John T. Paul

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. He graduated from Ft. Lauderdale University with a degree in Management. For many years he was a National Service Officer (NSO) in the St. Petersburg office of the Disabled Veterans of America, retiring in 2005.

He was an avid fisherman, particularly in the Long Boat Key area of Florida, and frequently hunted in Chiefland, Florida. He was a certified scuba diver, including certification in Nitrox for deep diving, and spent time mentoring at-risk youth with the Guardian Ad Litem program. He was quoted extensively in an article on the treatment of PTSD at the VA (May 30th, 2016 issue of the Tampa Bay Times).

He is survived by his wife, Karen L. Hicks; daughters, Amber Paul Gonzales and Catherine A. Hicks; two granddaughters, Esme’ and Llaynie Gonzales; a sister, Carol Paul Goldberg; nephews, Christopher and Greg Ostrowski; extended family and many friends.

A Celebration of John’s Life will he held Saturday, April 14 at 2 p.m. at the Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Avenue, Treasure Island, Florida 33706.

Contributions in his name can be made to the Vet 2 Vet Program, part of the Semper Fi Fund (www.semperfifund.org), Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd. Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.