Paul D. Trombley's Obituary
Paul Trombley, ever the brave warrior, fought fiercely yet somehow peacefully in his battle with cancer. He passed away quietly in his sleep on February 27, 2016 after a wonderful celebration with family and friends honoring his nine years strong in sobriety with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous. Paul was born in Champagne-Urbana Illinois to Lawrence and Linda Trombley on May 18, 1961. He loved sports and knew early he would serve his country on the ocean, serving first as a local Sea Scout Explorer in Pittsburg, Calif. After graduating from Ygnacio Valley High School in 1979, Paul then joined the United States Navy on September 1, 1979. He served his country for 24 years, serving mostly on nuclear and fast attack submarines and the Deep Submergence Unit. He retired from the Navy in 2003 as a Chief Petty Officer with highest honors. In 2007 Paul embraced two landmark transitions in his life. He embraced sobriety and became an active and proud member of AA. Over time he became a beacon of light showing the way for others on their path to recovery. His favorite saying to newcomers was “You feel that sense of impending doom? You know what that is? It’s impending doom! Now what are you going to do about it?” It was also in 2007 that he was offered and accepted a position with Magpie Enterprises Inc. as their facilities manager and facilities safety officer, essentially doing the same work he engaged in with the Navy, but in the private sector. Upon learning of his illness, Paul reluctantly retired from his position last January. Paul had many interests and proved good at everything he tackled. As he would say, he was a “been there, done that kind of guy.” From SCUBA diving and packing horses into mountains for fishing trips, to ocean kayaking with Orca, his adventures were numerous. Eventually he developed a passion for horology, focusing much of his time on fixing pocket watches. He leaves behind many people who will always love him. People who, over the last few weeks and months tried to put on brave faces and bring him the sunshine, rainbows, unicorns, and laughs he requested. Remember his service to our country. Remember his wise words teaching us to find our right paths and helping us make right choices. Honor him by remembering his sense of humor, his love for his family, friends and every animal he ever met. Remember the good times and fun memories. Remember the many laughs we have each had with him. Keep his memory alive by telling stories about him and telling the jokes he told us. Remember to pass forward his wise words to others in need. He was, and forever will be, a man well-loved and revered.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?