August 29, 1947 – November 4, 2025
Paul Adrian Vachette, III, 78, of Algonquin, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 29, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Paul and Elizabeth Vachette, Paul lived a life full of dedication, laughter, and love. On February 23, 1974, he married the love of his life, Cathy Simonson, and together they built a beautiful family and shared over 50 wonderful years of marriage.
Paul proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, serving one year in Vietnam as a radio operator. After his service, he pursued his career as a dental equipment technician, operating his own dental repair business, Paul Vachette Dental, for 13 years. Paul had many interests and passions—especially his love for classic cars. One of his greatest joys was rebuilding his 1965 red GTO convertible and attending car shows with Cathy. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, and cheering on his favorite Chicago teams—the Bears and the Cubs.
Paul will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and affectionately as Papa to his grandchildren. His kindness, sense of humor, and devotion to family and friends will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy Vachette; his children, Katie (Terry) Farnsworth and Paul (Amy McMahon) Vachette; his cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Elizabeth, Ava, Everly, and Aubrey; and his sister, Lorie Vachette, his brother-in-law, Randy Simonson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lin Fawcett.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. A memorial celebration of Paul’s life will take place the day prior, Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Huntley American Legion, 11712 Coral St., Huntley, IL 60142.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
For further information, please contact DeFiore Funeral Home at (847) 515-8772 or visit www.defiorefuneral.com to share online condolences.
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
Rest in peace my dear brother. I will love you and miss you forever ❤️
Rest in peace, Paul. Rich and I are reminiscing over lots of fun and laughs on Kristy Lane. Sending many prayers to Cathy, Katie, Paul and family. God Bless.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Remembering good time and laughs and a few drinks. Rest in peace Paul.
Deepest condolences to the family. My prayers will be with you 💕
Sending my prayers and thoughts. So sorry to hear of your loss. Remembering Paul's mischievous side in high school and the twinkle in his eyes. He was such a good person.
So sorry for your loss. May God bring comfort to you all.
So sorry for your loss Kathy
Paul was the best uncle a guy could ever ask for. He will be greatly missed.
We’re so sorry to hear about Paul. We have so many great memories and stories. Especially his legendary July 4 th bashes. No one could throw a party like him! Heaven is rockin’
Condolences to all of you! Paul was always a great, fun guy to be around. He will be missed!
So sorry for your loss. Find comfort in sharing all your wonderful family memories. Our thoughts are with you and your family.