Golden Glove fighter, Vietnam veteran and entrepreneur who cherished his family
NORTH READING — Paul F. Ashman, 77, of North Reading, formerly of Melrose and South Boston, and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away peacefully at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford on July 6, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
Paul was born in South Boston on November 8, 1946 to Edward J. and Anna M. (Fama) Ashman. He was a 1964 graduate of South Boston High School. Paul then went on to trade school where he completed his certification as a Sheet Metal Fabricator. He was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Union Local 17. Paul also studied at Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Growing up in Southie, Paul was very active in the community. As a teenager Paul developed a passion for boxing and he could be found many days and nights in the boxing rings of South Boston. Paul quickly rose from an amateur fighter to becoming a Golden Glove in the Welter Weight division.
In January 1966 at the age of 19, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Paul served during the Vietnam War until being honorably discharged in April 1969. He valued his service immensely and in his later years he could be found at his local VFW connecting with other local veterans.
Paul was truly an entrepreneur. He owned and operated many businesses during his life. Most recently he was the owner and operator of ERCS, LLC, a Carpet Recycling Company located in North Reading. He was a proud founding board member of the Carpet America Recovery Effort also known as C.A.R.E.
Paul was an avid golfer and member of the Hillview Country Club, where, after his retirement, he worked part time.
Family was everything to Paul. The home he shared with Pat was always “the place to go” for large holiday get-togethers, birthday parties and BBQs. Everyone was invited and everyone always showed up! Paul was the best storyteller. He could unwillingly command a room with his quick wit, incredible sense of humor and his lighthearted sarcasm.
Above all, Paul’s greatest loves were his wife, his daughters and grandchildren.
And though Paul had many roles, being a Papa was his most cherished.
Paul was the devoted husband of Patricia (Cahill) Ashman, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. He was the loving and adored father of Sharon Rodgers and her husband Scott of Haverhill, Donna Scola and her husband Larry of Gardner and Susan Lopez and her partner, Lucas Hayes of Dunstable. He is the adored and most cherished Papa to Julia Rodgers and Olivia Rodgers of Haverhill, Alyson (Scola) Koerts Meijer and her husband Kaleb of Gardner, Gianna Scola and Jason Scola of Gardner, Mark Saitta, Paul Lopez, Ricky Lopez and Michael Lopez all of Dunstable and the great-grandfather of Grayson Koerts Meijer of Gardner.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, Edward J. and Anna M. (Fama) Ashman as well as his brother, Edward J. Ashman and sister, Karen A. (Ashman) Fantozzi.
Paul is survived by his loving sister, Annmarie (Ashman) Jarzembowski and her husband Stanley, of Ossipee, N.H., and his brother Richard Ashman of Westford. He also leaves behind many adored nieces, nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews.
Paul’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and CNAs at the Bedford VA for the exemplary care and kindness that they have shown during Paul’s time with them.
At press time not all services have been finalized so please go to www.cotafuneralhomes.com for detailed service information.
