Obituary of Paul H. Kanniainen

Paul Kanniainen, 68, beloved husband of Colleen of Clinton, passed away peacefully at the Masonic Care Community on Sunday, November 23, 2008. Paul was born April 27, 1940 the son of Henry and Catherine (Smith) Kanniainen in Charleston, WV. He graduated from Winfield High School in Winfield WV. He attended the University of West Virginia and graduated from Central Tech Institute in Kansas City, MO with an Associates Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. On October 27, 1984 Paul married Colleen Madden at the Sacred Heart Church, Utica. Paul was employed as an Electronic Technician for 34 years at General Electric/ Lockhead Martin until his retirement in 1996. While he was employed at General Electric/Lockhead Martin he served for many years as a Union Steward for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers. Paul also received an honorable discharge from the US Army, stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA, where he served as an instructor in Electronic Device Repair from 1963-1965. Paul was an avid bicyclist who in the past made long distance trips to Vermont, Washington, DC and Philadelphia. He rode locally in good weather at least 20-30 miles per day until his unfortunate bicycle accident in June 2001. Paul also enjoyed many hours communicating with his ham radio friends and was a member of the Utica Amateur Radio Club, the CW FISTS CLUB, and a life member of the American Radio Relay League. He loved music and taught himself to play the guitar at age 50. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Clinton where he was a past member of the choir. Survivors include his beloved wife, Colleen (Madden) Kanniainen whom he shared a blessed union of 24 years; brother, David Kanniainen of Teays, WV; a special cousin, John Kanniainen of St. Paul, MN: a sister-in-law, Marie Chandler of Charleston, SC;. He is also survived by his brother-in law and sister-in-law, Michael and Sue Madden of Skaneateles; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Maureen and Richard Spada of Accord and a sister-in-law Eileen Madden of Rhinebeck, NY and brother-in-law, Jonathan Berger of Rhinebeck; and his nieces and nephews, Kathye Miller, SD, Joey Kanniainen, SC, Brandon, Kaleyn, Kelsey, Jaclyn and Sean Madden of Skaneateles and Joanna, Louis and Max Berger of Rhinebeck. Paul shared many wonderful moments and holidays with the Madden and Berger children who blessed his life with the joy and the innocence of childhood. He was also proud to be the Godfather of Jaclyn Madden. Paul is also survived by two loving canine companions Angie and Rosie who miss him dearly. Paul is predeceased by his father and mother, Henry and Catherine (Smith) Kanniainen; a special brother, Ray Kanniainen; his cousin, Charlene Kanniainen; his special aunt, Edna Kanniainen; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Joan (Reilly) Madden; and a special grandmother-in-law, Theresa Madden. Funeral services will be held 9:30A.M Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at Owens-Pavlot Funeral Svce, Inc, 35 College St., Clinton and 10:00A.M. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends are invited to call Tuesday from 4-7P.M. Donations may be made to St. Mary's Church Memorial Fund, 13 Marvin St., Clinton, NY 13323. Special thanks to Dr. Wilcox and his staff at the Masonic Home who treated Paul with their expertise, compassion, kindness and respect. Most importantly they treated Paul with the true dignity that he deserved. Paul - these last years have been very lonely without you here at home. You were my source of love, support, strength and truly my best friend. You were a true gentleman who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. I wouldn't be the person that I am today without you - you were the "Wind Beneath my Wings". It is now your turn to rest and be at peace in God's loving care in the Arms of the Angels.