Paul John Fopiano of Andover, NH died on March 29, 2012 after a short battle with leukemia.

He was born in Cambridge, MA and lived in Andover, NH from age 3 to 9 before returning to Cambridge. Having kept the family home in Andover he and his wife were able to retire there.

From an education at MIT he worked as a research scientist in metallurgy and later as a failure analyst for the Army out of the AMMRC facility in Watertown, MA.

Not one to rest, in retirement he was very active in the Andover community. He performed many roles at the Andover Beacon and its predecessor the Andover Star. He was also very active in the Kearsarge Masons and has served as treasurer for the Lodge. He enjoyed exercise such as skiing, dancing, playing tennis and walking. With his wife Ruth he took numerous trips to Stockholm, Sweden where they originally met. He was very interested in politics both locally and on the national level which he expressed through animated conversation and editorials in the Beacon.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth Irmela (Rosen) Fopiano, their children Christina Welty, Margareta Buczala and Peter Fopiano, and three grandchildren. He is predeceased by his siblings, Gerardo Fopiano, Gloria Savage and Alberta (Sister) Fraumeni.

Donations may be made to the Parkinson's Center at Darmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in lieu of flowers. Please contact Diane L. Church at (603) 653-6672 or email Diane.L.Church@hitchcock.org. Mailing address Parkinson's Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756

Calling hours will be held at the Kearsarge Masonic Lodge, 38 Cilleyville Road, Andover NH on Saturday April 7th at 10 AM, with funeral services starting at 11:15.