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Arata III
PAUL FRANCIS ARATA III
May 19, 1930
August 18, 20
Paul Francis Arata III, 89, was born in Yardley, PA on May 19, 1930 and passed away August 18, 2019 in his beloved Colorado Springs, CO.
After an outstanding career as a swimmer at North Carolina State University, Paul graduated in 1954 and was commissioned in the Air Force.
He was stationed at Langley, VA; Burtonwood AFB, England; Sandia AFB, NM; Goodfellow AFB, TX; the Air Force Academy, CO; and Cam Rahn Bay AB, Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he received the Bronze Star. Stationed at the Air Force Academy for 19 years, he served in many roles in the Athletic Department including the head coach of the men's and women's swimming and diving teams and the first Senior Women's Administrator.
His success as a coach resulted in his teams compiling over a 95% win percentage, best in Academy History. In 2017, he was inducted into the Air Force Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. Paul retired from the Air Force in 1983 after 28 years of service and worked for Product Development Corporation for ten years before retiring a second time.
Paul was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, camping, skiing, and hiking. He climbed all the 14,000+ ft. mountains in the lower 48 states and all the ones in Colorado at least twice.
He is survived by Jewel Parker Arata, his wife for 65 years, six children-Julie (Karl) Greenhill, Ruth (Roger) Rechsteiner, Jenny Arata, Alan (Kim) Arata, Wendy (Michael) Gott, and Cheryl Labrum; fourteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, his sister; Joni Burkey, & 6 nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister; Rosalie Henry, and nephew; Brad Shue.
A Celebration of Life is Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 at 1:00 pm, Crossroads Chapel, 840 North Gate Rd, Colorado Springs.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Grace to You Ministries, PO Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Jewel I am sorry to hear of Paul’s passing but rejoice that he hss as d a relationship with Jesus If you have forgotten me i am your auction buddies. What good times we used to have at the auctions. Hope you are in good health. Like to hear from you. Ron bjork
Ron Bjork
Friend
August 23, 2020
Jewel,Darrell and I are so sorry for your loss ! Paul was a great athlete and smart as hell as Darrell says. He roomed next door to him at NCSU where they were great friends! We remember our visit to Goldsboro when Darrell was Best Man at your sweet wedding. Lots of years of fun conversations between them through the years....you were always there to keep Paul straight. Your wonderful family is a monument to you and Paul and the support and love will be forever! Best wishes and love to you sweet Jewel.
Ann and Darrell Winslow
August 25, 2019
Heartfelt condolences to the family. May God give your heart peace and comfort.
August 23, 2019
Cheryl I am so sorry for the passing of your precious dad. I know the care and love you provided to both your parents in these later years.
I hope that the good memories may comfort you during this difficult time.
I will lift you and your family in prayer. Hugs to you.
Donna Kouba
August 23, 2019
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