Paul William DeMello

Paul DeMello, 71, of Nipomo passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 13, 2012, in Scottsdale, Ariz., with his wife and sister by his side. He was proud to have been a 33-month survivor of pancreatic cancer, but he died from the cure. The long term effects of treatment had taken its toll on his body. His spirit and attitude never wavered. Paul was born in September 1940 to Ted and Dorothy Frechette of New Bedford, Mass. In the early 1950s, Paul and his sister moved to Southern California with their mother, Dorothy and step-father, Frank DeMello. After a tour of duty with the U.S. Army, Paul joined the Torrance Fire Department in 1962, where he remained until he retired as Captain in 1994. Paul often commented on how fortunate he was to have had a job he loved doing for his entire working career. He formed lifelong friendships with many of his fellow firefighter brothers and their families. In 1969, Paul married Patti Fowler. Their happiness expanded in 1971 with the birth of their son, Scott William. The family enjoyed many years of water skiing, camping and traveling in their RV. Paul and Scott often enjoyed ran together, which kept them in great shape so they could enjoy Patti''s fabulous home cooked meals and baked goods. In retirement, Paul and Patti had hoped to do more RV traveling within the states, but it was not to be. Paul lovingly cared for Patti until her death from ovarian cancer. They had been happily married nearly 30 years. Paul was an avid car guy his entire life. Over the last 55 years, he had owned, maintained, built, and /or restored at least 60 cars, having won many top awards. He was often the "answer man" to go to when fellow car enthusiasts had questions about how to approach a project. He was always willing to help in any way he could. One fact is for certain - there must be cars in Heaven or Paul would never have left! In 1997, Paul relocated to Grover Beach, when he married Diann Fischer. The same year his son, Scott, and his bride, Nicole, moved to the area also. For almost 16 years, Paul was truly a "happy camper." He had his wife, family and many friends by his side, and he was retired and had cars to play with in his backyard shop in Nipomo. He was very content to stay right here in "paradise." Even his favorite campground, Jalama Beach, was close to home. He didn't think life could be any better. Then he became a grandpa - and life was perfect. The family is very grateful to local doctors Brian DiCarlo, Case Ketting, David Ruiz and Howard Hayashi; and Drs. Adyr Moss and David Douglas at The Mayo Clinic in Arizona for their care and compassion. We thank them for the gift of quality time to make more memories with Paul. We treasured every moment with him, as he did with us. Paul will be forever missed by his devoted wife, Diann; loving son and ''daughter,'' Scott and Nicole of Nipomo; and grandchildren Lillian, Emmalie and Tyler. Paul said throughout his illness, his grandkids were his "spirit boosters." He is also survived by his sister, Pauline "Penny;" niece, Amy; nephew, Dan; and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patti; both sets of parents Frank and Dorothy DeMello and Ted and Julie Frechette; and many dear friends. Paul asked that we have a happy gathering rather than a funeral, so that gathering will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012. Call 929-1666 for details. Donations may be made in Paul''s memory to the American Cancer Society Nipomo Relay for Life at www.relayforlife.org/nipomoca (click on "Paul''s Purple Posse," then click on ''donate to our team''); The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at (877) 272-6226 or www.pancan.org (click on donate now); or to The Mayo Clinic/AZ, Dept. of Development, for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 or (480) 301-8326.