Paul J Trainor Sr

Paul Joseph Trainor Sr. was born in December 1939 in Providence, Rhode Island to Emmett and M. Florence Trainor. He was the youngest of four children, joining siblings Emmett Jr., Jeanne and Anita. When Paul was a toddler, the family relocated to Southeast Washington DC. Growing up, his family instilled the importance of faith in his daily life. He served as an altar boy and often talked about the experiences that influenced his enduring Catholic faith.

Paul was very social and easily made friends, maintaining long term friendships throughout his life. He was a natural leader both formally and informally, serving as the architect of many neighborhood adventures during his teenage years. During one such adventure, he and his buddies hitch-hiked from his home in Southeast to far away St. Mary’s County, for a day of adventure on the Potomac. He was a proud member of the graduating class of 1958 from Mackin High School and enjoyed telling stories about riding the streetcar to school. He excelled in English, a skill he would later use to write letters home during his military service and to review his children’s and grandchildren’s writing assignments. 

Paul would often say “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” He developed a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial skills, beginning with a paper route that he managed at an early age. He also worked at a variety of retail positions after high school. From there, facing the impending draft, and following in his older brother’s footsteps, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After training at Camp LeJeune, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Essex where he endured the Cuban Blockade and then traveled the world for three years. For most of his time on the ship, he served as a Brig Warden which meant spending long hours below deck. He earned recognition with a Good Conduct Medal and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge. He lived and demonstrated the Marine Corps ethics and pride throughout his life.

After completing his military service, Paul began an apprenticeship as an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 26. He was naturally handy and earned his certification as a Master Electrician. He worked for a few different companies before starting his own business mid-career, which he maintained until his passing. 

Above all, Paul was dedicated to his Catholic faith and his family. In between deployments, Paul married his beautiful wife Patricia on May 30, 1964 at Mount Calvary Catholic Church in Forestville, MD. He and his wife welcomed four children, Tish, Lisa, P.J. and Laurie. Paul and Patricia modeled the importance of their faith in their daily lives to include prioritizing the family budget for Catholic education from elementary through high school for their children. During their school years, Paul was the “go to guy” when the kids needed help building something for a school project, crafting Halloween costumes out of household items or leaning on his English skills as the reviewer for many homework assignments.

During his lifetime, Paul led or played an important role in many clubs and community organizations including the Young Adults Club, the North Forestville Citizens Association, the Mount Calvary Church Council as well as his home and condo associations. He loved helping to manage the Mount Calvary Catholic Youth Organization and coached many of his kids’ soccer, basketball and softball teams. He instilled and inspired the importance of volunteering and participating in various activities to improve yourself, influence plans and contribute to the community, especially for faith-based organizations. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and earned his fourth degree with the Knights of Columbus. 

Paul was a faithful witness to God and to his faith as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, classmate, neighbor and most importantly a Catholic. He strongly believed his main role in life was setting a good example and fostering faith in his children and grandchildren. 

“Pop Pop” adored his 10 grandchildren. He loved to hear stories about their achievements and sporting events. He was always present and extra proud watching as they made their Sacraments. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to work hard, reach high to achieve their dreams and most importantly, to remain faithful. 

Paul loved getting together with the family at home or during the summers in Ocean City, Maryland. Having his children and grandchildren join him for a day by the pool or in the ocean was a perfect day, often followed by Church and dinner. He often organized or helped with gatherings including birthday celebrations, lunches, parties and reunions. He didn’t want to miss a family, friend or neighborhood event and was often among the last to leave. 

Paul enjoyed time on the water. Though he didn’t take much time off from work, he was thrilled to purchase a boat for weekend adventures on the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River. He enjoyed crabbing, fishing, and water skiing and sharing these times with his family. 

Paul never really retired. He continued to do smaller jobs, especially for friends and family. He enjoyed reading, gardening, critiquing sports games, and hosting social events. Technology could be challenging but he really enjoyed making connections and communicating with family and friends over social media. 

Paul was an amazing man. He was patient, talented, hard-working, faithful and loving. He will be forever missed.

Paul is survived by his daughters, Tish Musselman (Patrick) and Lisa Kost (Rob), daughter-in-law, Lauren Trainor, sister Anita Harrison (Richard deceased), and grandchildren Erin, Kyle (Clare), Jake, Jamie, Lindsay, Ciara, Alyssa, Ryan, Braylon, and Caylee and his nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 58 years, Patricia, son Paul “P.J.” Trainor Jr., daughter, Laura “Laurie” Brown and son-in-law Scott Brown, parents, Emmett and M. Florence Trainor, aunt Blanche “Petie”, his brother Emmett Trainor Jr. (Shirley deceased), and his sister Jeanne Hemmer (Donald deceased). He will be missed by his family, friends, neighbors, and the Jesus Good Shepherd Catholic Church community. 

The family will receive friends at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD, 20736 on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 1601 W. Mount Harmony Road, Owings, MD 20736 on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Jesus the Good Shepherd Cemetery.