Paul John Gravelle

November 17, 1916 - April 2, 2012

PAUL JOHN GRAVELLE November 17, 1916 – April 2, 2012 Paul John Gravelle passed away peacefully at his home in Vallejo on April 2, 2012 with his wife and family members present. He suffered respiratory problems during the last few months. Paul was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to his wife and to all of his family and friends. He was known for his keen intelligence and sharp wit. Paul was born November 17, 1916 in Lead, South Dakota to parents John and Vallida Gravelle. His brothers, Arthur Gravelle, Alfred Gravelle, and John Gravelle Jr. all preceded him in death. Paul’s family moved to Deadwood, SD when he was an infant. He graduated from Deadwood High School and moved to California in 1936. He was employed at Mare Island Naval Shipyard when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. During WW II, he fought in the South Pacific Campaign. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1945 and returned to Vallejo where he completed the electrical apprenticeship at Mare Island. He retired as a General Foreman from Shop 51 in 1971. During that time he was assigned to two year project in Turkey, working as an Electrical Trainer/Advisor through NATO at a Turkish Naval Base near Istanbul. Paul Gravelle married Aileen Bell Callaghan on April 27, 1946 in Dixon, CA. She passed away on February 21, 1987. He then married Elizabeth (Betty) Humble on September 10, 1988 in Vallejo. Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Betty, a daughter, Paula (Ted) Hewitt of Eugene, Oregon, a son, Dennis (Carol) Gravelle of Los Osos, CA, a daughter, Susan Gravelle of Dixon, CA, a son, Dan Gravelle of Emerald Hills, CA, a step-son, Phil (Judi) Humble of Watsonville, CA, a step-daughter, Barbara Alaniz of San Jose, CA, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Throughout his life Paul was a devoted Catholic & worshipped for approximately 65 years at St. Basil’s Church in Vallejo. He was a member of the Vallejo Elks lodge for 44 years and traveled with the RV Club. Paul was also a member of the Moose Lodge, NARFE, Sons of Italy, American Legion, and SIRS (Sons in Retirement) and the SIRS bocce ball team. His hobbies included traveling, reading and family gatherings. Visitation will be held 4-9 p.m. Tuesday with vigil services at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10th at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 11th at St. Basil’s Church, Tuolumne and Nebraska Sts., Vallejo. Burial will follow at All Souls Catholic Cemetery, Vallejo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Asera Care Hospice, 1001 Galaxy Way, Suite 101, Concord, CA 94520, the American Lung Assoc., or the charity of your choice. Please visit the online tribute at TwinChapelsMortuary.com Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary (707) 552-6696.