Paul A. Cabral

Paul Cabral, aged 83, went home to be with the Lord on January 4, 2026. Born on December 4, 1942, in Somerville, Massachusetts, Paul entered the world as the beloved first son of Augustus Joseph Cabral and Helen Cecelia (Kelleher) Cabral. From the beginning he carried a quiet strength, a sharp mind, and a heart that would one day anchor a large family. Paul was married to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Donna Cabral, for 61 years. Together they raised three children, and Paul is survived by two of them: Susan Cabral and Christina Cordonnier (husband Les); He was the proud grandpa of eight grandchildren, Sarah (husband - Brandt), Robert (life partner - Erika), Daniel, Autumn (husband - Clarence), Cassie, Catrina, Paul, and Kathryn; the delighted great-grandpa of JR, Leiannah, Blake, Lucas, Skyla, Clarence, and Aurora. He also leaves behind bonus grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends that became family along the way. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his son David; siblings Frank and Alice; sister-n-laws Sandi and Maria; niece Lori. We take comfort in knowing that their reunion was something to behold. 

At 18, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a lifetime of service marked by integrity, courage, and a deep sense of duty. With Donna and the children faithfully by his side, he served around the world for 22 years, earning numerous honors including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Accommodation Medal, and the Air Force Accommodation Medal. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, though “retired” was hardly the right word for what came next. Paul went on to serve an additional 35 years with the Department of Defense, ultimately retiring from the Senior Executive Service. His leadership and commitment were recognized by many awards, including the Business Leadership Across the Community Presidential Award – Senior Executive Service for his contributions during pivotal national moments. He received one Presidential award under President Bush in 2003 for his service during 9/11, and another under President Obama in 2010. He also received the 2016 Director of National Intelligence – President’s Cabinet: National Intelligence Superior Service Medal, and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award - in 1993. 

Along the way, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree from the Carlisle Army War College. He even authored a white paper proposing a solution to the ever-controversial Social Security Funds issue because Paul never shied away from a challenge. If you asked Paul what his hobbies were, he’d likely chuckle and say he didn’t have much time for them. He was too busy serving others, fixing what needed fixing, and making sure everyone around him was taken care of. Still in retirement he developed a passion for ancestry research, uncovering stories of the past with the same curiosity he brought to everything else. He adored dogs, every dog, everywhere, and was known to keep treats in his pocket just in case he met a furry friend. He enjoyed old westerns, various British TV series, and, of course, sports. He loved baseball, basketball, and football, and he proudly joined his grandchildren in fantasy football, even in his final season. Many will remember him as an uncannily accurate predictor of both sports outcomes and political events. 

Paul was also known for always having something to share whether it was a story, a joke, or a “can’t miss” deal he’d found on absolutely anything. If there was a bargain nearby, Paul had already found it. He was a busy bee by nature, forever in motion, forever helping, forever planning the next thing—and he genuinely loved every minute of the hustle. One of Paul’s greatest joys was the annual family reunion. Each year, he and Donna sponsored a weeklong vacation for the entire family, often 35 to 40 people strong. Paul would stay up all night 13 months in advance calling Wyndham to reserve the exact number of cottages and condos needed. North Myrtle Beach became the family’s beloved gathering place, and Paul’s name is now honored on a plaque in the Wyndham North Myrtle Beach Veteran Garden. Paul lived many roles as son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, veteran, leader, mentor, and friend. In each one, he gave fully, loved deeply, and served faithfully. 

The world has lost a mighty man, but heaven has gained a devoted soul. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the example he set for all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30AM on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Brandenburg & Stein Funeral Parlor, 3045 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA. A viewing will be held two hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow with military honors at Mt Olivet Cemetery, 725 Baltimore Street, Hanover, PA.