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Robert Paul Obituary
Paul, Staff Sgt. Robert J. Staff Sgt. Robert Joseph Paul, age 43. Beloved son of Esther Perez Paul and Sheldon Paul, fond former husband of Bonnie Paul, loving father of Ilena Paul, dear brother of Monica and Debra Paul. He will also be mourned by Jennifer Sher. Memorial services Sunday, 1 p.m. at The Piser Chapel, 9200 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Info. 847-679-4740. 
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Paul
Shelly Hansen
December 15, 2023
I still miss you very much! I can't wait to see you again. Love Shelly
Charlie Gili
November 3, 2022
Hello,
We wanted you to know that we will be honoring and remembering your loved one this holiday season. We are sending Care Packages to our deployed troops in his name. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of Robert J. Paul US Army Staff Sergeant.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and many others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
William Farrell
March 19, 2020
RIP SSG Paul. I read about you and Meredith Howard. As a Vietnam veteran, your death matters to me.
SFC William Farrell
US Army MP, Ret
Brenda Jenkins
August 30, 2012
Thinking of you today Bob. You are remembered and missed everyday. I just hope that your beautiful daughter Ilena knows what a wonderful man you were.
Peggy Childers
September 8, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Robert Paul:
Please accept my remembrance of Robert on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Brenda Jenkins
September 8, 2011
Its been 5 years since we lost you my friend. You are still missed. Be at peace.
Peggy Childers
September 8, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Robert Paul:
Remembering Robert on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Daniel Socha
April 9, 2010
Sgt. Robert J. Paul is a hero. He served his country in the name of peace and then died, serving it in the name of war. He is an honorable man who I admire. I am proud to be from the same land as a man who could possess such virtue. The United States owes a great deal of gratitude to a man who could preserve the greatest features of our nation. I thank-you Robert J. Paul for the service to your country. May you rest in peace.
"Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."
-Aeschylus
Peggy Childers
September 8, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Robert Paul:
Robert gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Jason Walker
May 25, 2009
Sgt Paul,
I carry memories of you everyday and your work in Laghman province. The way angry villagers from Mehtar Lam and still manage to talk with them on the finer points of the Afghan government. You blessed us and my prauers are with you.
May 24, 2009
I secretly think your an Angel looking down on the 425th...
I know you are here.
Ric Merrall
March 31, 2009
I just finished reading the book Waging Peace and was inspired to join the Army and go OCS and Civil Affairs. I did not know you but I miss you. I hope to carry on your legacy and make what you sacraficed your life for a continuing reality; peace.
Kenna Larra
March 20, 2009
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
Howard Brundage
December 29, 2008
While searching for the obituary for a blessed woman, Phyllis Paul (77 years), I found the notice for SSgt Paul. As a 43 year old husband and father, I was especially touched by words left by family, friends, and fellow soldiers. Thank God that men like SSgt Paul protect families like mine. I give my thanks & prayers to the family.
Sincerely,
Howie
In Memory of Robert ~ (Debra Estep)
September 8, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Robert, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
June 3, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Paul!
CPT Bernice Logan
January 4, 2008
SSG Robert Paul,
One of my many fondest memories of you is going on a mission to the City of Mehtarlam and you saying "Ma'am let's go get Mango Smoothies" and boy were they good. I am grateful for all the time we spent together. Know that there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and miss you. Thank you for the dedication and sacrifice you made for us and our country.
To the Family of Robert,
I was honored to work with Robert in Afghanistan, he was my driver on most missions. I cannot express the sorrow I feel. Please know the memory of him will live in all our hearts and minds forever.
Mehtarlam,Afghanistan
January 4, 2008
Humanitarian Assistance
January 4, 2008
Gas chamber Day! Ft. Bragg, NC
January 4, 2008
Robert always made sure to get Honey for our commander.
January 4, 2008
The Bridges we cross.
January 4, 2008
Mango Smoothies-Mehtarlam,Afghanistan
January 4, 2008
Merideth and Robert
January 4, 2008
Doing Laundry in Bagram, Afghanistan
January 4, 2008
Afghanistan
January 4, 2008
Free Spirit
January 4, 2008
Bob and Matt
November 13, 2007
Tim Liston
November 13, 2007
I too served with Bob on his PSYOP team back when he was with the 320th in Portland. I'm sorry to hear he died. He was a great guy and always looked out for his team. I went to Thailand with him still remember him fondly.
I will not forget. Thanks for all you did Bob and my thoughts go out to your family and your daughter.
Becky Dahlstrom
November 11, 2007
As Veterans Day is here I only wish you could celebrate with your friends in the unit and I know they appreciate your sacrifices so much and that they are saddened by your passing and want to always remember what a wonderful man you were!
God bless your family and friends and rest in peace as we Honor you today and everyday for your ultimate sacrifice for our everyday freedoms..
thank you ....
Betty Nielsen
September 29, 2007
To the family of Robert J. Paul we are all sad by your loss and I know words can not take your pain away but I hope that you know that we still care and we still mourn your loss and the loss of all those that died protecting our freedom. I hope we still have the correct address to send the quilt that we made to honor this great man. We are thankful for our freedom but we hate at what price this freedom came. No he will never be forgotten nor his family. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all and if you ever wish to contact us please do so at [email protected] our website is www.freedomquilts.net we care for all our soldiers and their families.
July 31, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Paul and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
July 31, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
Debra Russell
July 12, 2007
My prayers are with you. I just lost my brother July,1 2007. We know what you are going through. Our heart breaks to see some many has lost there lives. It brings me comfort to say heaven needed another hero.
Glen
January 30, 2007
“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers
Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever
Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away
Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go
We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light
Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray
Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go
Mark Clark
January 1, 2007
To the family and friends of SSG Paul ... and to my good friend, comrade, team sgt...
No one can measure the loss that is felt by all who knew Bob. I know that he loved life and so many lives were changed for the better by Bob. He was not perfect, but he was a good man, good father, good soldier, good American, good human being... one that I was proud to work with.
I wish that my words could match his character or soothe the sorrow; but I can only offer the heartfelt support to all whose life Bob touched.
Mark Clark
MAJ,CA
445 CA BN
California
Scott Holmes
December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas Snow-Shoe Bob, my mind is on you and your family on this day. I can still sit and hear your voice as you tell a long winded funny story to a captive audience. =) I will tell my son about you and our other fallen soldiers. God bless your family.
Scott Carter
December 20, 2006
I served with SSG Paul in the 425th CABn, OIF-II. I am sorry to hear of his passing. We've lived more in our short lives than most will live in 2 or 3. He lived and died with dignity and honor. Many Americans could learn something from his fine example of a life lived in service to his fellow man. I am proud to have known him. Semper Fi !
samantha francis
November 5, 2006
There were three of us here in mehtar lam as drivers, now there's two. He was one of the few NCOs in my entire career that I've looked up to. When I think about him sometimes, a specific memory keeps coming up. One day he wasn't needed to drive, they put him in my truck as a gunner. When we were driving by the children that give us thumbs up, I could here him saying "Singai?" (How are you?). He had a funny way of saying things like that that made me chuckle as I was driving. When things didn't make sense in the ranks he let me know I wasn't the only one who thought so. I miss him everyday we go out, it hasn't been as fun without him, and the mango smoothies too :-)
Amy Downing
October 10, 2006
Mrs. and Mr. Paul, and Ilena,
I did not know your father but he died with a friend of mine. The world is and will be a better place because of noble, heroic men like your son and father. Lincoln was wrong - The world will LONG note and ALWAYS remember those who died so that ultimately we would all be free. God grant him eternal salvation and keep his family close.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
October 10, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Paul family in the loss of Robert. I did not know Robert, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Robert you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Jim Sparkman
October 5, 2006
To the Family of SSG Paul,
I had the honor of serving with Bob for nearly four years at the 320th. As a new PSYOP soldier Bob was my team sgt and was instrumental in my career. He was an honorable man and will always hold a place in my heart. God bless your family during this difficult time.
MSGT Andy Willis
October 1, 2006
First and foremost my prayers go out to SSG Paul's family. I was apart of the Mehtar lam team that was replaced by SSG Paul's group. He impressed all whom got the opportunity to meet him. He was proud to wear the uniform and truly took pleasure in helping others; especially the local Afghan children. SSG Paul made a difference in many lives and he will never be forgotten.
Timothy Sersig
September 27, 2006
First of all I would like to let SSG Pauls family know that I am very sorry to hear about this tradigity. I am The Soldier that SSG Paul replaced in Methar Lam. I worked with him for about 3 weeks showing him all the good stuff that we were doing in the city. Paul was taking my role as the mayors mentor. I remember paul was so excited to be taking this role and could not wait to take over. My prayers will be with his family.
Lisa McKeown
September 22, 2006
I had the honor and pleasure of serving with Spongebob while at the 320th Psyop Co. I personally have such wonderful memories of someone with obvious intelligence and an overwhelming sense of humor. Every memory creates a smile and I know he served our country proudly.
Robyn Fees
September 21, 2006
I proudly served with SSG Robert Paul in Afghanistan. Will loved him dearly and he will be missed.
kathy craddick
September 20, 2006
my heart just goes out to this mans family .
i,m so sorry this had to happen to such a good and kind person.
my nephew knows him and is also stationed somewhere in afganistan .
when will this end for every one my hopes are that no other soldiers leave this earth because of this war and that somehow someway the ppl of these country,s can find a way to have peace.
he will always be an american hero to his family and to me and my family. thank you sgt.paul for your sacrifice for all of us.
Becky Dahlstrom
September 20, 2006
My deepest sympathies to your family and friends.
My heart,soul and very being are shattered for your family and friends.
I can only offer my "Thanks" for your courageous and selfless time spent in Afganistan and Iraq. I pray that your family will remember what a great,honorable and selfless Hero you are.
You are in my prayers and thoughts ,"May God Bless you" in these times of sad sorrows.
Love Always ,
Becky Dahlstrom
(proud mom of a soldier)
Dori Joel
September 19, 2006
Shelly, Esther, Monica, & Debbie
Time and circumstances separate us but the bonding we did will never let me forget you. I still have very fond feelings for you and feel
your pain, thereby hopefully diminishing it just a bit. You will never forget,and you will always miss your dear son/brother, but hopefully soon you will be able to deal with the loss.
Our sincere condolences to all of you.
Dori & Joel
ROBYN GARSIDE
September 19, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
September 19, 2006
To the Family of Staff Sgt. Robert Paul:
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.
Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
Mer Hartley
September 17, 2006
My husband and I spent every day with SSG Paul for a year while we were stationed in California: He was our tough as nails, funny as hell big brother. His comraderie was our defense thru some really hideous times, and his advice is still the best we've ever received.
Everyone one from the Piratical Thai Department misses and loves him. Sawasdee, peun row.
Tara Tomasino
September 15, 2006
Oh Bob,
I will never forget the time we spent together. You will always be one of my best friends. I love you.
Judy D
September 15, 2006
Ha-Makom yenahem etkhem b'tokh sha ar aveilei Tzion vYerushalayim--may the Omnipresent comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
With much gratitude for someone who sacrificed the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our freedom.
Member of CHAIway Riders Motorcycle Club, Chicago; Patriot Guard Rider
Thomas Franklin
September 15, 2006
I wish to salute and thank SSG Paul for his service to this nation. May he and his loved ones be blessed with peace. I did not know SSG Paul but am diminished by his passing. He made the ultimate sacrifice and it will not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I pray that G-d blesses him and his family knowing that his sacrifice was not in vain.
Gary Bradley
September 14, 2006
I served with SSG Paul in Baghdad with the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, and am proud to have had him as a friend. He was a great person, dedicated to public service in both his civilian and military careers. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Lee Sirotnak
September 14, 2006
Please know that as time goes on, your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Prayers that God will bless you with comfort and peace, and prayers of thanksgiving for the heroes who have sacrificed everything for us. God Bless you and your family.
sylvia oakes
September 14, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carol Ellington
September 14, 2006
To the family of Sgt Robert Paul-
You are in my thoughts and prayers today.
May God Bless each of you!
Carol
pat Lorenzen
September 14, 2006
I am very sorry about the loss of your precious loved one & one of America's hero's. Words cannot express the sadness in my heart @ your loss. God Bless You All, family, friends & loved ones of Staff Sgt. Paul.
Diana walcutt
September 13, 2006
I can only pray for your family that healing and peace will come quickly. I am truly sorry for your loss, and I am grateful for this wonderful man that felt called to defend my freedom.
Cynthia H
September 13, 2006
All Oregonians are saddened by your departure - you made us better by being among us.
We will never forget all you have given to keep us safe and free, and all you gave to assist the Iraqis and the Afghans.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
September 12, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Garnet Jenkins
September 12, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the family of Staff Sgt. Robert Paul, with a multitude of Thanks for this Hero's Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom.
May Robert Rest Safely, in God's Mighty Hands and know that he shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Loving Grace and Comfort be with the Paul family.
I am the Sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.
"Surely He hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrow."
Isaiah 53:4
With each new day, may the Lord restore your soul and, through His love, give you the strength to go on.
Softly and slowly...
Time heals...
My prayers are with you.
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