VINALHAVEN — Paul Herbert Chilles, 90, of Vinalhaven died on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Vinalhaven Eldercare. Born in Vinalhaven on January 18, 1935, he was the son of William T. and Minnie Louise (Philbrook) Chilles. He graduated from Vinalhaven High School in 1953. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was stationed with Co. C Army Engineer Supply Center in Yokohama, Japan.

On September 26, 1959, he married Lauretta Shields and worked many jobs including lobstering with Jack Carlson, worked for his father-in-law at Shield’s Grocery, at the Gem Theatre, the “Power Plant”, until he discovered that he liked carpentering the best. He also worked with Crossman & Maddox, Chilles & Conway Construction, and in later years, became a caretaker, a job that he never retired from. A hard worker all of his life, Paul only seemed content when his hands were busy, so he started making picnic tables, so many in fact, they lost count.

He was a 50+ year member of the Vinalhaven Fire Department and a member of the VFW.

Paul loved baseball and the annual Firemen’s Field Day. He loved throwing horseshoes and playing pool with the boys. His Sunday games of cribbage at “the garage” with his friend and nemesis, Arthur, followed by a short ride and an ice cream to watch the boats in the harbor. Paul enjoyed riding and checking out the “goings-on” about town. Always happy and whistling a tune known only to him, Paul was famous for his favorite cocktail. Raise your glass and have a toast to one of the nicest men you’ll ever know.

Paul had a great summer this year with lots of visits from his friends, Sheldon, Marty, John, and so many others.

In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by brothers, John and Hal Chilles, and sister, Priscilla Rosen, all of whom he missed dearly. 

Surviving is his wife, of 65 years, Lauretta Chilles; children, Lorraine (Mike) Bunker, Lynn (Austin) James, son, Bill Chilles; grandchildren, Elizabeth Bunker, Hillary (Willard) Webster, Corey (Sami) James, Scott (KL) James, Sarah (Justin) Newton; three great-grandchildren, Peyton James, Addilyn James and Jordan Newton; and several nieces and nephews. 

A huge thank you to Jen Desmond for her kindness and care, and to the girls at Eldercare. Thanks Beth, for sharing your sugar!

Private family services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Vinalhaven Little League, c/o Brianna Hutchinson, 6 Swamp Fox Road, Vinalhaven, ME 04863.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.