Paul Joseph Chevalier

Paul Joseph Chevalier, SGTMAJ USMC (RET) of Melbourne, Florida passed peacefully into the arms of God and Mother Mary on March 8, 2023, at the age of 85. He was born in Lowell, MA to Salbe and Mary (Burke) Chevalier. Paul graduated from Chelmsford High School in 1954. Upon graduation, from Chelmsford High School, Paul immediately joined the U.S. Marine Corps.

Paul is survived by his wife Cathie Hogan Chevalier, his children Denise Doppstadt of Melbourne, Florida, Michael Chevalier and fiancé Sophie Thibault of Rochester, NH, Patricia and her husband Rick Drake of Melbourne, FL, Michelle Chevalier and Vince Silva of, Tustin, CA., Danielle Chevalier-Brown of Las Vegas, NV, Thomas Moseley and wife Chelsea of Kerrville, TX, and Paul Lee Chevalier and his wife Kerry of Kansas City, MO. Paul was the grandfather of 21 and great grandfather of 17. He is also survived by two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Lillian and Robert Heim of Naples, Florida, and Mary Lou and Donald Abely of Exeter, NH, a brother Robert Chevalier and his wife Patricia of Chelmsford, MA, a brother-in-law Frank Hogan, and his wife Mary of Florida. and many nieces and nephews on each side of the family. He is predeceased by his sister Barbara, his niece and Goddaughter Donna Abely, his brother-in-law Len Coppeta, and his granddaughter Molly.

Paul was a life member of the VFW Post #168 and served as Post #168 Commander, District 7 Commander, and NH State Commander. Additionally, he served as National Councilmember for NH, Maine, and Vermont as well as the VFW National Inspector General and VFW National Budget Chairman. Chevalier was the senior member of the VFW’s national legislative committee with a total of 20 years’ service. Paul was a member of the State Veterans Council of NH and served as the President of the Portsmouth Veterans Council. He was a life member of the Marine Corps League and Disabled American Veterans.

Paul was an advocate for veterans and often referred to as “New Hampshire’s #1 Veteran.”

Paul was a highly respected and sought after political and veterans rights activist. He worked with Senator John McCain on both of his presidential campaigns. He also was the veteran campaign advisor in New England to George W Bush and Donald Trump, Governors Chris Christie (NJ), Craig Benson (NH), Rick Perry (TX), and Chris Sununu (NH).

Paul also served U.S. Senators John E Sununu and Kelly Ayotte as the Veteran advisor on their campaigns, and each of them appointed Chevalier as the only enlisted person to serve on the Naval Academy Interview Board in The Granite State at that time.

The Sergeant Major proudly served three volunteer tours in Vietnam while on active duty for 31 years. After his retirement from the Marine Corps, he continued his selfless service to the country and veterans he loved so much. At the time of his death, Mr. Chevalier resided in Indian River Colony Club in Melbourne Florida, “The Place Patriots Call Home,” which was fitting.

A visitation for Paul will be held Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 South US Highway 1, Rockledge, Florida. A memorial service will occur Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the Chevalier family.