Paul Joseph Tobin

Paul J Tobin, 53 of Ft. Myers, Florida passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Paul was born on July 23, 1969, in Long Island, NY to Paul and Ann Tobin. Paul was raised in Staten Island, NY, graduating St. Joseph by the Sea High School. Paul obtained his BS in Civil Engineering at Manhattan College and graduated from Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. He obtained his Civil Engineering Corps Officer Certification in Port Hueneme, CA. Paul was commissioned as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer and was the Assistant Resident Officer in Charge of Construction for 3 years at Naval Air Warfare Center in Lakehurst, NJ, retiring as LTJG, USN after sustaining a spinal cord injury. Due to his injury, Paul began a new career advocating for Disabled Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders for EPVA. He worked there for 17 years ending his career as President and CEO of the organization, which had evolved into United Spinal Association. While working, Paul continued his education and obtained his MSW at Fordham University, which enabled him to mentor many injured Veterans. Paul was a well-respected presenter and Keynote speaker in the Disabled Community. Paul's advocacy was at the local, state and federal levels and this allowed him to bring his voice to Capitol Hill on many occasions. Throughout his career, he served as an advisor or board member of numerous organizations and committees including, the Department of Defense's Spinal Cord Injury Research Program and the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Psychologists and Social Workers. Paul was invited to write the forward for the Mayo Clinic Guide to Living with a Spinal Cord Injury and was featured in many other publications. Paul was proceeded in death by his sister, Laura; father, Paul A. Tobin and mother, Ann G McKevitt and is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine of Ft. Myers; son, Connor (Anna) Tobin of Colts Neck, NJ; stepfather, John McKevitt of Ft. Myers, FL and many cousins, friends and extended family. Paul touched the lives of many in his short 53 years, and his legacy will forever live on. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, January 21, 2022, in Ft. Myers, Florida. A Celebration of Paul's Life will be held at a later date. Memorial Contributions are suggested to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at give.themmrf.org/PaulTobin. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leememorialparkfuneralhome.com for the Tobin family.