SFC (Ret) Pablo Paulino, 76, was born on March 24, 1950, in Pohnpei, Micronesia, and passed away on June 15, 2026. He was a resident of Fortson, Georgia. A visitation will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907, US, on June 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:50 am. The Funeral Service will follow at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary on June 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Full Military Honors will be rendered at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery on June 24, 2026 at 1:30 pm.
A proud member of the U.S. Army Airborne, SFC (Ret) Pablo Paulino served with courage and steadfast devotion from June 16, 1971, until June 30, 1991, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. His years of service reflected a life shaped by duty, perseverance, and loyalty—marked by an honest commitment to those beside him and a selfless willingness to put others first. He served with distinction as an Airborne Squad Leader, Mortar Platoon sergeant and Jumpmaster, in various airborne organizations and as Senior Airborne instructor and Master Trainer at the United States Army Airborne School.
As an Airborne Mortar Platoon Sergeant of the only airborne company in the hemisphere tasked with being ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, he led his platoon on multiple deployments throughout Central and South America. SFC Paulino was a pillar and icon in the airborne community, being well known by hundreds of his superiors, peers and subordinates as just his presence alone commanded respect by all due to his stalwart superior leadership and steadfast demand of the highest of standards of every soldier.
He was married to Jane Salvador for 15 years, and he loved his family and cherished spending time with them. In the quiet, everyday ways that matter most, he showed thoughtfulness and faithfulness—offering steady presence, dependable care, and a deep respect for the people he held close.
SFC (Ret) Pablo Paulino lived with discipline and purpose beyond his military years. He enjoyed going to the gym and working out, listening to Gospel music, and following UFC and Fox News. He also enjoyed driving his taxi and meeting new people, greeting each day with a hardworking spirit and an open, respectful way of connecting with others. He held enduring admiration for the U.S. Military, Veterans, and his fellow Airborne Soldiers, and he loved playing baseball.
Pablo was previously married; he has two sons and two daughters from that marriage, Pablo Paulino, Jr., Joy Paulino, Poala Paulino, Paul Paulino. Pablo had eight siblings, there are three that remain alive, Kadrihna Fredrick, Sebastin Paulino, and Adelina Mauricio.
Pablo is survived by: His wife, Jane Paulino; daughters, Melpha (Maxon) Defang, Megan (Danny) Raniero; and his grandchildren, Fredrico Salvador, Ariel Salvador, Daniel Raniero, Nevaeh Defang, and Pearl Defang.
