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DAVID (DAVE) PAOLA
1943 ˜ 2021
It is with profound sadness that the family of David (Dave) Paola, Vancouver, WA, share the news of his sudden passing Oct. 8, 2021, due to heart complications, at the age of 78. While he left this world too early in his family’s eyes, Dave lived a full and loved-filled life and his family will continue to honor his legacy.
The third of ten children to Marius (Mario) and Dorothy (Dottie) Paola, Dave was born in Altadena, CA, in 1943. From the start, he was a curious, lifelong learner with a passion for sharing all that he learned with others, ultimately dedicating his life to teaching as well as his family. After graduating from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in 1961, Dave attended junior college and then enlisted in the Navy and served in the Vietnam war as a Navy Corpsman from 1965-1966. Shortly after he returned from the war, Dave met the love of his life, Paula (Warwick), at a Saint Columban’s Catholic Church Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) meeting in Santa Ana on October 1966. It was love at first sight, and they were engaged by end of Feb. 1967 and married Aug. 1967 in Garden Grove, CA. Together they had three children, Samuel (Sam), Carolyn, and James (Jim) and were married for 54 years.
After marrying Paula, Dave worked while attending college at Long Beach State where he studied music and then ultimately decided to get his teaching certificate and graduated with his master’s degree from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, in 1972. As a teacher for 30+ years, Dave taught and impacted so many students during his lifetime. The family continues to receive stories from past students about how he truly “showed up” for them and inspired them to pursue and reach their goals.
Dave was also a music enthusiast who was initially self-taught, writing and playing music since high school, with a passion for all types of music from classical to folk, to rock and pop music. He also had a general curiosity for all instruments and played the guitar, piano, tuba, mandolin, harmonica, French horn, and ukulele. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of music ministry throughout the Catholic church, with the last 20+ years as a member of Saint John’s Evangelic Catholic Church in Vancouver, WA. He spent most of his retirement writing music, teaching guitar lessons, researching new topics each day, from the latest vitamins or health information, to politics, art, music, and gardening. Dave also believed strongly in the power of “music therapy”, playing music at elderly and retirement homes, as well as in his Vietnam Veteran Support Group and other veteran groups throughout the community. Dave truly embodied what it means to give and receive love, as well as a genuine curiosity for learning and the importance of sharing what he learned with others.
Dave will be missed dearly by his wife, Paula; children, Sam, Carolyn, and Jim; son-in-law, Terry; step-grandchildren, Jordan, Aidan, Ander, and Elena; brothers, Brad, Mark, Chris, Danny, and Marty; sisters, Rosalie, Toni, and Paula; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Dave was predeceased by his parents and younger brother, Timothy.
Dave will be honored with a Funeral Mass scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, at Saint John’s Evangelic Catholic church at 8701 NE 119th St, Vancouver, WA 98662, followed by a Celebration of Life reception (details provided the day of the service). Dave was very passionate about the COVID vaccine, and out of respect for him, his family kindly asks that you have been vaccinated to attend the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund on his behalf.
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Memories of his infectious smile and twinkly eyes still light up my day!
Judy A Spence
Friend
October 12, 2023
I was just thinking of Dave the other day without being aware it was the anniversary of his passing. What a guy he was - proud to be related to him! RIP Cuz
Helen
Family
October 11, 2023
I remember Dave and Paula having their wedding reception at our house in Garden Grove. They felt like family to us.
Dixie Michaels Naylor
Friend
October 2, 2023
Dave had a big heart and cared deeply about others from his high school students to senior citizens. I miss his music, his sense of humor, and his smile.
Curtis Miller
Other
March 31, 2023
We miss his great smile.
RICHARD Spence
Friend
October 11, 2022
Oh, cuz Dave (as he called himself with me), was such
an upbeat person; always a smile. He was one of the most genuine people I ever knew. What a great, talented guy. Still have and use his marinara recipe he gave me! God Bless you Paula and kids. RIP dear Dave.
Helen Machtolf
Family
October 27, 2021
Sorry Paula. Dave will be missed.
He was a bright candle in the world.
Dick Spence
Friend
October 27, 2021
Tina Spry Hsueh
October 26, 2021
we love you ,,you will be so missed, soo much,,,
Paula Paola
Family
October 26, 2021
Remembering cousin David for his kindness and compassion when my father Frank passed away. Lifting the family up in prayers. Francie Paola Talley
Francie Paola Talley
Family
October 23, 2021
I didn´t know my cousin well; however, my silent tears that slowly fell while reading about his life and passing acknowledged my heart´s feelings.
Jeffrey L.
Family
October 21, 2021
Yes, I remember the day
It was on the mourn
That I saw a ship a sailing
The sea was calm
The winds were fair
Home port was nigh
Dave still young
And he was at the rail
With shipmates once again.---rs
Roger B Sheetz, USN
October 21, 2021
Hi Paula, so sorry to hear of Dave's passing...my prayers are with you and your family...such a great guy...I loved the concerts we all attended....and He always made me laugh. I have though about You and Dave the past few years...wondering how you were doing.
Sandra Stevens
October 20, 2021
Dave is such a big and sudden loss for all that knew him. Our connection was with music. Dave was a natural entertainer that knew thousands of tunes. His passion for music was one he shared and was on full display as he engaged everyone to sing along with him. He even composed a complete set of mass parts for our church which he called "Mass Of Good Tidings". We will miss his friendship, fellowship, baritone voice, mandolin, ukulele, and the fun times we shared.
Rest in peace Dave. You'll be singing with the choir of angels and making them smile as you did with us.
Flor & Laura Fernandez
Flor & Laura Fernandez
October 20, 2021
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Dave´s death. Dave looked so hale and hearty
the last time Barb saw him at Larry Mason´s funeral. Dave always radiated enthusiasm and cheerfulness. His picture captures Dave´s personality perfectly. He was always smiling. You all must be so proud of the committed life he led: to his marriage, his family, his faith, his teaching and his music. He shared his musical talents in so many ways and places, singing and playing. Dave also coached wrestling one year with Gary at Jason Lee. Gary always appreciated his help. We will miss him greatly. Our condolences especially to Paula, Sam, Carolyn and Jim. We let Jeff know of Dave´s death, but he was already aware through Sam´s FaceBook page. This is the 3rd Jason Lee teacher lost in a little over a year that we are aware of: Larry Drury, Hayden Hagin, and now Dave. May they all Rest In Peace, and let Eternal Light shine upon them.
Gary and Barbara Wills
October 19, 2021
After retirement, I ran into Dave in a store I mentioned that I had a banjo and had never learned to play it. Being the generous man that he was, he offered to give me lessons. I took him up on the offer and did learn to play. He even offered to have me come for lessons and just jam. I was not in the same (universe as he) so I could not take him up on that offer. I will always remember him as a kind and generous man.
Bill Closson
Work
October 19, 2021
So sad to read of Dave's passing. He was a great guy to know. In all my contacts with him he exuded positive energy and compassion, and offered me encouraging advice when I was a young teacher.
William Ghormley
Other
October 19, 2021
I was stunned at this shocking news. It has been a joy in my life to know Dave and his positive, enthusiastic personality. He will be missed by me and many others.
Joan Noal
October 17, 2021
Dear Paola Family, I'm so very sorry to hear of Dave's sudden passing. My heart and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Laura Mason Leach
October 17, 2021
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