On June 29th, 2022 Paul Robert Chretien passed away at the age of 56 in Hawthorne, FL. He leaves behind his faithful companion and co-pilot of 10 years, Luna.

Paul lived a hundred lifetimes and did it all….Army Ranger, professional diver, over the road truck driver, electrical engineer, business owner, with hobbies of car repair, shooting, fishing, educating, refurbishing, building robots, tinkering and spoiling his nieces and nephews. He was a good son, brother, uncle, friend, teacher and big fish story teller. Paul wouldn’t take “no” for an answer and gifted a legacy of puppies (Luna, Bubba J and Gracie) to his brothers and sister.

Paul was born February 15, 1966 in Norwich, Connecticut to Mary (Bobsein) of Stuart, FL and the late Robert Chretien. He is survived by brothers Jim Chretien (nephews Juan and Andres) of Lees Summit, MO. Bill Christian (sister-in-law Kristin, nieces and nephew Hannah, Kevin, Julia) of Hampton, NH, and sister Missy-Marianne Sevier (brother-in-law Jeff) of Cincinnati, OH. He also leaves behind so many friends who went above and beyond in their support.

In 1983 he joined the National Guard and went for basic training at Ft Leonard Wood, MO. He returned and finished high school at Norwich Free Academy in 1984. He joined the Army East Berlin Brigade in 1984 and in 1986 attended Ranger School. September 1987- April 1989, he was in Company C, 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Brigade. During the Cold War he guarded the Berlin Wall to make sure it remained open. In 1989 he left the Army and went to dive school in Seattle, WA. He re-enlisted in 1991 for Special Forces and received a medical discharge due to a training accident in 1992. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida, Gainesville in December 2002. As a private contractor he also worked in Japan, Iraq, Philippines, Nigeria, and Thailand (where he taught diving).

He went to truck driving school in Indianapolis, IN to upgrade his CDL. He and Luna (his faithful side kick) were on the road for 10 years.

He died after a long battle with cancer. The family is so grateful for the 5 month, outstanding care of the Community Hospice Palatka Team. Allison, his Hospice RN, is a special angel who we are so blessed to have known.

Paul will be interred at the Forest Hills Memorial Park Butterfly Garden- 2001 SW Murphy Road, Palm City, FL 34990. A memorial service is yet to be determined.

Donations can be made to Community Hospice of Florida or Sun Kiva Kennels, 120 Woodbine Lane, Hawthorne, FL 32640.

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