Paul Joseph Moran

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7 Paul Joseph Moran, affectionately known as "Paulie," passed away unexpectedly on Father's Day, June 21, 2026, at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center in Vallejo, California, just three days after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma. He was 69 years old. Paul was born on May 31, 1957, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to William Arthur Moran and Dolores Marie Brennan Moran. He was raised in Hillside, New Jersey, where he graduated from Hillside High School in 1975 before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in 1979. Immediately after graduating, Paul began what would become a remarkable 39-year career as a chemical engineer with Chevron, where he worked from 1979 until his retirement in 2018. His engineering mind, unwavering work ethic, and ability to solve just about any problem defined both his career and his life. If something was broken, Paul believed there wasn't a problem he couldn't fix himself. On October 11, 1980, Paul married the love of his life, Linda Oram Moran, his high school sweetheart. Linda, born on December 20, 1958, in Newark, New Jersey, to Robert P. Oram and Suzanne Bartlett Oram, was his partner in every sense of the word. Together they shared 42 wonderful years of marriage until Linda's passing on February 5, 2023, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. Together they built a beautiful life, raising their three children in Hawaii, where all three were born, before eventually settling in Benicia, California. Hawaii always held a special place in their hearts, and they made it a priority to return often, purchasing timeshares so their children—and later their grandchildren—could continue making cherished memories together for generations to come. Another place Paul loved deeply was the family's beach house in Lavallette, New Jersey, where countless summers were spent surrounded by family, laughter, and lifelong traditions. Above all else, Paul was devoted to his family. He was the proud father of three children and an even prouder Poppa to seven grandchildren, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. If there was a baseball game, soccer match, dance recital, choir concert, or school event, Paul was there—usually the loudest one cheering from the sidelines. He coached his children's baseball and soccer teams for years and never truly stopped coaching. Even in retirement, he could often be found pulling a chair onto the baseball field to give his grandchildren—and any child who wanted to listen—a few hitting tips. A lifelong New York Yankees and New York Giants fan, Paul was rarely seen without a Yankees cap or Giants jersey. He loved spending game days in his man cave enthusiastically cheering—or loudly critiquing—his favorite teams. His booming laugh, unmistakable Jersey accent, and larger-than-life personality never faded, even after spending more than half his life in California. Paul took tremendous pride in maintaining his perfectly striped lawn, often enjoying what he affectionately called a "Paulie-rita" while mowing. He loved fixing things, building things, and helping others. He was the person family and friends called when something needed to be repaired, and he was happiest when he could lend a hand. More than anything, Paul will be remembered for the way he loved. His greatest accomplishment wasn't his career or the things he built with his hands—it was the family he built with his heart. He taught by example: show up, work hard, cheer loudly, laugh often, and love your family without reservation. Those who knew Paul can almost picture him walking into Heaven, finding Linda once again, smiling, and saying, "Lin, we did good.” The love Paul and Linda shared was extraordinary. Their family finds great comfort knowing they are together again, reunited in the faith and love that carried them through their lives. As Linda once wrote to Paul on their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, they would one day be together again as a family for eternity. That promise now brings peace to those who loved them both. Paul is survived by his loving children, Kristin (Moran) Palajac and her husband, Taylor Palajac; Adam Moran and his wife, Cassandra Moran; and Erik Moran and his wife, Teri Moran. He was the proud and devoted Poppa of Kaili, Grayson, and Kinsley Palajac; Maverick and Maikah Moran; and Piper and Rylee Moran. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Suzanne Bartlett Oram; his brothers- and sisters; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family; and many lifelong friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him. Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Suzanne (Oram) Moran; his parents, William Arthur Moran and Dolores Marie (Brennan) Moran; and his father-in-law, Robert P. Oram. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Benicia, California. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel in Benicia, followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Paul's memory to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the Knights of Columbus. Forever our Dad. Forever our Poppa. Forever in our hearts.

Paul Joseph Moran

May 31, 1957 - June 21, 2026