Paul M. Solley Jr., 96, formerly of Centre Hall, Pa., passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, at the West Virginia Veterans Home in Clarksburg. Born on Feb. 5, 1926, in Clearfield, Pa., he was the son of the late Paul M. and Marie (Sheester) Solley Sr. He grew up in Greenville, Pa. and was a 1945 graduate of Curwensville High School. Following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in Okinawa and received his honorable discharge in 1947. He earned the rank of Motor Machinist’s Mate Third Class and received the Pacific Theater Ribbon w/1 Star, American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal for his years of service.
Paul obtained his Bachelor of Arts in education in California University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in education from Temple University, and a doctorate in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was a teacher and elementary school principal for over 30 years in the Curwensville Area School District and State College Area School District. He then worked for the Lock Haven University as a student teacher supervisor for 14 years.
Paul was an active member of the Christian Alliance and Missionary Church in State College for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 779 in Centre Hall, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9575 in Centre Hall and the Harris Township Fish and Game Association in Boalsburg, Pa.
Paul is survived by his son, M. David Solley and his wife, Shawn (Summers), of Morgantown, and three stepdaughters: Karen (Waite) Vanderpool and her husband, Rick, of Bloomsburg, Pa., Kimberly (Waite) Gross and her husband, Timothy, of Bowie, Md., and Karla (Waite) (Held) Deasey and her husband Dana, of Lake Toxaway, N.C. Additionally, Paul is survived by nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Along with his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Joanne (Weber) Solley; his second wife, Phyllis (Hoover) (Waite) Solley; a sister, Marilyn Charles; and a half brother, Francis Denton.
Visitation will be held at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home Inc. in Centre Hall, Pa., from 3-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Funeral services and burial will be private. Paul will be laid to rest at the Friends Cemetery in Grampian, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter at alz.org/pa.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., P.O. Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Condolences:
www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com
