Paul F. Lombardi

1938 - 2016

LOMBARDI, Paul F. Paul F Lombardi, 77, of Atlanta, Georgia died at home on Friday January 22, 2016 after an eleven month battle with brain cancer. His loving wife, Mary Lynn, was by his side. Paul was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on October 25, 1938. He spent his childhood years in Rome, Georgia and graduated cum laude from Darlington School. Starting at an early age, Paul excelled academically and displayed a passion for classical music. He attended The University of Notre Dame and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He also served as Treasurer of the Senior Class and was a member of the marching band for four years. He completed his Master of Business Administration with honors, Beta Gamma Sigma and Beta Alpha Psi, from Indiana University. Paul also worked there as a college instructor during his Masters program. He served six years in the United States Army & Reserve. Paul always had admiration and gratitude for all those who served in our military. Paul's business career began at Arthur Andersen & Co. After ten years as a CPA and consultant, he chose to pursue a new direction in business. He was the Senior Vice President at Sands & Company, CEO of Resort Designs in Charleston, South Carolina, CEO of Norcom, and CEO of Premier Pharmacy. In 1995, he was the Chairman and Director of Office Images, where he dutifully worked until his cancer surfaced. Throughout his career, he served on The Board of Directors for The Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and was President of the Northwest Area Council, Board of Directors and Officer for the Georgia Society of CPA's and was an honorary 40-year member of AICPA, Board of Directors at The Financial Executives Institute, Board of Directors at Atlanta Country Club, Vistage CEO member, and the Finance Committee at The Cathedral of Christ the King under Monsignor McDonough. Paul was an avid tennis player, reaching the national championship level with his doubles team from Atlanta Country Club. He was an Italian aficionado with a passion for food and an appreciation of wine. Paul enjoyed sharing these most with his friends and family. Described by those who met him once, or knew him for years, Paul was a consummate gentleman. He lead by example, ever patient, kind, and optimistic. His leadership and accomplishments in business were an important facet of his life, but his true devotion was his faith and family. You could hear the enthusiasm in his voice and see the pride on his face, smiling as he shared stories about his children and grandchildren. Happiness in Paul's eyes was being surrounded by family, as a husband, father, and grandfather. Paul was the sole survivor in a tragic car accident that took the life of his first wife and their two young children. After time spent in hospitals and physical therapy, he recovered. Paul, stayed true to his character and faith despite such adversity. He married his beloved, Mary Lynn. She brought love, admiration, and laughter to his life for 42 years. Mary Lynn, and his two daughters, Julie and Lilli, were blessings that he treasured. Paul's love and appreciation for family and tradition multiplied when he became a grandfather to Dean and Gemma. They radiated a new type of happiness and warmth. He was blessed to meet and hold his newest granddaughter, Ava, on Christmas day. The promise of his third grandchild kept his spirit alive at the end of his life. Paul will be remembered as a gracious husband, father, and grandfather. He lived a Catholic life with integrity, honesty, and generosity with a faith that never faltered. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn Lombardi; his daughters Julie Lombardi Mellon and Lillianna Lombardi Thompson; brother, Patrick Joseph Lombardi; grand- children, Dean Paul Mellon, Gemma Elizabeth Mellon, and Ava Lynn Thompson; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held at 11am, Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4465 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327 In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Paul's name to Marist School (www.marist.com) 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30319 or The Third Option Foundation which provides immediate post-casualty care and support to the special operations community and their families, Rollins and Associates PC, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326 Attn: Third Option Foundation