Paul A. Patneaude

Paul A. Patneaude, 84, of Taunton died peacefully in his home on Tuesday January 20, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Karen (Donohue) Patneaude.

     Born in Taunton, he was the son of the late Edward and Antoinette (LaFleur) Patneaude. He remained a lifelong resident of Taunton. Paul was a 1959 graduate of Taunton High where he was co-captain of the track team. In his younger years he married Patricia Kelly (now Pagnini) and together they had three children, Pamela, Michael and Kristen.

     Paul began his career with the Massachusetts Department of Public Works (now MassDOT) at the age of 21 and went on to obtain his undergraduate degree from Lowell Tech and then his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He continued his career at MassDOT for over 41 years, where he held various engineering positions including Deputy Chief Engineer and Manager of Engineering/Expediting in the Boston office.

     In the mid 70’s Paul and his good friend Roger Hill created a startup engineering and land surveying business Earth Services Corporation (ESC). He and his wife Karen, his son Michael and daughter Kristen continued to grow the business into a well-respected firm in Taunton and surrounding towns.

     For many years, Paul and Karen enjoyed travelling, golfing, summering at their home on John’s Pond in Mashpee and wintering in Florida. Paul especially loved spending time with his family and was a proud grandfather (Pepere) to his three grandchildren Jack, Lily and Zoe. His devoted canine companion Mia was always by his side.

      In addition to his wife of over 25 years, he is survived by his son Michael Patneaude and his wife Sharon of Taunton, and his two daughters Pamela Patneaude and her husband Timothy Rakarich of Quincy, and Kristen Patneaude and her wife Stephanie Moura of Dorchester. He was the loving grandfather to Jack Patneaude, Lily Patneaude, and Zoe Rakarich. Paul was also the brother of Lucille “Pat” Pepin and her late husband Rene of Woonsocket, RI, Robert Patneaude and his wife Laura of Taunton, and Lillian Tetreault and her late husband Jeffry of Taunton. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

     Visitation will be from 5-7pm at O’Keefe Wade Funeral Home on Friday January 30, 2026, 70 Washington Street Taunton and a Funeral from the funeral home at 9:30 am on Saturday, followed by a mass at Mass will at St. Jude’s the Apostle Church, 249 Whittenton Street, Taunton at 11 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Compassionate Care Hospice c/o Amedisys Foundation 3854 American Way, Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70816 or online at amedisys.com/donate, or to the charity of one’s choice.

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