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Paul Sturm Obituary
Cary
Paul M. Sturm,CDR USN (ret), Cary, NC resident, passed away February 24, 2011, following a 22 year battle with cancer. Born August 3, 1934, Paul grew up in Salem, WV where he graduated from high school and received a BS degree in physics and mathematics from Salem College. He subsequently earned a BS degree in aeronautical engineering from US Naval postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, and MS degree in Operations Management from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AK.
Paul served with the following units: 1957 Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL;1958 Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, TX; 1959 Fleet Transport Squadron, Naval Air Station, Patuxent River MD; 1959 Patrol Squadron Nineteen, Naval Air Station, Alameda, CA; 1962 Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA; 1964 US Naval Propulsion Test Center,Trenton, NJ, plans and programs;1968 Heavy Attack Ten, Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, WA, pilot; 1970 Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two, Naval Air Station, Rota, Spain, pilot, operations officer; 1973 Naval Air Development Center, Warminster, PA, project manager deputy director Air Vehicle Technology Department; 1978 Naval Air Station Memphis, Millington, TN, Air Operations Officer. Following his retirement from the US Navy in 1981, Paul continued his career first as chief corporate pilot then as charter pilot in Philadelphia, PA and in Martinsburg, WV.
Paul is survived by his wife, Helen, of Cary; daughters Carlene Calkin and husband, Peter, of Honesdale, PA; Jo Ellen Staada and husband, Glenn, of Belle Mead, NJ; and Paula Butterfield and husband, Lewis, of Sudbury, VT. Also surviving are step-children Catherine Curtis and her husband, Edwin, Hattiesburg, MS, and David Haislip and wife, Lisa, Cherry Hill, NJ. Seven grandchildren and five step-grandchildren survive. His parents, Beulah and Thomas Sturm preceded him in death as did his former wife, Patricia.
Family and friends will gather at Bradford Hall, Carolina Preserve, 115 Allforth Place, Cary, NC, Wednesday, March 2, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Paul's life will be celebrated Thursday, March 3, at 11 a.m., at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church, 200 High Meadow Dr., Cary, NC, followed by inurnment in the Kirk columbarium. In lieu of flowers you may care to donate to Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church, 200 High Meadow Dr., Cary, NC 27511, or to Hock Family Pavilion, 4023 Roxboro Rd., Durham, NC 27704.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Sturm
March 12, 2011
Sid and Loretta Hammond, Hickory, NC, send their condolences and love to the family of Paul Strum. He will surely be missed by all the lives he has touched. Paul will always be remembered in the many memories we hold near and dear to our hearts. May God apply His healing balm and wipe away all tears.
Louise Hawkins
March 9, 2011
He was a wonderful friend through Salem High School and always a gentleman. We had a lot of good times together. Helen you have been so good for Paul and know both of you were very happy through it all. He will be missed. So glad I got to visit you in Cary in 2009. Love, Louise
March 1, 2011
May the memories of all you shared with Paul comfort you at this very difficult time. It's apparent Paul was a very extraordinary man. Please know you are in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy.
Ana & John Trent
Cary, NC
Cindy, Mark, Stephanie and Christopher Amatuzzo
March 1, 2011
Our thoughts and prayer are with you at this time. Paul was a wonderful man and lived a full life. Please feel our hugs to you from far away.
Joseph Uncle Tom
March 1, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Joseph Wood Uncle Tom
February 28, 2011
May your hearts be filled with all the wonderful memories that you were able to have and share with this fine gentleman.He was a true brother, husband and parent who fought a hard battle with his illness. Make this a celebration of love for his life.
Uncle Tom, Rich and Jennifer,Michael and Tania, Jeff and Megan, and Jeff and Tonya.
Sue, Ken, Kenny, Laura and Stew
February 28, 2011
We offer our condolences on the death of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. He sounded like an extraordinary man who accomplished so much in his life and fought hard through his illness. With love
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