Paul S. Vadnais, 79, died on Easter, after spending four days with his beloved granddaughters, son and daughter-in-law. “Grampy,” as he was known over the past 17 years, split his time between his condo in Agawam, MA, and his son and daughter-in-law’s home in New Canaan, CT.

While his death was sudden, his last day was exactly what he wanted. He went to Easter Mass in New Canaan with his oldest granddaughter. He had many helpings at Easter Brunch at his family’s country club, including a caramel latte that he said was better than Dunkin Donuts. He then drove home, where he died peacefully.

Grampy was born in Springfield, MA, on December 26, 1946, to Helen and Roger Vadnais. He was the middle child. His younger sister, Nancy Vadnais, predeceased him in 1998. His older sister, Carol McMinn, survives him in Wilbraham, MA. His marriage ended in divorce in 1983, and he never remarried.

His formative years were in Wilbraham. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1964. Initially, he worked in his father’s construction business. Later he went into sales. Some of his best memories were of being a vendor at the Big E. He enjoyed the camaraderie. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. And for the past 36 years, he was a member of Fitness First in Feeding Hills.

Grampy’s best and happiest memories were with his granddaughters; Virginia, Phoebe and Astrid Sullivan. He spent half of every week with them, driving them around, making them breakfast, and being coerced into taking them for sugary treats. He was as great a grandfather as anyone could imagine. He was also a tremendous help to his son Paul Sullivan and daughter-in-law Laura Pollock. He will also be missed by his friend Genevieve Hall.

In addition to his sister and son’s family, he leaves his nephews; Chuck McMinn (Kimberly) of Charlotte, NC and Roger McMinn (Kate) of Monson, MA. His niece, Nan Hee McMinn, predeceased him last year.

A Mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Cecilia’s Church, 42 Main St. in Wilbraham on Saturday, April 18, at 11am. A reception will follow in the Athenaeum at Wilbraham & Monson Academy. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made in his granddaughter Virginia’s name to New Canaan Mounted Troop, Attn: Development Office, 22 Carter Street, New Canaan, Conn., 06840. He shared a love of horses with her.