Paul Robert McNelis

Paul Robert McNelis passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2014 in Seattle, WA at the age of 91 due to complications from congestive heart failure. Paul was born November 7, 1923 to James and Ruth McNelis in Hastings, PA where he grew up and took over his father's feed and mining supply store. He married Jeanne Marie Bernard of Gallitzin, PA in August 1955. Together they raised 5 girls and have 8 grandchildren. Paul was a decorated veteran of World War II, enlisting in the US Army Infantry in 1943 and serving in Italy until 1945. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for valor. Paul was able to return to Italy for the 50th Anniversary of the Allied Invasion and end of WWII. Paul received a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Penn State University, was recruited by DuPont in 1960, and worked until retirement as a DuPont explosives division salesman and blasting expert for the coal and iron ore mining industries. An adventurous traveler, he worked throughout the US and Asia and traveled to North Africa, Europe, and South America. In his spare time, Paul was an avid golfer and participated in his community as an Armstrong County Memorial Hospital volunteer and active church member at St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Kittanning, PA. He enjoyed playing the euphonium in the Kittanning Firemen's Band and Elderton Community Concert Band as well as the “Hot Oatmeal” musical combo. Paul was best known for his sense of humor and his humble and generous spirit. His many friends included the “Alley Rats” of Hastings, PA, an extraordinary group of young characters from Cambria County, PA, who remained friends throughout their lives. Paul was preceded in death by his brothers John, Richard and James. He is survived by wife of 59 years, Jeanne Marie; his daughters Lori, Lisa, Cari, Kristin, and Megan; his grandchildren Leslie, Gus, India, Erin, Sarah, Luke, Jackson, and Paige; as well as his sisters Patricia, Mary Louise and Nancy. A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Seattle, WA on December 10th at 10:30 a.m. Paul will have a military burial and be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. He will live forever in our hearts.