Clement J. Packish died at his home in Tisbury, surrounded by family, on October 22 after a brief illness. He was 68.
Mr. Packish was born at home in Edgartown to Annie (Amaral) and George Packish on August 9, 1942. He lived all his life on the Island. For 32 years he delivered packages for United Parcel Service. He was the first UPS driver on the Island, starting in 1960 when he delivered packages in a Volkswagen. He retired in 1992, due to a back injury. He was the only driver until his retirement to make the cover of the company magazine three times, and they called him “‘Mr. UPS’ on historic Martha’s Vineyard.” He had many nicknames, including Smiley, Mr. UPS, The Mayor of Edgartown, and Santa Claus (at Christmas).
Mr. Packish graduated from MVRHS in 1961. For many years he was known as “Clem from M.V.,” telephoning the weather stats to Dave Reed at WQRC. He enjoyed bird-watching and liked to learn their calls and whistle back to them. He liked watching old TV sitcoms, reading magazines, and playing drums while listening to music. He learned to love cats and spoiled his “girls” with love and treats. For many years he was a volunteer fireman on Engine #3, Oak Bluffs.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jeannemarie (Little) Packish of Tisbury; daughters Lisa Merritt of Oak Bluffs and Lynn Dwane of West Tisbury and his son Brian Packish of Oak Bluffs; grandchildren Nicole and Scott Merritt of Oak Bluffs, Ryan, Benjamin, Brandon, Anya and Aran Dwane of West Tisbury, and Tyla Packish of Oak Bluffs and many nieces and nephews.
He also leaves his brother, George Packish of West Falmouth, and sisters Theresa Baptiste and Mardell Francis of Tisbury, Emily Frank of Edgartown, and Grace Rogers and Elizabeth Blanchard of East Falmouth.
A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 30, at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Tisbury. Immediately following, there will be a celebration of his life at the Ocean View Restaurant in Oak Bluffs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Island Hospice, 107 Beach Rd., Unit #4, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
