Paul R. Chesley

Paul R. Chesley, 82, of Brick, NJ passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Artis Senior Living of Brick where he had been living for the past two years. Born at St Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ, Paul had lived in Clark before moving to Holiday City in Toms River about 25 years ago. Paul grew up in Rahway where he lived with his parents, one brother and one sister. He attended St Mary’s Catholic elementary school well as local Rahway elementary and high schools. He graduated from Rahway High School in 1962. It was a very special year for the entire family as all of the family members graduated. His brother graduated from college, his sister completed elementary school and both of his parents completed professional level courses.

Paul was employed by a series of banks (due to bank mergers) as a delivery driver. He would bring administrative supplies to branch offices throughout Central Jersey from a central warehouse and had a remarkable accident free career. He was loved and respected by all the people he dealt with from the bank president to tellers and secretaries. After moving to Toms River he worked as a custodian in local nursing homes. He retired about 15 years ago.

Paul was predeceased by his parents Dr. Henry and Rosaline Chesley and his sister Barbara. He is survived by his loving brother, Carl Chesley of Virginia. Paul also leaves behind the love of his life, Linda Melson. They met in a nursing home where Linda was recovering from a broken leg and Paul was visiting the mother of a friend. They remained close friends for over 20 years and five months.

Paul will always be remembered as everyone’s friend. He would stop and talk with strangers just because they looked sad or he felt they needed a friend to talk to. This characteristic of loving everyone is demonstrated by his impact on his extended family. Although he never married he leaves behind a virtual family of over half a dozen nieces and nephews for whom he acted as their Godfather during their Baptism.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 10 am at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church, Toms River. Cremation will be private.