Paul Kanonas

◦ 84 years old

◦ Oceanside, Ca.

◦ January 1, 2012

◦ Greek Orthodox

◦ Passed away at home from Cancer, Mesothelioma

◦ Born October 11, 1927

◦ Saginaw, Michigan

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◦ Senior Petty Officer Kanonas served in the Navy and Marines through WWII, Korea, Vietnam as a Seaman, Striker, and Hospital Corpsman. Entered the navy @ age 17 by altering his birth certificate while also calling himself Apostle Paul Kanonas which caused a bit of trouble for him later.

◦ Recognized for saving the USS Roper and crew after being struck by a Japanese zero during WWII. He fought the fire and flooded the ammunitions magazine. Paul served multiple tours reenlisting 3 times. His service spanned the world, The Mediterranean, Pacific, Atlantic oceans, he was part of the reconstruction effort in Japan where Paul met and married his wife Kim. He spent two years in Antarctica as a hospital corpsman, parachute rescue jumper, and hospital administrator.

◦ After retiring from active service he went back to school and worked at Camp Pendleton managing the drinking and waste water system. He retired from civil service in 1996 but went back to help out for a time. Retirement allowed him to fish and do crossword puzzles.

◦ Paul was a cranky SOB but he cared for his family and country, enjoyed Fox News, and bending his elbow with the folks at the River bottom bar in Oceanside.

◦ Those who preceded him in death greeted him, his father Thomas, mother Efrosine, son Thomas Christopher, and his wife Kim who he missed very much.

◦ He is survived by his brother Thomas Kanonas of Connecticut

◦ Kerry Kanonas, Daughter of Murrieta

◦ Kathy Tomacelli, Daughter of Fallbrook

◦ Misae Kanonas, Adopted Daughter of Gardena

◦ 8 Grand Children

◦ 7 Great Grand Children

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• Memorial Service

◦ January 19, 2012 13:00 hrs/1 PM.

◦ Eternal Hills

◦ 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054 | 760-754-6600

◦ Cremains to be scattered at sea.