Paul Joseph Velky, Sr.

 It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Paul J. Velky, Sr. at the age of 96.  He died peacefully at home on January 20, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children.  Paul was born on June 29, 1925, in Marianna, Pennsylvania and was the last surviving sibling of ten children.  Paul lived his life on the principles of love of family, faith, and country.

At the tender age of 18, Paul was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served during World War II.  He was stationed in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. Rall.  During the battle of Okinawa, his ship was under extreme attack from both air and sea.  The ship was hit by a kamikaze fighter plane with a 500-pound bomb that passed through his office.  Fortunately, Paul had been called to his on-deck battle station and survived this brutal attack.  Until very recently, the survivors of the U.S.S. Rall held reunions at various locations throughout the U.S. to stay in touch and reminisce over their heroics.

After the war, Paul continued to serve his country by working in the Navy’s Budget and Analysis Department.  It was there that he met Mary, his wife and soulmate.  After a brief courtship and approval from her family, they were married in the Catholic Church on May 30, 1953.  They were blessed with five children and spent the majority of their early years with family as their primary focus.  Paul’s love of family was undeniable.  His most impactful roles included extensive hours coaching softball, basketball, bowling, soccer, and volunteering for weekend Boy Scout trips. 

Paul and Mary celebrated 68 years together in May 2021.  They shared many common interests including dancing and bowling for which they won many awards and accolades.  Paul was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus and was recognized as a Fourth Degree Honorary Life Member.  He was fully engaged in all aspects of his life up until his last few months.  He was an avid golfer, a force to be reckoned with on the duckpin bowling lanes, loved playing poker and other card and board games, and could regularly be seen play bocce and shuffleboard.

Paul will forever be remembered by his family as a loving and proud husband, father, grandfather, and U.S Navy Veteran.  He was known for his wonderful sense of humor, his generous and giving heart, and kind and loving demeanor.  He will be greatly missed by his wife Mary, his five children:  Mary Catherine; Barbara; Paul Jr.; Theresa; and Sharon.  He was extremely proud of his eight grandchildren:  Justin; Garrett; Morgan; Cameron; Grant; Spencer; Abigail; and Gavin. 

Paul was an extraordinary man who lived an incredible life.