Paul S. Nau

Paul Samuel Nau, long-time resident of Pacific Beach, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Nazareth House on November 24, 2017, at the age of 100. Paul’s kind, generous and loving nature made him admired and respected by all who knew him.

Paul was born in the town of Akron OH on November 7 1917, to Richard and Ethel (Biddle) Nau. When Paul was still a young boy his father purchased a dairy farm on the outskirts of Akron and established his own business. In a short time there were four children: Paul, Helen, Lucy, and Robert. Paul rose early to milk cows, feed chickens, and help his dad on the morning dairy route. After graduating Randolph High School in 1935, Paul got a job at the Dime Bank of Akron as a teller while attending the local community college.

Shortly after the outbreak of World War II, Paul joined the Army as an enlisted man, and after basic training at Fort Lejeune North Carolina was ordered to duty at Camp Callan in San Diego. Paul applied to Officer Candidate School and after successful completion was promoted to the officer ranks. Not long after arriving in town Paul met a beautiful young woman Marine named Erika Schwager and they were soon married in June 1944. Paul was sent to the Asia-Pacific Theater as a member of the 779th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, where he saw duty in the follow-up to the successful Marine occupation of the Ryukyu Islands. Paul transitioned from active duty with the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1946 and joined the US Army Reserve shortly thereafter, serving over thirty years before retiring from military service in 1977.

Following the war Paul and Erika decided to settle in San Diego, purchasing a small home in the brand new development of Pacific Beach. Two years and three children later, the couple designed and built a roomier home close by. With more children added to the household, Paul and Erika purchased a lot on Academy Street in the foothills of Pacific Beach, and built their custom-designed dream home there in 1959. Paul took night courses in Real Estate and after receiving his Appraiser Certification went to work at Imperial Savings and Loan, where he quickly was promoted to head of the Appraisal Department. Paul retired from Central Federal Savings and Loan in 1985, and he and his wife were able to enjoy many years of retirement, travelling the country, tending their beloved gardens, and entertaining children and grand-children. After his wife's passing in 2000, Paul continued to enjoy an active life-style, most mornings walking the three miles between St. Brigid's and home, nurturing his garden, and spending time with neighbors, family and friends. He was fortunate to be able to stay in his home until the age of 96, when he moved to the Wesley Palms retirement community.

Paul became a member of St. Brigid's Catholic Parish in 1948 and joined the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus shortly thereafter. A dedicated parishoner, Paul was a daily presence, attending Mass, acting as Usher, and helping the parish with fund-raising activities. He retired from KofC in 20XX.

Paul is survived by his younger brother Robert; four sons: Philip (Mary), Gregory (Geri), Stephen (Debbie), and Christopher; one daughter: Tracy (Mike) Ozaki; seven grand-children; and one great-grandchild.

Rosary will be held at 10:30am Tuesday, December 12 followed by Mass at 11am at St. Brigid's Catholic Church in Pacific Beach. There will be a reception at the church immediately following Mass. Internment will be at 10:30am Wednesday, December 13 at Fort Rosecrans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Father Joe's Village.