Paul was a deeply devoted son to his mother Princie and father Pat, and a loyal brother to his sister Patricia. He was a nationally recognized educator and authority in the field of children’s and young-adult literature, a steadfast advocate for books and reading, a mentor to generations of younger family members, an adventurous world traveler, and a passionate fan of all things Italian. Paul spread his warmth, humor, gentleness, and empathy to all who met him.
Born on the cusp of the post-World War II baby boom, Paul moved with his parents from Pennsylvania to California in 1949. The family settled in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey, where their home served as the anchor for a large and loving extended family.
Paul graduated from Warren High School in 1962 and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands in 1966. He then began a long and varied career that took him around the United States and the world. The day after receiving his master’s in psychology as well as his teaching credentials from San Francisco State University in June 1969, Paul received his draft notice from the U.S. Army. Paul served in the Vietnam conflict as a chaplain’s assistant from July 1969 and was honorably discharged in 1971.
He returned to San Francisco to counsel fellow veterans at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic as well as the Presidio. He later moved to Westchester County, New York, where he taught and was a counselor at Rockland Community College. In 1977 he served as a VISTA volunteer in Yerington, Nevada, working with the native community and youth. Then, broadening careers, he earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Washington in Seattle from 1978-1980.
Paul's next move was to Portland, Oregon, the place he called home and celebrated for the rest of his life. He served as the state librarian of Oregon, and then launched a teaching career in higher education, with a focus on children’s and young-adult literature. During a 35-year tenure at Portland State University and Portland Community College, Paul inspired generations of student teachers and librarians and grew into a nationally recognized authority in his field. After his retirement, he remained a vital resource in Portland’s literary community.
Honoring his family and Italian-American heritage were the touchstones of Paul’s life. He was a tirelessly devoted son to Princie and Pat and helped them launch the 5 year Italian Family reunions in Lavello, Italy, as well as the annual Southland Italian Cultural Festivals in Downey. He was a beloved Uncle Paul for his nephew Tom and niece Mary, and companion and mentor to countless cousins and extended family members and friends. He loved travel, books, films, music, conversation, hosting in his hometown Portland, and any manifestation of Italian food. Paul saw good in every person he met. He generously shared his defining joy in life.
Memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s name to the Multnomah County Library Foundation:
https://www.libraryfoundation.org/make-a-gift or to your favorite charity that reminds you of Paul.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.12.1