Paul Eugene Lareau, 81 passed away on Monday December 11, 2017 at his home in Essex. He was born in Burlington on June 21, 1936 son of the late Delphis and Eva (Caisse) Lareau. Paul was a Burlington high School graduate, attending Burlington Trade School. He worked for several garages in the area as a car mechanic. He became owner operator of Kennedy Drive Shell in 1967; which later became Kennedy Drive Mobil located in So. Burlington, Vt. He was here for almost 37 years repairing vehicles and selling gas. He was selling 2 million gallons of gas a year. In his younger years he owned a Harley Davidson and raced in Laconia, NH for a local motorcycle dealer. He was an avid golfer. Played in a league for several years and was very proud of his hole in one. At age 18 he joined Vermont Air National Guard. Was a Guard for 16 years. While there worked on fire trucks and the snow plows that keep the runways clean. He left the Guard to become a business owner. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Rowena (Jones) Lareau of Essex, two sons David Lareau and wife Rachel of Alabama, Dan Lareau and Aja Tracy of Essex, two daughters Lisa Russin and husband Wayne of Underhill, Linda Lareau and Don Christian of Mass, two brothers Raymond Lareau of Burlington, Bernard Lareau and wife Rosalie of Maine, seven grandchildren, Larissa Russin and Wyatt Traverse of Huntington, Nicole Burritt of Mass, Nicholas Lareau of Alabama, Ashley Burritt of Mass, Christopher Lareau of Alabama, Cyrus “Davis” and Kaliska Shaff both of Alabama, two brothers-in-law Lewis Jones of Eden, Floyd Jones of Derby, his sister-in-law Donna Meserve and husband Donald of Berlin, several nieces, nephews and his faithful companion Maxie. Paul was also predeceased by his brothers Robert and James, his sister Gloria Marshia and an infant sister. Visiting hours will be held on Friday December 15, 2017 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday December 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X in Essex Center with Reverend Charles Ranges S.S.E. officiating. Inurnment will be in the spring at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. The family also invites you to share your memories by and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.