Paul William Stelzner

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul William Stelzner, 39, who passed away on June 29, 2025. Paul was born in Hartford, CT on October 16, 1985, to his loving parents Bill and Nella Stelzner. Paul grew up and spent most of his life in Hebron, CT graduating from RHAM High School in 2003. Though he moved to South Carolina, his heart always remained in CT.

Everyone knew Paul as the loving, caring and funny guy. His smile and his laugh were infectious, and the room lit up when he walked in. Paul made an impression on everyone he met. Family and friends meant everything to him.

Paul loved skiing, riding ATVs, golfing and was an avid Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys fan. Some of his favorite moments were trips he took with his mom and dad to Europe, riding a camel in Morrocco, river rafting in Canada, deep sea fishing with his dad, skiing in Vermont, and spending family time at his great-grandparents’ house in Block Island.

Among his accomplishments were starting the Leo’s Youth Club in Hebron (part of the Hebron Lion’s Club) and raising funds for the FIDELCO Guide Dogs. Paul enjoyed volunteering with his mom and dad for CT Public Television’s annual Telethon, volunteering at the Hebron Harvest Fair, at local Food Banks, and at the local Teen Center and Library.

In 2002, as a youth, Paul was a recipient of the Public Service Award from the Secretary of the State of Connecticut for his volunteerism and civic leadership in the betterment of his community.  He also was named as the volunteer of the year, as part of the Prudential Spirit Community Awards Program.

Paul attended Central Connecticut State University and earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. His goal was to become a mental health/substance abuse counselor.

He is survived by his mother Nella, his fiancée Erika Samuelian, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. Paul is predeceased by his dad Bill and his loving dog Fenway. Knowing the three of them are together again gives our family much needed comfort. The emptiness we feel with his loss is something that will never heal, but we will continue to tell his story.

Service will be private.

We will forever cherish the memories of our beautiful Paul; He Will Never Be Forgotten!