care; The Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, MA; or to the Tufts Medical Center Cancer Research Program.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com
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