Paul Caras Mugan

Paul Caras Mugan, devoted husband and father, and dedicated public servant, passed away unexpectedly on November 25, 2025. Born in Port Huron, Michigan, to Gerald Mugan and Elaine Caras, Paul lived a life defined by his love of family, service to others, and a steadfast commitment to the community.

A graduate of the University of Maryland and Monterey College of Law, Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie; his two loving sons, Michael and Brady; his mother, Elaine Caras; his sister, Julie (David) Kunc; his brother, David; his father-in-law, Andy Lawrence; several sisters- and brothers-in-law, seven nieces and nephews, and his sweet dog Sammy.

Paul’s journey took him from Michigan to Washington, D.C., where fate introduced him to Leslie. Together they built a home and a life on the Monterey Peninsula, where they settled in 1999. Paul’s greatest joy was raising their two sons. Paul shared with Michael and Brady his lifelong passion for baseball. Coaching their teams, playing catch in the yard, cheering from the stands, and capturing countless moments behind the camera. To his boys, he was not only a mentor and coach, but their most loyal fan.

Professionally, Paul served as Director of the Community Development Department for the City of Greenfield, where he guided transformative economic development projects and housing initiatives. His distinguished career also included leadership roles as Assistant City Manager and Redevelopment Director, as well as service with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Architect of the Capitol, and the U.S. Congress. A proud veteran, Paul served in the U.S. Air Force and Army Reserves, earning the Humanitarian Service Medal for his contributions.

Paul’s dedication to service extended far beyond his career. He was a member of the Monterey County Bar Association, a certified California mediator, and a Presidential appointee to the U.S. Selective Service System Board. For more than a decade, he served as Planning Commissioner for the City of Seaside, continuing his lifelong commitment to fostering vibrant, thriving communities.

He will always be remembered for his intellect, his integrity, and above all, his devotion to family. Paul’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the communities he strengthened, and the family he so deeply loved.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on December 16 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Angela’s in Pacific Grove. In the spring, friends and family will gather for a pick-up baseball game in Paul’s honor, as a joyful tribute to the sport he loved and the spirit of community he embodied.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Paul's memory to All In Monterey allinmonterey.org or the Veteran’s Transition Center vtcofcalifornia.org.