Paul A Vlach, 68, of Shutesbury passed away on November 1, 2022. Beloved husband of Mari Vlach (Kellogg). Loving father of Christine Lemoine and her husband Sean Lemoine of North Adams, MA. He is survived by his siblings, Jan Denomy, Louise Alvado, Ken Vlach (Deonna), and Deb Comeau (Edward). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Paul was born and raised in Amherst, MA, as one of five children of the late Francis Vlach and Georgette Vlach (Asselin). He is a graduate of Amherst Regional High School and the Massachusetts MPTC Academy in Agawam. He served as a crossing guard for the Town of Amherst, and was one of the first Community Service Officers for the town. After attending the police academy, he was sworn as an officer for the Umass Police Department in 1976. Paul served as an officer until 1995, including time with the bike patrol and mounted units program, following his promotion to Sergeant and later Accreditation Manager until his retirement in 2010, after 34 years of service. In his time with the department, he served many roles, including running bike safety rodeos and other community related programs in the family housing complexes, and leading several event and program initiatives.

Paul was an avid lover of the outdoors, especially biking and canoeing, animals, photography, billiards, and later working with his tractor “Elbow Grease”. He was a dedicated member of his community, serving as a selectman and dog officer for the town of Shutesbury, and later serving on multiple town committees in varying roles.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Dakin Humane Society in Springfield. Calling hours will be held Thursday November 10, 4pm-6pm at Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com