Maurice Paden

On Thursday, March 30, 2023 Maurice “Mossy” Paden of Oxford, after a journey of 94 years, left this earth to be with his wife Lola (Law) Paden whom he married on March 31, 1945.

Maurice was born on May 21, 1928 in Binghamton, NY, the son of the late Harold and Tessie (Miner) Paden.

Maurice is survived by his children Thomas and Maria Paden of Aiea, HI, Ronald and Ellen Paden of Cincinnatus, NY, and Maurine and Donald Hoyt of Romulus, NY. In addition, his sister-in-law Barbara Lawton, daughters-in-law Jean  Paden of Oxford, NY and Sue Paden of Loudonville, NY; many grandchildren, over a dozen great-grandchildren, and  nieces, nephews and cousins survive him. He was predeceased by his sons David Paden and Kenneth Paden, his brothers Harold “Speed” Paden and James R. Paden, his sisters Ruth Potter and Louise Goodness, and many, many friends and relatives.

Mossy moved to Oxford as a youth where he attended Oxford Academy Central School. As a young adult, he excelled at athletics which became the basis of his proficient skills in golfing, bowling, baseball, basketball and football. He often was a caddy at the Blue Stone Golf Course, set pins at the Oxford Bowling Alley and worked at the Oxford Theatre.  

Mossy worked hard and held numerous jobs throughout his life. He began his employment at Pepsi Cola, then went on to work at Norwich Pharmaceutical. His career path changed to working at the Oxford A&P grocery store, then to the Grand Union grocery store, where he subsequently became the manager and eventually was promoted to the regional produce manager. Ultimately the traveling convinced him to take a job as a milkman for Hotchkin Dairy, while at night he clerked at Miners Grocery store in Norwich. He and a partner also started a small ice cream business making and delivering ice cream to people in the countryside. His best and final job came when he was hired at the NYS Veterans Home to work in their Maintenance Department where he expanded his skills and enjoyment of carpentry.

He ran and was elected to be the Oxford Town Assessor and served on The Board of Grievance. Throughout the years he was a member of the Rotary Club, Oxford Fire Department, a Congregational Church Trustee and on the Board of Directors of his beloved Lake Ludlow Club.

Mossy was a hobby farmer out of necessity to support his family of five children. He raised pigs, cows and chickens. He became an avid gardener and sold what was arguably the best sweet corn in town. His experience as a hunter, fisherman and trapper were all outdoor skills one could learn from and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of these activities with his children and grandchildren.

He loved spending time at Lake Ludlow where he found pleasure in boating, fishing, picnicking and celebrating many occasions with his family. He very much liked playing all kinds of card games which he excelled at. He also enjoyed watching Yankee baseball games and golf tournaments. His travels took him to Hawaii, California, Oregon, Maine, Maryland, Florida, Tijuana, Mexico, Las Vegas, NV, Branson, MO, Nashville, TN, and Hilton Head, SC with various family members through the years. What a great life for the not very rich nor famous. 

Mossy devoted many years to caring for his wife, Lola. He was a great father and loving grandfather who was extremely proud of all his children and their children. He was their “Sunshine.”  One grandchild told him he was one of a kind and they don't make men like him anymore.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Tammy Weaver for the years of care, comfort and companionship she gave both Lola and Mossy in their declining years. She was truly a Godsend. In addition, a personal thank you to Heather, Larry and all the others who contributed to his quality of life with their acts of kindness. It's good to know there are still some special people who reach out to help.

There will be no funeral services. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future time. Memorial contributions can be made to the Chenango County Area Agency Home Delivered Meals Program.