Paul E. Roma

Decorated 30 year U.S. Navy Veteran

    Paul E. Roma, 81, a retired Chaplain with the U.S. Navy, whom proudly served our country for over 30 years, died Thursday evening at his home in Pelham.
He was the beloved husband of Germaine M. (Croteau) Roma with whom he recently celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary on July 11, 2017.
    Born in Portland, Maine, March 30, 1936, a son of the late Herbert and the late Ethel (McGinty) Roma, he attended Portland schools and was a graduate of Portland High school in the Class of 1953. Paul went on to graduate from California State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Theology. He was then ordained a Deacon. After his first tour in the Navy, he studied theology in Seminary in Boston and was ordained a Catholic Priest. Before re-entering the Navy as a Chaplain, he served as a resident Priest at St. Patrick Church in Pelham.
    A member of the U. S. Navy for over 30 years and veteran of the Vietnam and First Gulf War, Paul served as a Chief Petty Officer aboard the USS Yorktown and the USS Oriskany during Vietnam and later on his second tour as a Military Chaplain during the 1st Gulf War. He was a recipient of the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, United States Coast Guard Letter of Commendation Ribbon Bar, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy & Overseas Service Ribbon, SW Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi) and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait).  
    An avid reader, Paul enjoyed music, golf and cooking and was renowned among family and friends for his chili recipe.
    In addition to his loving wife Germaine, Paul is survived by two daughters Ann Marie Child of Hemet, CA and Jacqueline Child and her husband Patrick of Sacramento, CA; two sons Joseph P. Roma of San Francisco and Timothy F. Roma of Tehachapi, CA; 8 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; a step-daughter Michelle Cooper and her husband Bud of Londonderry, NH and a step-son Michael Gilcreast of Hudson, NH; four step grandchildren; a sister Emily Alexander and her husband George of Portland, ME; and several nieces and nephews.
    Paul was also father of the late James A. Roma.
    Friends may call at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME 11 NASHUA RD. in PELHAM from 3 to 8 P.M. on Tuesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Wednesday morning at ST. PATRICK CHURCH in PELHAM at 11 o’clock (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH) followed by burial at the Gibson Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333.