Alfred Nicholas Paulson's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of their beloved patriarch, Alfred Nicholas Paulson, 97, who passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026.
He was born Alfred Nicholas Paolella on January 17, 1929, in South Philadelphia to first-generation Italian immigrants Alfred Joseph Paolella and Carolina Rae (nee Fiorelli). Raised in Atlantic City, his childhood was filled with adventures along the back bays and boardwalks with stories of crabbing, rowing, and youthful mischief that never lost their charm.
A graduate of Atlantic City High School, Alfred proudly volunteered for the Navy during the Korean War. Stationed in Hawaii, he achieved the rank of First Class Petty Officer before returning to New Jersey to complete his military service.
After attending Temple University, he married the love of his life, Nola Theresa Porreca, building a partnership that lasted nearly seven decades. Alfred dedicated his career to education, serving the community as a teacher at Simon Gratz High School until retiring in 1985. His lifelong love of the water also drew him to the Margate City Beach Patrol in the 1960s, where he cherished his time as a lifeguard and surf rower, always helping others.
Alfred was a man of many colorful passions. Together with his wife, he ran a successful dog showing and grooming business, Alfred and Nola's Kennels. After settling in Cinnaminson, NJ, for retirement, he traveled North America and Europe with Nola, fished avidly aboard New Jersey head boats, and became an accomplished oil painter, creating beautiful works inspired by coastal sea life. His family will forever cherish his steadfast routines, vibrant stories, daily jokes, and famous idiosyncrasies.
Alfred’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his daughter, Nola Mahoney (John); sons, Alfred Paulson Jr. (Debbie) and Daniel Paulson (Brenda); grandchildren, Jason Mahoney (Allyson), John Ryan Mahoney (Emily), Tyler Mahoney, Alfred Joseph "AJ" Paulson (Gretchen), Russell Paulson (Roxy), Brian Paulson (Kiera), Monica Paulson (Ryan), and Dylan Paulson (Julia); and his great grandchildren: Alex, Claire, Isla, Bennett, Silas, Walker, Oakley, Marley, Holly, Molly, and Jack; all of whom think of him daily and the amazing family he helped build with his loving wife.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nola (in 2025); his parents; his brother, Angelo Paolella, and his sister, Mary Porreca.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Cinnaminson, NJ, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:30 AM, followed by a private burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
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