Paul W. Kiah, 85

Paul W. Kiah of Melvin Village passed away peacefully Aug. 29, 2025, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Born June 12, 1940, in Bangor, Maine, Paul attended Brewer High School where he played on state championship football and baseball teams. Paul became involved in Maine politics at an early age, inspired by his mother, Madelin Jones Kiah, a Democratic National Committee Woman, and his father, Richard Kiah, who served as the mayor of Brewer. In 1960, Paul had the honor of being a page for John F. Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, California.

Paul graduated from the University of Maine School of business administration with a major in marketing in 1962, and enrolled in ROTC Officer Candidate Flight School. He attended Army Aviation Flight School in Fort Rucker, Alabama, and trained in low level “bush” type flying. Upon graduating in 1964, Paul joined the 82nd Airborne Aviation Battalion and served as battalion motor officer responsible for maintaining 80 vehicles. He was soon promoted to assistant battalion maintenance officer responsible for keeping all battalion vehicles, fixed wing aircraft, and helicopters combat ready. Paul received orders for duty in Vietnam in June of 1965. He married the love of his life, Jane Hormell Kiah, on May 1, 1965.

In Vietnam, Paul served as a second lieutenant with the 221st Aviation Company flying low level recon and forward air control missions. His company was assigned to support special forces Green Beret Advisory Team 51 in Bac Lieu, Vietnam. Paul was awarded the Bronze Star, five Combat Air Medals, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

When he returned home, Paul attended Northeastern University and earned a master’s degree in business administration. Upon graduation he began a career with the Gillette Company in Boston as a sales administrator. He was promoted to an information system analyst working in the president’s office as part of a five-man operational planning team for Gillette North America.

In 1972, Paul and family moved to Meredith, where he purchased The Mug restaurant with two of his brothers-in-law. He became a Realtor in his retirement, working with Nash Realty for 27 years. Paul invested in his community, including opening another restaurant, apartments and development land. He was a member of the Meredith Kiwanis, Lions, VFW and a director of the Meredith Chamber of Commerce. Paul enjoyed hunting with the “B” Team at Camp 5, fishing, and spending time with his family on Berry Bay in Freedom. He will be remembered for his extreme patience and quick wit.

Paul was predeceased by his devoted wife of 47 years, Jane Hormell Kiah; his sister, Mary Ellen (Kiah) Johnson; and his son, Gregory Kiah.

He is survived by his children and eight grandchildren, Catherine Kiah Borelli of Melvin Village and her children Anthony, Philip, Kiah and Gianna Borelli; Richard and Melissa Kiah of Dunbarton and their children Nicholas, Emily and Nathan Kiah; and Victoria Kiah of San Diego, California, and her son Thomas Kiah.

Calling hours will be held at the Mayhew Funeral Home, Meredith, New Hampshire, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, followed by a celebration of life at Hart’s Turkey Farm from 4 to 6 p.m.