Paul Joseph Verrochi, 87, died Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Needham. A lifelong machinist and hot-rod builder from East Walpole, he spent decades shaping both engines and family life, and was remembered through plans for vi
On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Paul Joseph Verrochi died at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Needham, Massachusetts. He was 87.
Born on December 7, 1938, at his family’s home in East Walpole, Paul grew up there and graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1958. After graduation, he took a position with Hill Machine Shop on School Street in Walpole, learning the machinist’s trade alongside his brothers.
In time. Paul and his brothers—Tom and Ed—formed their own machine shop called TEPCO on Route 1A at the Norfolk/Wrentham line. Later. in 1973. the trio purchased Gilmore’s Inc on Route 27 in Walpole. where Paul oversaw the day-to-day operations with his family. He married his wife. Pamela Jean Scott. on February 11. 1984. and they made their home on Moosehill Road in East Walpole. just steps away from where he was born.
Paul kept working steadily through the years, continuing with Gilmore’s until 1991, when he sold his share of the business and returned to his trade as a machinist. He then took a job with US Wind Power in Stoughton, working for another ten years until his retirement in 2001.
At home, his attention to detail never seemed to switch off. His yard was meticulously maintained. with a lawn “perfectly manicured” and weeds that “didn’t stand a chance.” He also enjoyed tinkering with machines. especially small engines. taking a class in small engine repair and often tackling the challenge of a motor that wouldn’t run.
But the hobby that truly lit him up was hot rods. Paul built a 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe from the frame up. powering it with a 327 ci Corvette Engine. which was featured in Hot Rod Magazine. He and Pam also traveled across the country. trailering back to Massachusetts the 1919 Model A Woody Wagon that had belonged to her dad. Those trips weren’t just about driving—they were about the network he formed and the car meets he looked forward to. where he could share what he’d built and meet lifelong friends.
Even with all the time spent in his career and garage, Paul also made room for the quieter joys. Checking out menus at his favorite restaurants with his wife and children was always a favorite. He and Pam enjoyed country western music to dance to. and they traveled together—visiting Stonehenge. Niagara Falls. the Grand Canyon. Canada. and Mexico. Back in New England. Paul could be found hunting for a good deal on an antique piece to add to his collection.
Paul is survived as the beloved husband of Pamela Jean (Scott) Verrochi. He was the loving father of Paul J. Verrochi, Jr. and his wife, Julie, of Millis, and Evelyn M. Bristol and her husband, Andrew, of Ludlow. He was the stepfather of Lisa K. Courtemanche and her late husband, Keith, of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, and the late Daniel E. Walsh.
He was cherished grandfather of Chloe Lynn Verrochi, and step grandfather to 5 and step great grandfather to 9. Paul was the brother of the late Thomas Verrochi, Edward Verrochi, Albert Verrochi, and Arthur Verrochi, and he is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Paul’s visitation on Monday. June 15th. 2026. from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will follow at 12:30 pm, and interment will take place at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, by mailing a check to 3 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or by visiting Cancer Society/
Paul Joseph Verrochi obituary Delaney Funeral Home Walpole Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Needham East Walpole machinist TEPCO Gilmore's Inc hot rods 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe Hot Rod Magazine
Dude sounds like he really loved cars.
So wait, he built hot rods and also worked on wind power? I’m confused how that ties together but respect either way. Sounds like one of those local legends you never hear about until it’s too late.
My cousin’s ex used to say “machinists are always into engines” and I guess this proves it. Also the fact he kept the yard like that… like yeah okay do we all just need to have a perfectly manicured lawn now? R.I.P. though.
Beth Israel Deaconess in Needham is where my uncle went, so this hit me. But why does it say he “spent decades shaping both engines and family life” like… was he literally shaping the family? Also hot rods are cool but weren’t those usually like race cars? Idk, just seems like a weird way to describe a death notice.