Paul Richard Gelewski, 86, most recently of Mahwah, NJ, died Friday, February 10 after a long and full life.  Paul was born and spent his formative years in Hasbrouck Heights, where he worked with his father, Stephen Gelewski, eventually owning the successful Steve Gelewski and Sons excavation company.  Paul loved his work and never truly retired – he could be seen operating a back hoe throughout the Bergen County area up until his last days.  He loved to dance – he was an expert ballroom dancer and spent much of his free time out at dances across the county.  He’d dazzle and charm friends and family at weddings with his foxtrot or tango and loved teaching anyone willing to be taught to ballroom dance.  A man so young at heart, he refused to be called Grandpa, so his grandchildren affectionately called him “Paul G.”  Paul always wore a smile that lit up the room.  He loved his life and never sweated the small stuff.  He was predeceased by his parents (Stephen and Stella) and 10 brothers and sisters.  He will be dearly missed by his children: Jan Melli, Jody Peltz (husband George Peltz), Tricia Lavore, Michael Gelewski (wife Lisa Perno) and their mother Gail Connolly.  He was incredibly loved by eight grandchildren and one great grandson. Dear friend to Janet Ferriera.  Paul was also the uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Frankie, George, and Neil, with whom he shared many memories. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel RC Church, Ridgewood, with interment to follow in Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah. Visiting Monday 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 9:00 PM at Feeney Funeral Home, 232 Franklin Ave, Ridgewood. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Social Service Association, (www.ssaridgewood.org), 6 Station Plaza, Ridgewood NJ 07450 would be appreciated. Feeneyfuneralhome.org.

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