Paul E. Shelley

April 16, 1932 – October 9, 2025

Paul Edwin Shelley, 93, (Pop Pop) of Johnston, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Providence RI. Born in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on April 16, 1932, he was the son of the late William F. and Ruth Shelley.

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Beverly Shelley, their daughter Dana, and his siblings Anna, William Jr., and Ruth Elaine.

He is survived by his daughter Paula, his son Scott (“Jagger”), his grandson Dan (Amanda), his granddaughter Ashley (Kevin).

A 1950 graduate of East Stroudsburg High School, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army that same summer. Following basic training, he attended Signal Construction School and later Cryptology School. He went on to Officer Candidate School, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant. Paul was assigned to the 41st Signal Construction Battalion before being deployed to Korea, where he served as a Message and Crypto Officer with the 45th Infantry Division. In April 1954, he transferred to the Ready Reserve and returned home.

After his military service, Paul worked for the Telephone Company and the Electric Company before finding his calling in retail management, where he spent several decades.

Paul’s greatest joy in life was his family—especially his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Pop Pop.” He and his wife Beverly shared a passion for raising Birman cats and traveled throughout the Northeast attending cat shows. Paul was also an accomplished artist who loved painting in oils and acrylics and sketching in his notebooks.

Paul will be remembered for his dedication, creativity, and deep love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and warmth that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Visitation will be Thursday Nov. 13, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Montville Funeral Home of Church and Allen.

Please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.