Tighe-obit_webMELROSE — Paul F. Tighe, a 45-year resident of Melrose and formerly of Somerville, entered into eternal life on Sunday, Oct. 19, at his home in Melrose following a valiant and courageous struggle with cancer. He was 76 years old.

Paul was born in Boston on Aug. 11, 1938, a son of the late Peter and Bridget (Connor) Tighe. He grew up in Somerville where he was educated at Immaculate Conception Parochial School and graduated from Matignon High School in Cambridge in 1956. He received his bachelor of science degree in Mathematics and Sciences from Boston College in 1960 and his master’s degree in Education from Boston State College.

Paul took great pride as an educator and guidance counselor in the Somerville Public School system for over 40 years. He retired in 2000 from his education career and in 2001 he began working for the Carr Funeral Homes in Melrose and Charlestown, where he dedicated himself to the needs of people in their most vulnerable times.

Paul’s passion in life was his football career as a referee at the college and high school levels where he served for many years.

Paul was the adored and loving husband of 45 years to Sheila A. (Kelly) Tighe. He was the devoted father of Kerry Vetter and her husband Steven of St. Louis, Mo., Erin Morgan and her husband David of Chicago, Ill., Peter Tighe and his wife Kerin of Stratford, Conn., Johanna Traven and her husband Peter of Kiev, Ukraine and Patrick Tighe of Melrose. He was the loving Gramps to Drake, Ava, Kelly, Brooke, Paige and Tatum. He was the beloved brother of Michael Tighe and his wife Dolores of North Andover and Maureen Tighe of Yarmouthport. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Paul’s Funeral on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 at 8:45 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St., Melrose followed by his funeral Mass in St. Mary Church (corner of Myrtle and Herbert streets) Melrose at 10 a.m.

Burial will be at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Paul’s name to The New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston MA 02108.

To send a message of condolence, please visit www.CarrFuneral.com.