After a lengthy time at home receiving in-home hospice care visits, Paul Kuchinski was admitted to the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield where he peacefully succumbed to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Paul was born October 5, 1950 in Glens Falls, NY to Paul and Thelma (Gundersen) Kuchinski.  His sister, Catherine came in 1953 and this family moved to Hanson MA where Paul graduated from Whitman Hanson Regional High School in 1969. Paul worked in the warehouse distribution field and was well respected for jobs well done.

Paul is predeceased by his parents, and his son, Eric Michael.   Paul is survived by his sister, Catherine K McCormick of Clayton, NC, his daughter, Jennifer Kuchinski of Plympton, MA and his best friend, Alan 'AL' Makowski of Farmington, NH and several cousins.

A head-on car crash in the 1980s caused serious injuries from which he struggled hard physically and mentally to recover.  This stubbornness led Paul to enter the field of substance abuse counseling in MA and when he moved here to Johnston County in 2005 he continued his passion for reaching out to those who wanted recovery.

Here in Johnston County, many people knew Paul as 'Yankee Paul' who imparted his wisdom and many sayings about AA at various regular local meetings.  Paul is grateful he had 43 plus years of Sobriety.  He was constantly a role model to and for others who have also walked and to those who continue to walk with Bill.

Paul is most appreciative of the many nurses and CNAs who assisted him at home and finally, at the Hospice House.  He always thanked his Sister and their friend, Sarah T.  for the months of wonderful care at home.

Parrish Funeral Home of Selma, NC is providing the cremation arrangements for his final journey home to St James Cemetery in Whitman, MA.  Although no formal services will be held in NC, there are plans underway for remembrance services at a few local AA meetings and a graveside burial service in MA will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice.