Paul Lewis Disterdick

Major Paul Lewis Disterdick

August 9th, 1918 – December 10th, 2016

Paul was the son of Caroline and Frank Disterdick in Erie, PA. He was the youngest of four children, and was predeceased by his three older sisters: Ruth, Myra and Alice. He is survived by two daughters: Patty Graf and Damian Carole Disterdick.

Paul was a man who lived and loved life to its fullest. Growing up, he always knew what he wanted and went for it; no matter how challenging and difficult almost it may have seemed, he had the intelligence, courage and drive to pursue his wishes. It seemed that Paul was always able to find a simple solution to any problem. He was a compassionate and gentle man, never raising his voice and never judging or belittling anyone, yet he was honest and did not compromise his own values. Paul was very religious and was a greeter for his Methodist church community for many years. He was also a Shriner belonging to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

After high school he enlisted in the Air Force and spent 20 years rising to the rank of Major. After retiring from the Air Force he worked for several years as a research engineer for Lockheed Martin, where he developed their computer system. Following this, he worked for Moffett Field as civilian employee electrical engineer and communications specialist until he retired at age 64. After retirement, he enjoyed flying his small plane and sailing his boat. At age 74, he completed the US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Advanced Coastal Navigation course. Paul was always learning and maintained a curious and inquiring mind for all of his 98 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Paul’s church: First United Methodist Church, 1600 Bancroft Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577.

1. Never judged belittle or spoke down to anyone

2. Never angry ever raised his voice.

3. Honest

4. He always found a simple solution to any problem.

5. He always was always learning

6. He was always learning with a curious and inquiring mind for all of his 98 years.

7. He had a top security clearance in communications

8. One of his many accomplishments was engineering and built the entire computer system for Lockheed.

9. End of life in the Bay area

June 1942 – Jan. 1963 – Major, Pilot & Communications/Electronics Officer, US Air Force

Jan. 1963 – May 1968 – Senior Research Engineer, Lockheed Missile & Space Company, Sunnyvale, CA

Feb. 1969 – Aug. 1982 (retirement) – Electronic Technician/Supervisory Electronic Technician, Moffett Naval Air Station, CA

Advanced auxiliary ocean navigation certification at 74 years old.

Arrangements under the direction of San Leandro Funeral Home, San Leandro, CA.