Harry Richard Paul

Harry Richard Paul, 89 passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Fresno Veterans Affairs Community Living Facility on January 16, 2025. Harry is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Dorothy, daughter Marilyn Paul, son-in-law Curtis Mauroner, his parents, and sister Harriet Boghosian.

Harry was born in Fresno, California on January 8, 1936 to Levan (Leo) and Lola Paul. He attended West Park Elementary, and Washington Union High School where he graduated in 1954. Following graduation, Harry enlisted in the U.S Army, and served with the 35th Engineer Combat Battalion in Kitzingen, Germany as part of the Occupational Forces, during the time of the Korean Conflict. Following his military service, he accepted a position on Wake Island with Trans-Oceanic Airlines, before returning to California. We grew up hearing about his adventures there. He had great reverence for his country, and loved playing music, specifically the flute and piccolo. Those loves translated to serving Veterans in various organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Association of the United States Army (Past President), served on the Fresno Veterans Day Parade Board of Directors for many years, and was a founding member of the Sounds of Freedom Military Concert Band, with which he performed and conducted on occasion.

Harry grew up on a poultry ranch in in Fresno County, California, and continued farming on and off for about 30 years while otherwise employed primarily in building product sales, mostly with windows, working until approximately seven months before his death.

He was a tireless supporter of his kids, serving as a 4-H leader, school committees, and many other organizations. He never missed his sons’ football games or wrestling matches, and rarely missed watching their football practices, while in his spare time carting them to horse shows, parades, and various lessons.

He is survived by his daughter Minute Celeste Mauroner, son Martin Scott Paul and daughter-in-law Barbara, son Jason Paul and daughter-in-law Marie, son Jeff Paul, daughter-in-law Kary, grandchildren Bryan Mauroner, Nicole Nguyen-The, Jonathan Paul, Samantha Paul, Trevor Paul, Andrew Paul, Hannah Paul, Timothy Paul, great-grandchildren Bowen Mauroner, and Ava Nguyen-The.

Visitation for Harry will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns, & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E. Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM, also at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns, & Blair Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at Ararat Armenian Cemetery, 1925 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728.

After the graveside service, a lunch reception will be held at American Legion Post 509, 3509 N. First Street, Fresno, California 93726.

Our family wishes to thank the Fresno Veterans Affairs Community Living Facility staff for their love and care for all Veterans and especially for their care for dad. We would also like to thank all those friends and family who have reached out to him and to us with prayers, encouragement, and love. We will never forget.

Family and friends are invited to view Harry’s legacy at www.whitehurstsullivan.com and write condolences.

Donations may be made to the Association of the United States Army in Harry’s memory.