Paul A. Spoor
Williston, VT ? Paul A. Spoor, 84, of Tyler Way in Williston, Vt., died peacefully at home on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, with his loving family by his side.
Paul was born in Ellenburg Depot, N.Y., the son of the late Byron and Mary (Willette) Spoor. He was the youngest of 15 children, three of whom shared the same birthday, Matilda, the first born on March 24, 1890, Harvey, the 13th born on March 24, 1912 and Paul, the 15th born on March 24, 1919.
In 1940, Paul was drafted and served in the U.S. Army until 1945. He was part of the invasion in France landing in Normandy. He was a survivor of seven major battles. In 1949, he was called to duty in the Korean Conflict and served his time at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester, Vt.
In 1950, he married Loretta Trombley of Winooski, Vt., and became the father to her daughter Pauline.
In March 1952, prior to being discharged from the service, he was offered a position at General Electric in Burlington, Vt., as a weapons specialist for his past experience with weapons from World War II. His first assignment was at G.E. Research in Schenectady, N.Y., in preparation for the transfer of the six barrel electric fire gatling type weapon in which he had a U.S. Army contract for six prototype. These were a success and led to many systems known as the Vulcan, in many calibers. He held five U.S. patents and received many outstanding awards. He enjoyed his positions at G.E. very rauch and retired in 1982 after 30 years of employment.
Paul was predeceased by his wife, Loretta in 1992; his daughter, Pauline in 1997; and by his grandson, Michael in 1999.
He is survived by his granddaughter, Lori Hanley; grandson, Scott MacDonald; two great-grandsons, Jacob and Michael MacDonald; son-in-law, Richard MacDonald; brother, Harvey Spoor; sister, Beulah Covey; and many nieces and nephews.
Grave side services with full military honors will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery in Colchester, Vt. There will be no visiting hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Champlain ValIey, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, Vt. 05446.
Arrangements are by the LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main Street, Winooski, Vt.