Oakdale – Paul John Melher, affectionately known as “PJ”, passed away on January 19th, 2019. He was a very young 75 years old. “PJ” was born on February 10th 1943, and lived a vivacious and memorable life. P.J. graduated from Norwalk High School in 1961 and enlisted in the Navy the same year. His first Submarine was USS DANIEL WEBSTER (SSBN 626) where he completed his Submarine Qualifications in 1964. He served five additional tours in Submarines from 1963 - 1987 aboard USS REQUIN (SS 481), USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN 657), USS CASIMIR PULASKI (SSBN 633), and Commissioning COB aboard USS DALLAS (SSN 700), and Commissioning COB USS CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (SSN 705). Master Chief Melher’s Shore Tours consisted of Instructor Duty Naval Submarine School. Senior Analyst for Ship’s Manpower Requirements for the CNO, Command Master Chief Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, and Command Master Chief Submarine Group Two. Paul J Melher Retired from the Navy in 1987 after 26 years of active duty service as an FTCM(SS). Mr. Melher is a Life member of USSVI. He was inducted into the prestigious Holland Club in 2014. Of all the people who have been inducted into the HOLLAND CLUB P.J. Melher is the one of two members to be inducted into the HOLLAND CLUB with two of the Submarines he served on still in commission being USS DALLAS and USS CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI. The other member with this status is HOLLAND CLUB National Chairman Bud Atkins. He went on to work at both Electric Boat and EG&G where he continued to ride the submarines he loved so much. “PJ” was involved in many clubs and enjoyed multiple hobbies. He loved riding his Harley Davidson with his friends and traveling the world including trips to see his favorite band Government Mule. “PJ” loved NASCAR and was passionate about the Daytona 500. On top of the hobbies, “PJ” was also a Cowboy’s fan and a member of the Polish Club, the Submarines Veterans, and much more. Paul is going to be sorely missed by his family and friends, including his children; Tammy and Lindsay, his step-children; Rhonda, and Chris, as well as his grandchildren; Haley, Aidan, Hayden, and Richie. Paul was predeceased by his beloved late wife, Ann Marie, his sister, Carleen, and his mother, Jean Melher. “PJ” will also be missed by his pet snake “Squeeze”. A visitation will be held at the Montville Funeral Home, located at, 53 CT-Rte. 32, in Uncasville, on Saturday, January 26th from 1PM until 4PM. Full military honors will be rendered to conclude the service. For his full obituary, to share a memory, or sign the online guestbook, please visit: www.montvillefuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5