Santo Paul Mascena Jr.

Santo Paul Mascena II, 65, passed away at his home in Bristol on Wednesday November 25, 2020.

Paul was the son of the late Evelyn (Bigos) and Santo P. “Sam” Mascena.

Paul grew up in Bristol, RI around lots of family and friends. He and his cousin were known to ride in the back of a bread truck to one end of town just to enjoy a walk back home. In school, Paul could be identified by his sharp attire, receiving the “Best Dressed” superlative from his classmates. This came as a surprise to those who met him later in his life, as he developed a more unique style as the years went on. 
Paul earned his degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. He worked in this field for over 35 years, primarily as the chef and owner of Sam’s Restaurant & Pizzeria in Bristol between 1981 and 2011. He was known for lending a helping hand whenever possible, whether it be giving someone in need a meal on the house, a job, or even a place to stay. 

In addition to cooking, Paul loved spending time with family. April through October he could be found at the Mt. Hope Bay digging for clams and quahogs or swimming his very own “smoke stroke.” He also enjoyed going for bike rides, listening to a wide variety of music, reading and playing cards with friends. Paul also may have never missed a Bristol 4th of July parade, to the best of his close family and friends’ knowledge. 

Paul is survived by his daughters Rachel and Angela Mascena, his brother Jeffrey Mascena, his stepsisters Karen Corvese Smith and Leslie Corvese, and many other relatives and friends.

In death, Paul is reunited with his parents, his sister Marilyn Carreiro and his stepmother Marjorie Mascena.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, service and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to the East Bay Food Pantry and Save The Bay.

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