SFC Michael T. Paguia, Army (Ret.)

SFC Michael T. Paguia, U.S. Army (Retired), of Ashburn, VA, died peacefully on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, with loved ones holding his hands.

Born on August 3, 1940, on the beautiful island of Lanai, Hawaii, Mike relocated to California in the early 1950's, where he graduated from Delano High School and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to Heidelberg, Germany. He soon met and married Ingrid in 1961, started a family and was deployed to Vietnam in 1967. After 22 years of distinguished military service, Mike retired in August 1981 as a Personnel Senior Sergeant from the 7th Medical Command in Heidelberg, Germany.

Mike received numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Service Bars (2), and Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Mike was awarded the Expert Qualification Badge for his marksmanship with the M-14 rifle.

Mike soon worked at the Heidelberg Military Morale Sports Branch, as a leading figure involved in organizing and promoting volleyball within USAREUR (United States Army Europe). After graduating from the Schonek Sport School for volleyball in Germany in 1978, he became the U.S. Army Europe Regional Volleyball Commissioner in July 1980. As a USVBA Certified Referee, Mike officiated many tournaments. As a three-time All-Army Volleyball selectee, Mike served as the junior varsity volunteer coach and assistant varsity coach for the Heidelberg American High School girls’ powerhouse volleyball program from 1979 to 1987. In addition, he coached Military Community teams and other men’s and women’s teams in the German leagues.

Mike was a gifted athlete and although he was known as “Mr. Volleyball,” he delighted the German basketball community with his quick left-handed dunks, stealth passing, and ballhandling skills.

Mike also loved fishing and was a member of the Sandhausen Fishing Club where he shared Island fishing techniques. He was an avid stamp and coin collector which he learned from his older brother, Samson who co-founded the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatics (PAN) in 1978. Politics interested him as well and he later supported politicians at the federal, state and local level. Mike also was a member of the American Legion Post GR03.

Privately, Mike was a gifted musician who played the ukulele and electric organ and sang and cooed just like Frank Sinatra and Johnny Mathis. As the second youngest of eleven siblings, Mike was surrounded by musical talent and endless family gatherings. For many years, he sang in the Sandhausen Germania Choir, until 2012 when he left Heidelberg after almost forty years to receive specialized care at Walter Reed Medical Center near his adult children and grandchildren in Ashburn, VA.

As a Vietnam veteran exposed to Agent Orange – a potent herbicide used for vegetation removal – Mike opted not to pursue VA disability benefits out of respect for his fallen comrades. In 2005, Mike began a two-decade life-threatening battle with disseminated coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever or Desert Rheumatism. Misdiagnosed for two years, Mike persevered under the care of military physicians at Landstuhl and Walter Reed who called him “a true warrior and an anomaly” while also commending his self-care. Homeland Security identified this fungal spore as a potential bioweapon, and its misuse is a federal crime. Mike’s family hopes his story will highlight the need for greater awareness and accurate diagnosis of this often-overlooked debilitating and cureless condition prevalent in the southwestern United States and California.

In 2012, Mike moved to Wingler House in Ashburn, VA. Despite health issues, he was an active member of the 55+ community, helping with food deliveries, events, transportation, snow removal, and assisting residents. He also won a local poker tournament highlighted in the news. Throughout his 13 years at Wingler House, he developed meaningful relationships and remained consistently engaged incommunity activities.

Mike, affectionately referred to as “Opa” by his grandchildren, was a devoted grandfather who consistently provided guidance and support. His presence at their events was unwavering. Opa will be remembered for his reliability, infectious laughter, generosity, and wonderful hugs.

Mike was raised in the Catholic tradition and served as an altar boy. After his service in Vietnam, he stepped away from his faith but returned several years ago, finding “supernatural comfort” through praying the Rosary. He passed peacefully on Good Friday after receiving the sacrament of anointing with virgin Chrism oil and was remembered at Mass “… for the faithful departed Michael Paguia and PopeFrancis.”

Mike is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ingrid Paguia; their son, Steven Paguia and daughter, Sandra Paguia-Gomes (Mike); five grandchildren: Samantha, Matteus, Madeline, Chris (Mallory), and Ryan; four great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Remedios (Tomas) Paguia and Manuel Toyrosa Paguia; sisters Bea Montanio and Remi Feria; and brothers Tommy, Henry, Ted, Manuel, Andy, Samuel, Samson, and Richard. As the last of eleven siblings, he reunites with his family, likely singing, fishing, and “talking story.”

Mike’s infectious laugh, devotion to family and humble service to others, will be cherished and missed by all.

Rest well warrior, love and aloha, always.

Mike will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors on September 4th, 2025. A military funeral service will begin at 2:45 PM at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer. Aloha attire is welcome.

For anyone planning to attend Mike's service, please make note of the following information:

All guests should plan to arrive one hour early with a valid Real ID, military ID, or passport in order to gain access to Fort Myer via the Hatfield Gate off of 2nd Street South in Arlington.

For those wishing to apply for base access online, please visit: https://pass.aie.army.mil/steps/terms_of_use (must be submitted no earlier than Monday, August 25).

All attendees must arrange for their own transportation for the duration of the service, as the procession from the Old Post Chapel to the graveside will take place in vehicles. 

Donations in his memory may be made to the AMVETS National Service Foundation, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706 (1-800-810-7148). You may place an online donation by selecting the Memorial Donation tab on the left-hand side of this page.