American Cremation and Funeral Service | Durham, NC

Obituary For Paul Shebalin

Paul Valentine Shebalin was born February 8, 1950 in Monterey, California. He died at his home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina after a long, uphill battle with Parkinson's disease. In between, he married; graduated from Old Dominion University; had two sons and pursued his postgraduate studies from The University of Virginia and The George Washington University. Paul served in the US Navy and Navy Reserves for 37 years. Some of his happiest years were spent in Monterey where he taught at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Paul was not prideful nor vain. He was a generous and very capable person who could jump right in and accomplish what he set out to do. He was fond of tennis, basketball, the Beatles, poetry, Shakespeare and a good Scotch.

Paul's parents and his sister Olga predeceased him. His wife Melanie; two sons, John-Paul and David; young grandson, Stefan; twin brother, John; and favorite niece, Valerie survive him.

Many thanks goes out to his UNC Hospice team who cared for him in the last days of his life. He was especially grateful to his special friend Cynthia.

Paul's cremains will be scattered at sea. He will be missed. Fair winds and following seas!

Guest Book

Melanie, My sincere condolences for your loss. Paul was an exceptional, accomplished naval officer and most gracious human being. I am so glad I got to know and work with him at NPS. He served his country for many years and helped trained so many young officers. I fondly remember our time together in Monterey, and regret not visiting you both after you moved to North Carolina. Ray Jones, RADM USN (ret)

- na

Melanie, John-Paul, and David, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Your father Paul was special to me. He is greatly missed but he's at peace. Cynthia

- na

Melanie, I am so sorry for your loss. Paul looks like a handsome, kind man; from the words written here, I think he will be at rest now in the sea! Prayers and Peace for you and yours. Jan B.

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- American Cremation and Funeral Service | Durham, NC