Paul F. Kellen

Paul Francis Kellen of Medford, MA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 12th, 2025. Paul's dedicated curiosity, adventurous imagination, and thoughtful friendship were a gift and inspiration to all who knew him. He was born in Boston on August 4th, 1936, to Catherine Frances Wallace and George Daniel Kellen, grew up in Savin Hill, Dorchester with his older brothers, George and Robert, and graduated from Cathedral High.
A gifted physicist, Paul took a Bachelor's degree at Boston College, won a Fulbright Scholarship to RWTH Aachen University in Germany, and completed a Master's degree at MIT. During that time he met Jean Nyberg, his beloved wife of over 60 years, at a mutual friend's party in Beacon Hill, where she wondered, "Who was that tall skinny guy, doing the twist..?!"
Paul worked at Avco Everett Research Laboratory and Charles Stark Draper Laboratory where his work was used in strategic initiatives of the Defense Department. He enjoyed captaining his sailboat Sundancer, and rooting for the BC Eagles Hockey team. A long-time member of Voice of the Faithful, he was a passionate advocate for survivors. A sailor, woodworker, amateur horologist, pianist, and raconteur, Paul was always sought out for his warm, perceptive, and profound conversation.
Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind his loving wife Jean, his daughters Anna and Terri, their husbands Neil Bienvenu and Arthur Hardigg, and his grandchildren, Andrew, Margaret, Louise, Camille, and Juiszelle.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Paul's family at Saint Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford on Friday, June 20th from 9:15 AM to 11 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 AM. Services will conclude with burial at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.