Paul Stivala

On September 15th 2022 Paul Stivala passed away peacefully at his home in Palo Alto surrounded by his loving family. He lived a happy and fulfilling 98 years.

Paul was born on the island of Malta to Joseph and Marianna Stivala. He served in the Maltese army throughout the war and came to America in1947 where he met his future wife Betty. On Feb 3rd 1951 they married at Church of the Nativity, Menlo Park.

They had 5 children together: Mary, Paul, Jean, Bob and Steve.

Paul worked at the Serta mattress factory in San Francisco and made his way up to a management position. He remained in that job for 30 years until he was 56 years old. From then on he continued to pursue his hobbies including building an addition to his beach home in Santa Cruz, planting his vegetable garden every year, attending daily mass and being a Eucharistic minister for several years at St Thomas. He loved going on walks in both Santa Cruz and Palo Alto and taking Betty to lunch at various restaurants with Osteria being a favorite. He was a thoughtful, generous and devoted husband and father who found deep fulfillment in his family and his faith. He was admired, respected and loved by all who knew him.

Paul is preceeded in death by his parents Joseph and Marianna, his wife Betty, daughter Mary and siblings Carmen Schembri and Frances Galea.

Paul is survived by his children: Paul, Jean (Dan), Bob (Krista), and Steve, and his grandchildren: Jeff (Jackie), Greg, Kerry, Kimberly, Tommy, Kevin, Alison and Annie along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held at Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025 on Thursday January 12th at 1pm.