April 10, 1943 – May 9, 2024
Paul Arnold Pellini, 81, of Reading, Massachusetts, died peacefully on May 9, 2024 from Alzheimer’s Disease in the company and loving care of family.
Paul was born on April 10, 1943, to Mary Panicucci Pellini and Amerigo Pellini in Providence, Rhode Island. Together with his two sisters, Anna and Virginia (“Ginny”), and his brother Albert, Paul grew up on Whitford Avenue in Providence. He and his family spent summers in Narragansett at “the beach house,” which his father built when Paul was young. Paul graduated from Classical High in Providence in 1961 and Boston College in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. After graduation, he served as a Sergeant in the United States Army in Vietnam before being honorably discharged in 1967.
He began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant at an accounting firm in Boston and over the course of his early career, made his way to Midway Construction in New Hampshire. In 1985, he ventured on a path of independence, establishing his own business and working tirelessly from his home office in Reading while often traveling to New Hampshire to meet with clients. Paul formed lasting friendships with his clients, and joined them in celebration on numerous occasions throughout the passing years.
Amidst his professional pursuits, Paul found one of his life’s greatest treasures sitting next to him at Brandy’s in Boston – “Where Incredible Friendships Begin.” Paul and Maryhelen married a year later in 1971 at the Sacred Heart Church in Lexington, Massachusetts. They enjoyed many loving years together. The two traveled extensively in Europe, notably to Italy and Ireland, and explored the East Coast as a young family. At home, Paul and Maryhelen shared joyful hours finishing crossword puzzles, discussing politics and creating captions for the weekly New Yorker cartoon contest. They had three children, Maryalice, Andrew and Emily.
As a dad, Paul was a caring listener who offered deep understanding and helpful guidance. He assisted his children in navigating life’s dilemmas yet gave them space to independently overcome them. He supported their careers, made their interests his, and accepted who they were unconditionally. He welcomed his children’s life partners, Joe, Sarah and Shiv, into his family with an open heart. Over time, Paul became the proud grandfather to Hanna, Brooklyn, Nora, Ryan and Priya. He celebrated the arrival of every grandchild and cherished the time he spent with them, fostering a unique relationship with each one.
Paul was a man of multifaceted interests and unyielding curiosity. He loved to read, devouring books from all genres, though he especially enjoyed the classics and scientific articles focusing on the natural world. He had a special passion for birds and kept his binoculars and guides handy for spotting rare species. But his deepest adoration was for the ocean. He spent his childhood fishing off the rocks alongside his father and exploring the coastline of the Atlantic. As an adult, he shared this love with his three children, and grandchildren in turn. He taught each child to observe tide pools attentively to spot hidden tiny creatures, and patiently anticipate the reappearance of a cormorant from the salty depths. He taught children how to master the art of skipping rocks, though in spite of his talent for gentle instruction, they never quite matched his skill.
Paul epitomized humanism by recognizing the inherent worth and goodness in every individual, a quality appreciated by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on through the love he bestowed, the wisdom he imparted, and the profound impact he had on countless lives.
Paul was predeceased by his mother Mary, father Amerigo, sister Anna and brother Albert. He is survived by his wife Maryhelen, his sister Virginia, his three children; Maryalice and her husband Joseph, Andrew and his wife Sarah, and Emily and her husband Shiv; and five grandchildren. Private services will be held. Instead of flowers, the family asks for kind donations to be made to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a cause that held great significance to Paul.
