Lt. Col. Paul Ciaccia

Lt. Col Paul Ciaccia, a proud Veteran of the USAF passed away peacefully July 12, 2026, at 80 years old, at home surrounded by his family in Macon, Ga. Paul served his country in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 2000.

Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa. he developed a lifelong passion for aviation earning his private pilot's license at the age of 16. He achieved the highest award of Eagle Scout and represented Troop Devon 50 on the cover of Boys Life Magazine. His love of soccer started at Conestoga High School and continued all thru his life. It was common to find him kicking the ball around with his children and grandchildren. This established a love for the beautiful game and every time we gather and watch it together, we honor him.

He proudly served 29 years in the USAF, in the Strategic Air Command flying the KC-135 as a Tanker Pilot, Young Tigers, Analytical Studies Generalist, Flight Instructor, Head of Safety, and Black Knight. He completed Air Command and Staff College and Squadron Officer School. His last Duty Assignment was in the Air Force Doctrine Center where he was part of the LMDC program. His career spanned some of the most consequential chapters in modern military history. During his distinguished career he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Saudi Arabi), Southwest Asia Service Medal with Service Star, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with six Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and AF Training Ribbon, (Kuwait)

After he retired from the USAF he worked until 2019 with Flight Safety, Flight Safety International, Lear Ziglar, and CAE continuing his love of teaching pilots how to remain safe and come home from the cockpit.

Paul was a devoted family man who took every opportunity to guide, mentor, and support those he loved. He was never a stranger to anyone he met. To know him was to laugh with him. His kindness and generosity in mind and spirit were a natural extension of who Paul truly was.

He was survived by his adored wife of 58 years Sharon (Russell) Ciaccia, His children Paul Ciaccia Jr (Kristen) and Brandy Williams (Keith) and his grandchildren Mary-Sharon (Kevin), Paul III (Sara), Rand, Joesph, Hannah, Austin, Grace, Therese, Claire, and Michael. His great grandchildren Pio, Jude, Julliette, Paul IV, Adelaide, and Gaetano and his sister Tania Bruhn (Tom)

He was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Dorothy Ciaccia, his granddaughter Angel Ciaccia and great grandson Ambrose Arkoosh.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery.