Paul Charles Garofalo

Retired Navy Commander Paul C. Garofalo passed away peacefully on 28 May 2016 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was 93. Paul was born on August 3, 1922 in New York City, NY. While attending Springfield College during World War II, he felt compelled to set studies aside and volunteer for Naval service as a Naval Aviator; this began a military career that would continue for 26 years. Paul earned his Navy wings in June 1944, and served in the Pacific as a carrier-based fighter pilot. Among his numerous combat experiences was flying bombing runs against the heavily defended Japanese island of Chi Chi Jima. Later, in support of the Okinawa invasion, his plane was hit and he had to ditch in the sea. After floating in his life raft a short while, he was rescued by an American submarine and was eventually reunited with his squadron. Paul earned two air medals for his actions in the Pacific, as well as the Navy Commendation medal. After the war Paul married his sweetheart Geraldine Cleveland, and they had three children. He continued his Navy career flying in combat during the Korean War, transitioning to jet fighter aircraft and serving as the Executive Officer of Fighter Squadron 33 flying the FJ-4 Fury. Paul completed his career as the Air Boss on the USS Forrestal and then as Naval Air Attaché at NATO headquarters in Paris, France As a civilian, Paul continued flying as the South American regional sales manager for Oklahoma City-based Aero Commander, where he gave demonstration flights to prospective clients. Later, Paul flew as the corporate pilot for Jones and Pellow Oil Company. A self-described “poor Italian immigrant,” Paul charmed young and old with his Hollywood looks and wry sense of humor. He was an avid tennis player and was active on the courts into his early 80s. Paul loved music, especially crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as all the big bands. He was a devout Christian, a friend to all, and a proud and adoring father and grandfather. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Cecelia Garofalo, brother Joe Garfield, and sister Madeline Garofalo Hildebrand. Paul is lovingly remembered by his three children — John Garofalo and wife, Kathy; Joanne Garofalo Willcox and husband, Tom; and Jacqueline Garofalo Odgers and husband, John — as well as by his grandchildren Roxanne and James Garofalo, Esther Willcox, and Jake and Jenna Odgers. A memorial service is scheduled at Our Lord’s Community Church in Oklahoma City on June 15, 2016, at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul’s name to the children’s ministry at Our Lord’s Community church. Paul will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Paul Charles Garofalo please visit our Sympathy Store.