Paul Barry Stella

Paul Barry Stella passed away on October 22, 2025. He was born on October 30, 1936 to Joseph and Helen (Rosenthal) Stella in Bronx, New York.

He received a Bachelor’s of Electrical Engineering at NYU and a Masters of Systems Management at Florida Institute of Technology. He worked at Grumman starting in Beth Page, NY and the remainder of his career with them in Cape Canaveral working the Apollo programs on the LEM. He spoke to astronaut, Gus Grissom, the day he entered the Apollo 1 Test capsule. Later he learned there was a fire and the astronauts were trapped inside. It was devastating for him. He then moved on to BellSouth in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Western Electric in North Carolina. He taught graduate classes at Brevard Community College in Data Processing, Computer Languages, etc. and later would teach real estate classes. He went on to became a realtor and real estate broker opening up Stella Realty in both Brevard and Indian River counties.

He was heavily involved in the ball room dancing community and traveled often to participate. He was hired by the Royal Viking Line to be a Social Host and dance with their guests on one cruise. He taught dancing and set up multiple productions of “Moving Illusions, an Odyssey into the World of Ballroom Dance and More” shows at the Heneger Center of the Arts (early 2000s) in appreciation for the help a girlfriend, Arlene Castelot, received from Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice.

He is survived by 4 children: Helene (Tom) Brown in Palm Bay, Donna (Eric) Rothe in Rockledge, Glenn (Tami) in Centennial, CO, and Scott (fiancé Magry) Stella in Titusville. Also 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

In accordance with his wishes no services are planned. He will be cremated and his ashes scattered at sea.

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