Paul Frederick Stermer, of Fresno, California, passed away on June 2, 2022, at the age of 79. He was born on March 11, 1943, in Corning, New York, to Julia (Basal) and Irvin Stermer. The youngest of two children, Paul grew up in Corning with his older sister, Bonnie, where he remained until graduating from college.

Paul joined the United States Navy in 1963, after college, where he learned to fly and flew missions during the Vietnam War. In 1965, as a navy aviator, he flew the SP-5B aircraft. Paul was part of the Patrol Squadron 50 in 1967 and flew the VP-50 aircraft. Following his military service, Paul continued his passion for aviation as a captain for United Airlines until his retirement in 2002.

While stationed at Moffett Field in California during his military service, Paul met his wife, Louise Castello, in 1967. Their story began when she moved into his Escuala Arms apartment complex in Mountain View, California. Paul noticed Louise, an elementary school teacher, moving into his apartment complex with the help of her Italian parents, while Louise observed Paul instructing two young women in bikinis how to wash his yellow camaro. The two later married in 1970 and built a life together that would span decades. Over the course of their 52 year marriage, they lived in McLean,Virginia and Strongsville, Ohio before eventually settling in Fresno, California, where they built their family home and would remain for the rest of their lives.

Paul is survived by his wife, Louise (Castello) Stermer; their four children, Sandi Mallillin (Patrick) of Walnut Creek, California, Tara Shimada (Todd), of Los Gatos, California, Jason Stermer (Kevin Rosenstein) of Los Angeles, California, and Todd Stermer (Geneva Williams) of Fresno, California. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Kai, Mason, Lexi, and Brady Mallillin, and Jayden, Sophia, and Tanner Stermer. He is further survived by his sister, Bonnie Jarrett of North Carolina.

When he was not flying, Paul enjoyed relaxing, often in his den, playing computer games, starting projects around the house, rearranging cars in the driveway, occasionally gracing a canvas with his artistic talent, swimming in his pool, home cooked meals made by his wife, and striking up conversations with neighbors, handymen, mailmen or anyone else who happened to stop by.

Paul was laid to rest at the Saint Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Fresno. He will be remembered for his love of aviation, his vast knowledge of various topics, his gift for conversation, and the memories he created with those around him. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/paul-stermer/obituary/

Copy