WORCESTER: Paul V. Meleski, 62, passed away at home August 30, 2023. He leaves his brother Michael Meleski and his wife Tracy (Bazegian) and their children Spencer and Giustina. He was predeceased by his parents Irene (Jonitis) and William Meleski.
Paul was born November 12, 1960 in Worcester and was a lifelong Vernon Hill resident. Paul was a graduate of St. John’s High School (’78) and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from UMass-Amherst. He remained a loyal UMass alumnus and was known to travel across New England to support all UMass athletics.
Paul was a unique sort of renaissance man and had many interests. Known by many as
“Mr. Worcester”, Paul supported Worcester politics and volunteered to advance causes that resonated with him. He was a longtime volunteer at The Hanover Theatre and loved the arts. Paul was passionate about ornithology and volunteered his time to assist with bird counts throughout Massachusetts. His love of the outdoors led him to hike the entire Appalachian Trail and was known to often pick up and explore New England and beyond. Paul had a curiosity about him which led to lifelong projects including a mission to personally walk every street in Worcester and to visit & photograph each town/city hall in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. He succeeded in both.
Those who loved him will remember the private side to his personality though he was glad to have a close circle of people that he cared about in his life like the “Vernon Hillers”.
All are welcome to gather with Paul’s family and friends Saturday September 16th from 9:30-11am at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536 followed by a prayer service at 11am in the funeral home. A private burial will be planned with the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The Hanover Theatre at https://thehanovertheatre.org/support/membership-individual-giving or
Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129 or
Via their website: https://www.outdoors.org/donate/tribute-gifts