Paul M. Zarella

Paul Michael Zarella, of Westborough, MA, passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 83 at UMass Memorial Hospital, following a series of health complications.

Born in Medford, MA, Paul was the son of Anna Scalfani and Michael Zarella. He grew up in Medford and Arlington, MA, and graduated from Arlington High School. A bright student and dedicated worker, Paul earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University in 1965, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Babson College in 1967.

Paul began his career as a manager in Raytheon’s Missile Systems Division. He later transitioned to real estate development, where he found great success as a builder and entrepreneur. He founded his own company and over the course of more than 30 years, built over 500 high-quality, award-winning homes in Marlborough and Sudbury, MA. His final project, a 55+ residential community atop Carriage Hill in Southborough, MA, received national recognition.

In 1968, Paul met the love of his life, Rita Donovan of Belmont, MA. They married the following year and raised their three children in Sudbury. A devoted husband, father, and businessman, Paul cherished family above all else—la famiglia, as he fondly called it—and passed that deep value on to his children.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Rita Mary Zarella; his daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Joe Bartucca, and Melissa and Doug Michaud; his son and his partner, Michael Zarella and Steve Nappi; and his cherished grandson, John David Paul Michaud, who proudly carries “PaPa’s” name as his middle name. He is also survived by his two sisters, Carol and Angela, along with his many nieces and nephews.

Paul will be remembered for his many remarkable qualities—his love for cars, swimming, and reading, and above all, his sharp wit and storytelling that could light up any room.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main Street, Westborough, MA.

His funeral Mass will take place on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main Street, Westborough, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to facingfacialpain.org/donate.