Shrewsbury – Paul J. Tivnan, 91, longtime Shrewsbury resident, died Sunday, April 10, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in 1924, son of the late Patrick and Bridget (Harvey) Tivnan. He graduated from St John’s High School in 1942, and served in the Navy in the South Pacific Theatre from Christmas Eve 1942 to 1946. He continued his education and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Education from Boston University.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Dorothy E. (Hall) Tivnan; six children, Patricia Tivnan Testarmata (John) of Longmont, Colo., Elizabeth Tivnan of Yarmouthport, Susan M. Boutot (Paul) of Sutton, Paul A. Tivnan (Patrice) of Marlborough, Stephen Tivnan and Christina Tivnan of Shrewsbury; six grandchildren, Amy Becker Seed of Lodi, Calif., Audra E. Becker of North Grafton, Maegan Boutot of Amherst, Katie. Boutot of Tonawanda, N.Y., Brian Coache of Marlborough, and Andrew Coache of Worcester; three great -randchildren, Olivia and Andrew Seed and Bridgette Becker; a brother, James Tivnan of Shrewsbury; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Francis, William, and Raymond Tivnan.
A physical education teacher, he taught for the city of Worcester Public Schools for 36 years. He retired in 1989. He was a longtime Doherty High School ice hockey coach and a North High School assistant football coach. He was active as a high school basketball referee, baseball umpire, and a soccer referee in Central Massachusetts.
He enjoyed spending summers on Cape Cod and was an avid fisherman. His name struck fear into the hearts of quahogs up and down the eastern seaboard.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mr. Tivnan’s family Wednesday, April 13, from 4-7 p.m., in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. His funeral will be held Thursday, April 14, from the funeral home with a funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will be in Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury.
