Paul Edward Pina was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 20, 1949. He was the fourth child born to Julia Theresa (DeBritto) and Ruel Raymond Pina. He was born into what would become a large family and would include eight children growing up in the Washington Elms Housing Project in the Central Square neighborhood of Cambridge. The family didn't have much in the way of material things, but they had each other — and that was more than enough.

Paul went to St. Mary of the Annunciation Grammar School and graduated from Rindge Technical High School. After high school, he worked in an auto repair shop, picking up a solid set of mechanical skills. That hands-on experience ended up being a blessing — it likely kept him off the front lines when he enlisted in the Air Force in 1967 and served honorably as an airplane mechanic during the Vietnam War.

Paul returned home in 1971 with the rank of Sergeant. He was so thin his family didn't recognize him. Like many young men of his generation, Vietnam left a deep and lasting impact on Paul. Still, he carried himself with that unmistakable 60s cool — calm and collected, a man of his time.

After Paul returned home, his family bought a house in the historically Black neighborhood of West Medford. As fate would have it, his next-door neighbor introduced him to Beverly Guy. He and Beverly dated five years before making it official. They married on Beverly's mom's birthday, June 30, 1980. Paul's career with Polaroid began around the same time, a job that would turn into a lifelong career.

After getting married, Paul decided to go back to school. He juggled classes at Northeastern University during the day and worked nights at Polaroid. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, which opened the door for him to become Director of Security at Polaroid. Paul was well respected by everyone — from his bosses to those who reported to him. He stayed with Polaroid right up until the company closed its doors.

In retirement, Paul enjoyed the simple things. He loved being at home, walking his dog, Salty, chatting with neighbors, and playing music from the porch that always seemed to draw people in. He knew everybody, and everybody knew him.

Paul was no-nonsense and preferred simple pleasures to extravagance. He didn't go for pretense or drama. In his final days at the cardiac care unit, he was cracking jokes, charming nurses and welcoming visitors with an upbeat attitude. His last, simple request was for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife Beverly, and his siblings Barbara Jones, Muriel Ridley, Judith Pina, Manuel Pina, Donna Greene, Ralph Turner, and Gerald Turner. He also leaves sisters-in-laws Lillette, Adrian, Roberta, Lynne, and Missy along with a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Anthony, Raymond, and Stephen, and by two of his closest friends, Jim D'Antona and Rodger Johnson.

He'll be remembered by all who had the good fortune to know him.