Juan San Nicolas Paulino

Juan San Nicholas Paulino

Obituary

May 27, 1930 – September 19, 2022

Juan S.N. Paulino, Master Sergeant USAF passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home at the age of 92. He was surrounded by his loving wife and daughters at the age of 92. Born in the beautiful island of Guam and in the Inalahan village to Juan T. and Maria C. Paulino of the "Mames familia" (Sweet Family). Juan came from a large family of six sisters and two brothers.

Juan lived by his mottos, "Always do your best. Get a good education. Thank the good Lord for all your blessings. Be kind, generous and hospitable." The one he emphasized the most..."Family is everything." His mottos were the foundation of a successful life and he led by example. This was evident in his life careers and the ability to overcome tremendous obstacles. During WW2 Guam was occupied by the Japanese for three years. He was a young boy and forced into labor camps, death marches and separation from his family. Japanese school was mandatory and he lost three years of his education. Then came the Marines and liberated Guam. Juan and all the Chamorros from the south of Guam were on their death march to the center of the island for execution. They were rescued just in time.

Having to make up three years of school didn't hinder Juan. He knew the USAF would give him a career for a better life. But first he had to pass the entrance exam. Among the many who took the exam, only three passed. Juan SN Paulino was one of them. He served his country from 1951-1978 and excelled in Administration for strategic and technical planning. Achieving Master Sergeant Rank and earning 5 Commendation Awards for his meritorious services, he was cited for outstanding professional skill, initiative and devotion to duty. He also earned the Bronze Star for his tour of duty during the Viet Nam War. His military career covered three countries in three continents. After his USAF retirement he continued to work without a break as a civil servant for the USPS and the Department of Navy, weapons station in Seal Beach. Juan was a problem solver. As a sequential logical thinker, when he sees a problem or procedures aren't logical to him he won't complain, but find solutions. At the weapons station he revised and created a new system to easily identify and retrieve weapons with less amount of time, man power and risks. Because he was well-liked and respected by his co-workers and supervisors they shared he would be greatly missed. In spite of training his replacement, they asked and if they could call him if they had any problems.

Juan loved his sports. When his cable was installed he told the technician to make sure he gets all the sports channels. Attending his grandsons' games was the highlight of his week. An avid sportsman himself, he played for the USAF Volleyball tournaments and traveled throughout England and southern Germany competing in championship games. Along with his wife, he also loved to bowl. Both belonged to bowling leagues and competed in California and Nevada. A green thumb was another one of his gifts. He could take a seed, seedling and create a spectacular garden including fruit trees, vegetables and amazing roses. His lemons were always in demand. He believed if you're going to plant trees, "Might as well get something from it".

"Be kind, generous and hospitable. Always thank the good Lord for your blessings", these mottos moved both Isabel and Juan's hearts to be involved in the Mariana's Club. This was a nonprofit organization created by Chamorros for Chamorros. The mission was to support those who required medical procedures in California, as well as the ones confined to their homes in Southern California. The Mariana's Club filled the many needs to make their stay comfortable, provide necessities, transportation and celebrated holidays with them. Funds

"Family is everything". Nothing can compare to his many accomplishments than that of his family. In 1952 he married the love of his life, Isabel Taitague, who he said was the most beautiful woman of his village. Together they had 4 daughters, 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great/great-great grandfather praying daily for each family member. Isabel was the First Lady of the Paulino Clan, Juan was Dad-in-Chief protecting and guiding his family to succeed in life. Their home was the Command Center hosting numerous family gatherings and holidays. He loved to pamper his grandchildren and dressed up as Santa passing out gifts. He gave from the abundance of his heart, opened his home to grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends needing a place to stay as they transitioned into the next phase of their lives. Juan loved to have his girls well educated not only within the classroom, but through the experiences of the many countries they traveled. He would save up all his leave time and take off each summer to explore Europe with his family. The adventure of a life time was his gift to them.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Isabel; 4 daughters Merlyne (Rene) Perez, Rosie (Dan) Truesdell, Sharon Paulino, and Jacqui (Stewart) McMahon; and grandchildren Jarryd (Charissa), Rudy, Bree(Tiago), Desirae(Travis), Trevor(Christina), Amber(Anthony), Brent, David, Brittany(Vincent), Haley(Paul), Nicole(Willie), Christopher(Kaylee), and Johnny(Ericka). Great grandchildren Jack, Samuel, Harrison, Gavin, Leilani, Ronin, Isabella, Luke, Jude, Liela, Adryana, Kaya, Brendon, Zoe, Mark, Riley, Christian, Julian, Adam, Jacob, Caleb, David, Mila, Sage, Georgia, Rogan and Rhya; great-great grandchildren Ezra, Enzo, Aniyah and Emerie.

He was predeceased by his parents, siblings, mother-in-law and father-in-law, his wife's 4 siblings, and his precious grandson Baby Jake.

We will miss you greatly, you were our rock and our biggest cheerleader. Heaven has gained a mighty warrior.

"You have fought a good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you on that day, and not only to you, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
2 Timothy 4:7-8