Paul Torno

Paul Torno, 84, of Grinnell, died on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Mayflower Community Health Care Center in Grinnell and under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
A private family graveside service will be held at New Virginia Cemetery in New Virginia, Iowa with Pastor Wendy Abrahamson, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Grinnell, officiating.
Memorials may be designated to the Mayflower Community Human Needs Fund and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Paul's family online at www.smithfh.com.
Paul Sherrard Torno was born January 6, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri to Laurent Torno and Jane (Crawford) Torno. He was raised in St. Louis, where his lifelong commitment to learning, service, and integrity first took root.
Paul graduated from Grinnell College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Iowa. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force, a period of his life he carried with quiet pride.
On October 20, 1962, Paul married Sharon Jean Hasekamp in St. Louis, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, resilience, and deep affection.
Paul dedicated more than 30 years of his life to serving students and families as a counselor and swimming coach in the Bainbridge Island School District in Washington state. His impact extended far beyond the walls of the school-he was deeply involved with NISCA (National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association) and played an important role in supporting and advancing high school swimming throughout Washington.
After retiring, Paul served as an active firefighter and volunteer with the U.S. Forest Service in New Mexico. His commitment to helping others never faded.
Paul found joy in swimming, coaching, counseling, sports, handyman projects, and cooking. He approached each of these passions with the same steady dedication that defined his life.
He will be remembered for his honesty, his unwavering work ethic, and above all, for being a truly good man-the kind of person who made the world better through quiet acts of service, kindness, and integrity.
Paul is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon Torno of Grinnell; his brothers, Laurent and Harry Torno; his nieces, Patty and Lynn Torno. He was preceded in death by his parents.