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Obituary for ABH1 Ioane "John" S. Pa'u, USN (Ret)
ABH1 IOANE “JOHN” S. PA’U, USN (Ret)
Mr. Pa’u passed away peacefully on December 29, 2021, at NorthBay Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old.
Mr. Pa’u is survived by his wife Agnes, daughters Etwina Pa’u, JoAnne Farney (Kelly), Doris Pau Mendoza (Ben) of Danville, and Tracey Lynn Pau of Roseville, grandchildren: Brenden, Shannon, Aaron, John Benjamin, Talia and Ali’i, Ian (Simone) Kaufman, Anthony Ezell, Geli (Kona) Tauanu’u, and Ariana (Josh) Limneos (the best nurse at North Bay); and great grandchildren, Quinn, Carter, Collin, Tehani, Talia, Nainoa, Luca, and KJ. His extended family support was immeasurable, always showering him with postcards, phone calls, Facetime and video messages, which brought smiles and tears of gratefulness and kept his spirits up. So, thank you Vonnie (Abe) Ezell of San Antonio, Texas, Janice (John) Barry, Stefanie Anderson of Natomas, and Pam Wark and family of Tualatin, Oregon. Mr. Pa’u is also survived by his nephews Alika Pa’u, Stanley (Melissa) Pa’u of Weymouth, Massachusetts, Mace (Rhona) Pa’u of San Jose; his cousin Siniva Anoa’i and her sons Ryan (Fou), and Reno of San Francisco. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Mua’au Pa’u, and Ta’ele Pa’u, his nephews Patrick Pa’u, and Ta’ele Pa’u, Jr.
Mr. Pa’u’s military career in the United States Navy spanned 27 years, beginning at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland on the USS Wasp, NAS Barbers Point in Honolulu, Hawaii, NAS Moffett Field in Mountain View, California, NAS Alameda where he served on the USS Midway CVA 41 and the USS Enterprise CVN-65. Mr. Pa’u made several overseas deployments on both aircraft carriers during the Vietnam war. After the first time he served on the USS Enterprise, Mr. Pa’u was transferred to NAS Dallas,Texas, and then to NAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. Toward the end of his Whiting Field assignment in Florida, Mr. Pa’u took an isolated tour of duty for a year to the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, and later, received orders back to the Enterprise in California for three years. He served his country faithfully, honorably and with distinction and pride. Mr. Pa’u received the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal (USS Midway); Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with Star; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Star; and (7) Good Conduct Medal awards. After retiring, Mr. Pa’u worked at the Navy Base in Mare Island for the Morale Welfare Recreation Department as the Gym Manager for several years.
Mr. Pa'u was a man of great honor and integrity, with a kind and loving heart. His love and devotion to his family extended to many of his daughters’ friends, their children and grandchildren, and his nephews over the years. One of his most meaningful achievements in his life was being known as “Papa” to so many people who knew and loved him.
Mr. Pa’u was passionate about keeping fit and joined his son-in-law Kelly to work out and swim at the local gyms in Fairfield. He enjoyed many post-workout breakfasts with his gym friends. Mr. Pa’u’s grandchildren brought so much joy to his life. They kept him very busy over the years with many baseball, basketball, football games, rugby matches, taekwondo competitions, band reviews, track meets and piano recitals. Mr. Pa’u enjoyed barbecuing, hosting many family get-togethers always in the company of his faithful dog Midway, whom he named in honor of the CVA-41.
Funeral services will be held on February 23, 2022, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Fairfield and immediately followed by a private burial with full military honors at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Doctors and Staff at Sutter Solano, The Veterans Affairs Health Care Systems in Martinez, NorthBay Hospital in Fairfield, the Caregivers from Always Best Care and Extended Family Care, Continuum Hospice and Carrie Faulkner.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Funeral arrangements by McCune Garden Chapel, Vacaville, CA.
