Paul E. Tognetti passed away on October 24, 2015, at the age of 90. A native and lifelong resident of Lompoc, Paul was born on May 16, 1925 to Peter and Lavinia Tognetti. Benjamin Grossi and Senta Scolari Grossi, early pioneers of Lompoc Valley were his grandparents.

In 1944, he graduated from Lompoc High School, where he played football and remained as avid fan until his passing, closely following the careers of many players after they left LHS. Every week during football season he was ready to pass on scores and statistics.

Paul proudly served in the Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946, where he was stationed on the U.S.S. Admiral W.S. Benson and the U.S.S. Alabama BB60 as a Fire Control Radar Technician. He received his B.A. degree taking courses aboard ship.

Following the war he worked for Commercial Credit Corporation as a unit and loan manager for eight years, Safeway Stores for eight years and then as an agent for Farmers Insurance Group for 30 years before retiring in 1989.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved son Bryon Ray in 1989, and his brothers Reginald, Phillip, Merle, sisters Lavinia (Peggy) Elder, Pearl Bromser, Blanche Gubert, Charlotte Squire and Lucille Bravo.

He is survived by his son Daniel Tognetti of Colorado, daughter Melinda K. Gouizi of Raleigh, NC, sisters Senta Foulon and Shirley Morinini both of Santa Barbara. Family and friends were the mainstay of Paul's life. He made friends where ever he went. Paul will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Paul was a charter and lifelong member of the Lompoc Elks #2274, a member of the American Legion Post #211, Lompoc Grange #0646, Lompoc Valley Historical Society and the Lompoc Museum Associates Inc.

Paul's last wish would be "Go Braves!"

Services will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at12:30 pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.
Friends and family are invited for a gathering that will follow the service at the Lompoc Elks Lodge.