Kevin John Paiva

Kevin John Paiva, 63 of Taunton passed away on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, after three years of struggling with end stage renal failure. He was surrounded by love from his nearest and dearest.

Born in Taunton, Massachusetts on September 26th, 1960 to Pauline I. Forget (Charbonneau), of Taunton, and the late Bent Paiva, of Bridgewater. Kevin is survived by his daughter, Jenny Lee Paiva, of Wareham, his late son, Michael John Paiva, his grandson, Scott Steven Bianchi Jr. as well as his granddaughter, Vivianna Italia Paiva. He is the brother of his loving sister Susan Mastria, uncle to her three sons, Kevin’s nephews, as well as several of their children. He leaves behind so many beloved friends as well.

Kevin spent most of his life working and wandering the world as a salesman, and oftentimes gliding by the whims of fate, but he always landed on his feet, and eventually became a top Sales Manager for BJ's Wholesale Club, he was so proud of that successful time in his life. If you knew Kevin, you’d know he could most likely sell you anything he tried; it was something he always had a natural charisma and talent for, he sold everything from wholesale memberships, cars, to vacation timeshares and beyond. When he became ill in 2017, he moved in with his beloved mother, Pauline (age 86) where he remained until his passing. They enjoyed quiet nights at home together, watching movies, listening to music, both sneaking snacks, and sharing many laughs as Kevin entertained them by singing and playing the keyboard his sister Susan gave him as a comfort tool.

He loved Christmas decorating, and mom Pauline made sure there was always a little bit of sparkle year round, keeping his favorite little lights adorning his cozy bedroom, as any loving mother would. She surely cared for her son beyond words; Kevin was the apple of her eye. Before he passed, he wanted her to know the magnitude of his love for her, and his enormous gratitude for her loving kindness and tender care while he suffered in sickness...may that offer her the comfort and peace she so deserves.

Kevin loved playing golf, watching sports on his 84 inch TV, relaxing in his recliner, (and maybe a little sports gambling here and there, too). He loved rainy nights, long naps, and playing cards/games online. He loved music, especially the songs his mother loved, you could hear him pulling in the driveway blasting them from a mile away. Kevin was also well known for his sense of humor, hardly ever letting a moment for a good joke or silly story pass by, he often made light of situations and brought a smile in times of sadness or quarrel. He loved to impersonate Rodney Dangerfield- if you ever saw him, you’d certainly see the similarities!

His only son Michael John Paiva passed away tragically in 2019, and Kevin would never admit until his final days, he wished for a do-over, and now they will meet again and both find the peace and reconciliation deserved and desired.

His only daughter Jenny Lee, longed for a closer relationship with her father, and despite the loss of her brother Michael, followed by three years of estrangement, when Kevin found solace in scripture, he told everyone around him that he wished to see her again. When Jenny Lee went to visit him at the hospital, instant peace and reconciliation was made between them. Kevin wept at his daughter’s presence and told her that was what he “had prayed for the most before dying”. He thanked her repeatedly and apologized profusely, which was met with forgiveness, grace, understanding, kindness, and compassion. She sat by his hospital bed with his sister Susan, mother Pauline, best childhood friends, David & Lois, and ex wife and mother of his children, Louise Cornell (Machie), until his last breath.

~ A word from Jenny Lee:

Dad, I thank you for the last few conversations that we shared. I waited all my life to hear those words from you. I now know in my heart how much you loved me, and how hard it was for you to show emotions. I have and will continue to honor your wishes, respect your last requests, and forever cherish your memory. Thank you for my sense of humor. Thank you for my innate strength and ability to survive any situation, especially solo, despite the surrounding circumstances. Thank you for that smart marketing mindset, (not even four years of college could teach!). Your swagger, charm, and charisma is truly a gift you’ve passed on to me. Most of all, thank you for helping me see, at age 42, that I was always enough. You loved me. I deserved that love. I’m glad you know that I never stopped loving you, either. Thank you for trusting me with your final wishes. Thank you for showing me that family is who you choose, not always blood. I hope you’re running around with beautiful women, playing golf, and reunited with Michael up there through those pearly gates.

I’d like share these lyrics to the song “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum, that my father managed to sing, just two nights before he passed:

“When I die and they lay me to rest

Gonna go to the place that's the best

When I lay me down to die

Goin' up to the spirit in the sky

Goin' up to the spirit in the sky (spirit in the sky)

That's where I'm gonna go when I die (when I die)

When I die and they lay me to rest

I'm gonna go to the place that's the best

Prepare yourself you know it's a must

Gotta have a friend in Jesus

So you know that when you die

He's gonna recommend you

To the spirit in the sky (spirit in the sky)

Oh he'll recommend you to the spirit in the sky

That's where you're gonna go when you die (when you die)

When you die and they lay you to rest

You're gonna go to the place that's the best

Never been a sinner, I never sinned

I got a friend in Jesus

So you know that when I die

He's gonna set me up

with the spirit in the sky

Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky (spirit in the sky)

That's where I'm gonna go when I die (when I die)

When I die and they lay me to rest

I'm gonna go to the place that's the best

Go to the place that's the best”

Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday November 17, 2023 at Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay St. Taunton, MA from 5:00-7:00pm. All family and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, all donations can be made directly to the Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, using the donation button at the top of this obituary or visit https://www.r-mfh.com/payments

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