Paul Marchionda

Paul Marchionda, 87, completed his journey to heaven on December 3, 2020.  He was born the youngest of five children in Raton, New Mexico on 13 October 1933 (as he liked to say using military date format). The family eventually moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he graduated from Albuquerque High School. After High School he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas and frequently made the short drive home to Albuquerque when on leave. He met his “first and last” girlfriend, Helen (originally from Altamont Illinois) on one such leave. They were appropriately married at Fort “Bliss” and remained happily married for over 58 years before she preceded him in death.

Paul and Helen moved to Illinois after he was honorably discharged from the Army. Paul used the G.I Bill to earn his degree in Physics at Southern Illinois University.  His professional work took him to Alabama, New Jersey, Texas, California and back to New Mexico where he also spent most of his retirement. Much of his career involved projects to secure the national defense or benefit the space race. He specialized as an engineer in the emerging aerospace industry and contributed to developments in radar, satellites, and rocketry.

Even as a kid he was industrious and clever. Growing up during the Great Depression, he sometimes earned money by buying a bushel of green beans and reselling them in smaller quantities. Paul also pursued his mechanical interests early and worked at a car dealership during his teenage years. He quickly learned the personal tools of self-reliance as well as the physical tools of repair and fabrication. He became adept at repurposing and repairing anything that still had utility during those times of scarcity.

Paul spent a lifetime expanding his toolsets. His workshop/garage grew to a considerable size replete with any saw, drill, lathe, wrench, screwdriver, washer, screw, or bolt he might need at a moment’s notice. His generosity and willingness to aid a neighbor in need of an urgent home repair or auto rescue was equally considerable. Paul also enjoyed the intimate projects that benefitted his loved ones directly. He took great care to personalize his designs.

In 2015, Paul relocated to Grand Junction, Colorado to be under the care of his most trusted physician and youngest daughter, Paula. He spent much of his time enjoying views of the Colorado National Monument from his home; working on projects in his shop; and tracking the growth of his great-grandson in Arizona.

Paul is survived by his three daughters Kris (Gary) Frost and Susan (Thomas) Spaur both of Arizona, and Paula Marchionda (Michael Sakosky) of Colorado; two grandchildren, Geoff (Connie) Frost and Genny Frost of Arizona and one great grandson, Garrison Frost of Arizona. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Andersen of Michigan and many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will take place at a later date.

The Marchionda family would like to thank Columbine Caregivers and HopeWest Grand Junction Hospice staff for their thoughtful service and care over the past weeks and months.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation “In Memory of Paul Marchionda” to any of the following charitable organizations: HopeWest Grand Junction, Colorado ( www.hopewestco.org ); Marion Medical Mission Shallow Well Program ( www.mmmwater.org ); Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Albert the Great ( www.opcentral.org/donate/ online ) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.