Paul R. Van Auken

Paul R. Van Auken, age 80, of Grants Pass, died Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Highland House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 19, 2010 at Bethany Presbyterian Church with Pastor Steve Parker officiating. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society, 31 W 6th Street, Medford, Oregon 97501.

Paul was born July 31, 1930 in Schenectady, New York to Paul & Mary Van Auken. In 1948 he graduated from high school in Scotia, New York and then immediately enlisted in the United States Army. After his military service, he attended community college in Utica, New York where he earned a drafting degree. He started working for General Electric in Schenectady and worked his way up to design draftsman. Several years later, when GE moved to Santa Clara, California, Paul was transferred there and was employed with GE until his retirement in 1987. He later worked part-time for Orchard Supply in Santa Clara County. In 1975 he married Patricia (Hogan) Friccero. Together they moved from San Jose, California to Grants Pass in 1991.

Paul volunteered with AA as a 44-year member and delivered meals for North Valley area shut-in seniors with Food & Friends.

Paul was an avid golfer, fisherman, and a do-it-yourselfer landlord and also enjoyed playing pinochle.

In addition to his wife, Pat Van Auken of Grants Pass, Oregon; he is survived by three stepchildren, Michael Friccero of Kodiak, Alaska, Margaret Archer of Saratoga, California and Robert Friccero of Yuma, Arizona; a sister, Dorothy Whitmore of Addison, New York; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a stepson, Paul Friccero in August 1996 and a sister, Judy Martin in January 1972.