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Paul Rotondaro Obituary
September 29, 1983-October 2, 2019
Fire Captain, Paul Vincent Rotondaro, from the CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU), was killed on duty early Wednesday, October 2nd, in a head-on collision while driving from Gustine Fire Station to Usona Fire Station.
Paul began his career as a Firefighter 1 with CAL FIRE at Ahwahnee Firestation in MMU in 2006. He promoted to a Firefighter II in Merced Division in MMU in 2011. In 2012 he promoted to LT Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) in MMU then transferred to the Riverside Unit as a permanent FAE in 2015. Paul promoted to an LT Fire Captain in MMU in 2016 and shortly after became a permanent Fire Captain where he was currently assigned.
Paul is survived by the love of his life, Jennifer, his daugher, Kiersten (13 years old) and his son Wyatt Dune (16 months old), his father, Vincent Rotondaro, his parents, Michael and Toni McMillin, his brothers, Kirk (Megan), Kyle (Garyn), and Chase (Kiah), his sister, Shannon Dunch (Jeffrey), his grandparents Tom and Catherine Shippey, his adorable goddaughter Emma Wortman, numerous loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and his family of firefighters.
Paul was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed camping, off-road everything, boating, sand, sand, and more sand, and many more outdoor activies. He loved to read and shared books with his Granddaddy.
He grew up in Merced, CA and is an alumni of Our Lady of Mercy School and Golden Valley High School. He served and trained his siblings as altar servers for St. Patrick's parish.
In High School he was active in FFA. For small engines he placed 1st in the state on his judging team and played high school football as an offensive lineman for the G. V. Cougars. He then graduated from Merced JC with an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science. He was currently working on his bachelors degree. He was always motivated to improve his knowledge for himself and for his family.
Working for the fire department, Paul involved himself in many things. Paul actively was a part of the Type 1 Hazardous Materials team in Merced several years. He was on Cal Fire Incident Management Team 3 in the Finance Section. He was a member of the Merced County Type 2 Rescue team. He oversaw radio tech issues for all of Merced County Fire Department and he had worked as part of the Aircraft Fire Rescue team at Castle Airport.
A viewing for Captain Paul will be held at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 9th from 6:00- 9:00 PM.
The Mass for Paul will be held on Thursday, October 10 at 10:00 am. at St. Patrick's Church, 671 E Yosemite Ave. Merced. Reception to follow.
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Rotondaro
October 15, 2019
God bless you Paul.
Livingston Volunteer Fire Company
October 11, 2019
The Fire Service has lost a brother and we grieve with all of them. It was a pleasure to work with Paul his few shifts at Livingston station.
May he rest easy until we join him after our last call.
Janet West
October 10, 2019
I had the privilege of knowing Paul for just a short time. Paul was a joy to know. He was a good man and loved his family. Will always remember his smile. It's sad that Paul was taken so early from this life, but know that Heaven has gained another Angel. My prayers and thoughts go out to his wife and children, his parents and siblings.
Ramon Salinas
October 9, 2019
Paul was a great friend. When I found out of his passing I was sadden that this world lost a good man. I knew Paul from high school football, he was giant that could move mountains but also a joker that could make you laugh. Rest in Peace my friend, you will be missed.
Denise Wigington
October 9, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless your family.
Denise @ M.G Commodities.
October 8, 2019
Rest easy brother, I miss you and you will always be remembered by your CF family. See you again one day my friend.
Maria Hannah
October 8, 2019
Paul was just the nicest person to know. Everytime he was in Home Depot he always said "How are you Mrs. Hannah " and we always shook hands. I'm sure going to miss that. R.I.P Paul
Roger Johnson
October 8, 2019
I had the pleasure to coach Paul at Golden Valley High School. I truly enjoyed him in every way and from what I hear it is evident that he has not changed. He was a wonderful person to be around and truly had a positive outlook on what he did and it rubbed off on those around him. There was no way you could deny Paul your trust
and friendship. I regret not being around him more in the 18 years since I coached him. I am truly sorry for the family and I want to express my deepest condolences for their loss.
Sandy Carson
October 8, 2019
There are no words that can say how much we will miss you. Love you foreverā¤
Ellisa Naumann
October 8, 2019
Dear Toni, my prayers and condolences to you, the family, friends, and Paul's co-workers.
Tim and Amy Whitfield
October 7, 2019
Paul is a great guy. As a fellow O-Lineman, FFA Officer and MC Ag Ambassador, not to mention a great dancer at high school dances, lol, he was always larger than life. Although life happened and we grew apart, we often laughed about a memory involving Paul. God needed another angel last Wednesday and I know Paul will approach that job like he has lived here on this earth; full of dedication, service and love. We send our love and prayers to Jennifer, Toni, Mike, Vincent, Kiersten, Wyatt, Emma and all the rest of the beautiful people that Paul's life has been a part of. He is one of the greats.
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