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.
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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