John P. Paulin

John P. Paulin "Captain" Passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on Nov 15, 2009 at the age of 89. John was preceded in death by his loving wife Helen with who he had been married to for 62 years. John was the loving son of the late, Agnes and Matthew Paulin who had immigrated from Austria and Holland. John is preceded in death by his older brother Francis Paulin, a WWII vet who had served with Patton's Army in Europe, his two sisters Catherine and Amelia. John was the loved father of Thomas J. Paulin, loving brother of George and Harry Paulin and sister in law Hugette Paulin. John was also the beloved grandfather of Jacqueline and Michael Paulin with whom he adored. John was born and raised in San Francisco and was considered a "true native San Franciscan" graduating from Mission High School. John enlisted into the U. S. Navy during World War II, where he was assigned to a PBY-5A "Black Cat Squadron" in the Pacific Theater of War. While serving his country in the war, John later met and married his "war time bride" Helen, who was a native San Franciscan and a graduate from the University of Berkeley. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, John joined the San Francisco Fire Department where he worked for the next 33 years. John held the rank of Lieutenant and eventually promoted to Captain retiring in 1978. During and after his retirement at the San Francisco Fire Department, John embarked in the collection restoration of Studebaker Hawks, most notability his 1960 Silver Hawk. After retirement John spent years volunteering his time assisting in the restoration of the USS Pampanito located at Pier #45 in San Francisco. John was able to lend his invaluable craftsmanship and knowledge to the restoration of this floating monument. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the doctors, nurses and ministry of the Sequoia Hospital for their assisting of John's care. Though the internment for John will be private at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, a celebration of life will take place at Saint Brendan's Parish on November the 20th, 2009 at 10:00 AM. Saint Brendan's is located at 29 Rockaway Ave, San Francisco, CA.