Paul Paloolian, a resident of Carson City for over 45 years, passed away peacefully at age 93 on July 29, 2016 surrounded by family. Paul was born November 22, 1922 in Highland Park, Michigan to Markar and Virginia (Susie) Paloolian. After growing up and attending school in the Los Angeles area, Paul graduated from Lincoln High School and joined the Navy during WWII. It was during this time that Paul met and married Eileen Ann Smith in San Diego, CA beginning a long and loving marriage that lasted over 72 years.
Paul began working with the Department of Water & Power in the Los Angeles suburb of Reseda, working there until 1962. It was at this time, after several evening woodshop classes with Reseda High school instructor, Richard Osborn, that his skill in working with his hands led to a long career in woodworking and cabinetry that continued until age 90. It also started a lifelong friendship with “Oz” that continued to the present. Known for his skill with the wood lathe and bandsaw, Paul crafted beautiful turnings for stairways and creative corbels for home exteriors. Much of his creative work is visible in and around the Reno-Carson City area including ornate mailboxes, custom cabinets, and decorative stair railings. He was part of the last breed of true craftsmen from a bygone era.
Paul was an avid football fan and once stated that he had not missed a single Monday Night Football game beginning with the first game in 1970. By far, he was a very loyal UCLA Bruin fan and watched football non-stop once the season started. He also had a great interest in history, especially the Civil War. It was enjoyable talking history with him and getting his perspective on events.
Paul was a loving husband and father, always putting family first. In the early years, he would work two or three jobs to make ends meet and allow our mother to be a stay-at-home mom. He had three children, Mark in Carson City, Paula in Carson City, and Eileen in Santa Cruz, CA. We all have such respect for our mother who did an outstanding job with our dad’s care the past few painful months.
Paul is survived by his wife of 72 years, Eileen, son, Mark Paloolian, two daughters, Paula Morton and Eileen Gray, brother Arnold, of Carson City, six grandchildren: Greg Paloolian (Gaida), Kelli Moore (Rob), Bryan Gray, Heather Jordan (Josh), Kristin Weisenborn (Chris), Dean Morton, and ten great-grandchildren.
Paul’s final wishes were granted when he donated his remains to the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He will be missed, but not forgotten. The family has a wealth of great memories to reflect back on.
We would like to thank Summit View Hospice, particularly Shari and Elise, for their superb concern and care over the difficult final months. Donations may be sent to Summit View Hospice, 800 So. Meadows Pkwy., Suite 200, Reno, NV 89521-2973.
