Born on March 15, 1932, in San Jose, CA, to Sam and Josephine Schifano, Paul attended Almaden Elementary School and Campbell High School. In 1950, he was drafted to military service and served in the US Army for three years during the Korean War as a Corporal in the 279th Infantry Regiment for the 45th Division. After his service, he studied at Creighton University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. He then went on to University of California Berkeley’s School of Optometry, where he earned his O.D. and began a lifelong career as an optometrist. Shortly after finishing school, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Schifano, at a Catholic Newman Club event. He told her he loved her deviled eggs, asked her out on a date, and didn’t leave her side for the next 57 years.
Paul and Mary Ann were married in 1965 and raised four children, Joe, Mary, Sam, and Sharon. When he wasn’t working in his private optometry practice, Paul spent his weekends farming walnuts on his 47-acre ranch in Patterson, CA. He would jokingly say that his catchphrase should be “Paul does it all,” and anyone who knew Paul knew that he did, in fact, do it all. If something broke, you called Paul. (He would be pulling out of the driveway before you even had time to ask.) After retirement, you could find him elbow-deep in home improvement and handyman projects–He’d be at the ranch underneath a tractor or in the suburbs behind a table saw. Even at 80, you’d catch him up on the roof fixing one thing or another. He loved practicing Rubik’s Cube solutions, making his famous pancake recipe, mastering new computer programs, harvesting fruit from his trees, and teaching his grandchildren how to play a song on the accordion or how to jump start an engine. A proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he loved spending time with his family. Throughout his life, Paul never stopped learning. He was always puzzling over the last curiosity, solving the latest riddle, and seeking the next bit of wonder. He did it all.
Paul is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his children, Joe, Mary, and Sharon; his grandchildren, Brooke, Trevor, Kevin, Brianna, Adam, and Sarah; his great-grandchildren, Kaedyn and Kashtyn; his sister, Joan, and several generations of nieces and nephews. In heaven, he is reunited with his son, Sam, and sister, Janet. His profound kindness, strength, and generosity will never be forgotten. He leaves behind countless family and friends who are better off because of his influence.
In lieu of a service, memories can be shared here.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilysantaclara.com for the Schifano family.
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