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Paul Smith Obituary

Paul D. Smith P.E.

12/12/1923 - 05/04/2013


Paul, a resident of Greenbrae since 1974, was born in San Francisco to Paul D. and Margaret Grover Smith and raised in Piedmont. He graduated from Piedmont High School in January 1941 and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. Paul served in the European Theater of Operations during WWII as a Staff Sergeant and crash rescue firefighter and was honorably discharged in 1945.


Paul graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Engineering and practiced as a licensed professional engineer specializing in fire and life safety. He was a life member in the National Fire Protection Association and served on the committees that developed fire sprinkler criteria. Additionally, Paul served the Kentfield Fire District as a Director from 1980 until 2003.


Paul's varied interests included traditional New Orleans Jazz, dancing, inter-urban trains and steam locomotives. His photographs depicting early train transportation around the Bay Area in the 1920's and 1930's are widely published. Paul volunteered countless hours with the Boy Scouts of America, St Sebastian's Church choir and the Western Railway Museum.


Paul, a devout Catholic, is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen, with whom he raised seven children; Paul (Mary Ann); Brian (Traci); Sarah Jane Savage; Stuart (Dru); Daniel; Mary Ellen Wendt (Marc). He was predeceased by his son Mark (Maria) in 1999. He also leaves ten grandchildren.


Funeral Mass to be held at 10:30 Wednesday, May 8 at Saint Sebastian Catholic Church, Greenbrae. Internment at Cypress Lawn will be private.


Service entrusted to: Monte's Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 6 to May 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Smith

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James L. Erbrecht

April 30, 2023

Will never forget Uncle Paul. Jim

May 23, 2013

We are very sorry to hear about Paul. Our condolences and love to the family.

Bob and Kathy Joplin

Pat (Joplin) Whitman

May 22, 2013

so sorry to learn of Paul's passing.He was a remarkable man who will be missed. My thoughts,prayers,love and gentle hugs to Helen and the family

May 11, 2013

Please accept our sincere condolences,

The Peter J. Migale Family

Tom Odetto Sr.

May 11, 2013

Dear Chief Paul, Rachel and I were sorry to hear about your Dad. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but children are the reflection of their parents. Because of your integrity, I know that your Dad was a good man. You are in our prayers. Tom and Rachel Odetto.

Randy and Carla Dale

May 8, 2013

We are so very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed meeting Paul when he came to Oregon to visit Sarah Jane. Blessings to your family.

Hugh ODonnell

May 8, 2013

Paul brought many smiles to us in the SF Starlight Orchestra during the Tiburon days. Always a generous supporter of many bands. I recall one of his requests was Midnight Rose. At break, we'd chat at the side door as he enjoyed a cigarette, maybe a shot of Irish Whisky. Here's to you Paul, see you at the next Dance!
Hugh ODonnell

Jon Draper

May 7, 2013

Sometime after the sadness, I would love to view Paul's photos of trains. I bet they are special.

James Erbrecht

May 7, 2013

Living in Pennsylvania I did not get to visit with Uncle Paul often enough, but I learned to like and respect him dearly. I will miss him and remember him forever. Deep sympathy and best wishes to Aunt Helen and her family from Carolyn and I. Love, Jim

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Monte's Chapel Of The Hills

330 Red Hill Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960

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