Opera enthusiast who loved to travel
Published in the June 6, 2018 edition
LYNNFIELD — Paul J. Stella, 82, resident of Lynnfield for over 50 years before relocating to Wakefield, died Sunday, June 3, 2018 surrounded by his family.
Born in Boston, Paul was the son of Sicilian immigrants, the late Joseph Stella from Santa Caterina Villarmosa and Sebastiana Stella from Siracusa. He was the beloved husband of Adrienne C. (Sullo) Stella. He was the loving father of Stephanie S. Klove and her husband Mark of Lynnfield; Joseph Stella and his wife Stella of Boston; and Paulette S. Folkins and her husband Paul of Lynnfield.
Paul was the grandfather to 10 grandchildren: Paul, Ashley, Alexandra, Tara, Danielle, Christopher, Joe, Kelsey, Carmela, and Jess. He was also the great-grandfather to Michael, Harper, Lyla, Sage, and one on the way. He was the brother of Angela Hatch, J. Sebastian Stella, and the late Charles Stella and late Mary Ann Salamone. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Paul was raised in East Boston and graduated from Boston English High School in 1953. After serving in the United States Navy and receiving an honorable discharge in 1956, he pursued his career in the construction industry, attending night school at Northeastern University while working full-time and raising a family with his young bride, Adrienne. He received his BSCE from Northeastern in 1960.
Paul founded P.J. Stella Construction in 1971, quickly becoming a well-respected businessman and stalwart leader in the construction industry. He was a proud and longtime board director of the Association of General Contractors of Massachusetts, serving as chairman of the board from 1985-1987, as well as a life director of the AGC of America, serving as the National Treasurer from 2002-2003.
Beyond relaxing on the coast of Maine or Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, he loved to travel, explore, and find new adventures. He applied his photography skills on visits to National Parks throughout the United States. As an opera enthusiast and frequent yearly season ticket-holder at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, he visited opera houses throughout Europe. He was especially fond of his many trips to Italy, both with his lovely wife and their extended family. Paul was a devoted parishioner of St. Maria Goretti Parish.
Paul’s greatest accomplishment and mission was the love and devotion that he bestowed upon Adrienne. They were inseparable for more than 60 years. Their love spilled over to the legacy that they created with their children and extended family.
His funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Thursday at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass in St. Maria Goretti Parish, 112 Chestnut St., Lynnfield at 10 a.m. Visitations relatives and friends will be held Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Lynnfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AGC Education and Research Foundation, 2300 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201. Donate online at https://donate.agc.org/, and choose scholarships designated to the Paul and Adrienne Stella Scholarship fund.
