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Paul de Senna Obituary
June 15,1943 - July 4, 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Paul Fernando de Senna announces his sudden passing on July 4, 2018 after watching a fireworks display with Mary and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Collins, their son, Brian, and his sisters, Roberta (Jim) and Olivia, his nephews (Mark, Alain) and nieces (Jonna, Maria) and great nephew (Kavi) and great nieces (Sabina, Zella, Addis). Paul was dearly loved by his brothers-in–law, Bob Collins (Debbie), Mike (Sally) and Dan (Laura) and their children. Mary and Paul enjoyed 47 years of a very happy marriage. Paul was predeceased by his cherished parents, Bernardino Victor and Geraldine Maria de Senna.Paul graduated from St. Ignatius HS in 1961. After graduating from USF in 1966, Paul continued his studies and earned a MS in Mathematics from USF. He began his career in the aerospace industry with Mellonics in Sunnyvale and retired from L3 Communications. In between Paul had a group of excellent colleagues that worked at SDC, Unisys, Paramax, Loral, LM and finally L-3 for 35 years. Paul was a pioneer in satellite telemetry and was a key contributor to the technical progress in the early years of space exploration that is today the cornerstone of our National Security.
For over 30 years Paul volunteered his time and talents to youth soccer refereeing programs in Burlingame. He coached his son, Brian's team for a number of years as well as refereed. Paul also was actively involved in Brian's cub scout program. He was on the board of directors of AYSO from 1986 to 1997 holding many jobs including Division Coordinator, Chief Referee, Administrator and Tournament Director. In 1997, he was recognized for his work, and was awarded Volunteer of the Year. Paul was refereeing before 1986 and continued to referee through the 2017 season, a span of more than 30 years. With all his experience he preferred to referee the younger players helping them to better understand the game.
Paul was an extremely valuable member of the coaching staff of Burlingame High School. He was an assistant coach for the Girls Soccer Program, working with the Freshmen, Junior Varsity and Varsity teams. Whether it was setting up the fields or assisting the coaches, what made Paul stand out, was the time and energy he spent coaching and his concern for the young women in the program. Needless to say, Burlingame High School lost a valuable member of its family.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Paul's honor at Burlingame Recreation Center on Thursday, September 6, 2018 from 3-6 pm. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the Donor Network West (donornetworkwest.org.) or the American Heart Association
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul de Senna
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
Coach Paul
Roberta McLaughlin
November 27, 2018
At Red Lobster
Roberta McLaughlin
November 27, 2018
Enjoying a family visit
Roberta McLaughlin
November 27, 2018
With Mary at Halloween
Roberta McLaughlin
November 27, 2018
Uncle Paul at Christmas
Roberta McLaughlin
November 27, 2018
With Mary and son,Brian
November 27, 2018
The young golfer
November 27, 2018
Paul, mom, dad, Olivia, Roberta
November 27, 2018
With sister, Roberta
November 27, 2018
Baby Paul
November 27, 2018
Paul at 9 yrs
November 27, 2018
With girls high school team members
November 27, 2018
Warren Iwamura
November 26, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Paul. He is a wonderful gentle human being. I will remember him for his smile, laugh and exceptional kind spirit.
Bill Kimura
September 4, 2018
I was very sad to hear of Paul's passing. I worked with Paul for many years, played tennis with him, socialized together and best of all we were friends. Paul was a fine person, a gentleman in every way. My deepest sympathy to Mary and to the family.
Monique Perczynski
September 2, 2018
Paul has taught me so much in the past five years, he has pushed me to referee higher level games and was actually the person who convinced me to center my first game, at 11. I was very nervous and a little scared to be honest, but he supported me, encouraged me and he gave me pointers, making me feel a lot more comfortable and less nervous. I know that others feel the same way and that he has mentored many of today's current AYSO referees. When one of my best friends started refereeing I immediately said find a game with Paul as your first game. Paul was the kind of guy that was always there to help teach both as a referee and later as my assistant coach for high school soccer. He never stopped supporting me. As I became a coach he encouraged me and told me stories from when he had coached. There was a referee meeting where my dad was out of town and I had to walk home alone and he walked me home, even though it was an extra few blocks out of his way. He was such a giving person and I am so grateful to have known him. I also want to thank Mrs. DeSenna for sharing him with the soccer community which is so thankful for everything he's done.
Donna Colson
August 4, 2018
Paul was a wonderful coach and very kind and helpful to the girls. My daughters both enjoyed knowing him and playing on the BHS soccer teams when he coached. I loved seeing him in his red BHS soccer jacket at games. He will be missed. Thank you for this information about his life. The Colson Family
Lila Sutherlin
August 1, 2018
Mr. DeSenna was my coach last year for soccer. Even when I was struggling with fitting in to a new team his encouraging words helped me become a great team player. The most memorable thing about Mr. DeSenna was his smile; warming, kind, and comforting. I hope his memory and his accomplishments live on for many years to come.
Roberta McLaughlin
August 1, 2018
Paul was my younger brother. His sudden death was such a shock. Reading about the care he showed to others through his soccer coaching and patience with his work colleagues is comforting. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. I am sure it helps Mary and Brian too. We look forward to seeing you on September 6.
Roberta McLaughlin
July 31, 2018
Paul, thank you for your many kindnesses. You left too soon. RIP.
Don Poremsky
July 31, 2018
I've known Paul for many years back to SDC days. I have worked with and for Paul during those years. He was professional, patient, and intelligent, and one heck of a nice person. To take him at this early age God must have wanted him to be with Him.
Rest in peace Paul, Don Poremsky
Emma Ugrin
July 30, 2018
He was the kindest and most caring coach I have ever had. He never failed to put a smile on my face and he was always the first one at practice putting in his full effort and his whole heart into helping out us girls.
July 28, 2018
Sorry to hear Paul passed away. I did not know him personally but he was really nice as a referee for the kids and was a good role model for the kid refs
Mike & Paula Spenceley
July 24, 2018
Our condolences to Mary and Brian. We knew Paul from my SDC days and one could not know a nicer person. We shared some good times with Paul and Mary. He will be missed by many.
Fran McGinnis
July 23, 2018
I was sad to hear that Paul passed away. He was my boss at Unisys- Paramax- Loral- LM-L-3 Communications. He was the best package manager ever!
Cheryl and Michael Zertuchr and Ayala
July 22, 2018
I've only met paul a few times, but what a great man. I learned more about him through his son..
I'm so sorry for your suddent loss..
Bry, Mrs. deSenna of there is anything I can do to help please let me know..
Sincerely
Cheryl and Michael
And may God comfort you in during this time.
American Heart Association
July 18, 2018
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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