Paul Robert Monfils

Paul R. Monfils, 81, of Providence, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved husband of Barbara A. (Ploski) Monfils, with whom he shared 58 years of a loving and devoted marriage.

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Emile and Anna (Montigney) Monfils.

Paul proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. Following his military service, he pursued his passion for the natural sciences, graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1971 with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology. He briefly taught in the Woonsocket Catholic Schools. He went on to enjoy a distinguished career as a Research Laboratory Manager at Rhode Island Hospital, where he worked for many years before retiring.

Beyond his professional career, Paul developed an extraordinary passion for shell collecting that grew into a successful international shell distribution business. His dedication and expertise in the field earned him worldwide recognition, culminating in the discovery and naming of a new species of shell in his honor, Cotonopsis monfilsi, a distinction that brought him much satisfaction.

A man of deep and enduring faith, Paul was a devoted member of St. Patrick Church in Providence for many years. He generously shared his faith through countless ministries, including leading the "Life in the Spirit" Seminar and, alongside his wife Barbara, instructing students in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), now known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), for 25 years. Known for his knowledge of the Catholic faith and his gift for engaging conversation, Paul was a respected apologist who enjoyed evangelizing and discussing matters of faith with people from around the world through several online forums.

Above all else, Paul cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose wisdom, faith, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Besides his wife Barbara, he leaves his children, Dan Monfils, Becky Cuellar and her husband Silvio, Andy Monfils and his wife Erica, and Jen Monfils; his grandchildren, Alex and his wife Raquel, Sr. Juan-Maria, David and his wife Emily, Grace, Mariana, Daniel, Gaby, Natalia, Christian, and Jadelyn; his great-grandchildren, Violet, Lily, and Rose; his sister, Mary A. Nuhibian and her husband John; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Robert Monfils.

His visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:00am in St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith Street, Providence, followed by burial with Military Honors in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Academy, 244 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908 or https://www.stpatsri.org/

The family would like to thank all those whose prayers, friendship, and support enriched Paul's life. His legacy of faith, service, intellectual curiosity, and love for family will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.