Paul L. Bacigalupi: Husband, Father, Grandfather and “Ranger 2”
April 4, 1944 – July 29, 2021
Paul Bacigalupi, 77, (fondly known as “Bach,” “Paulie,” and “Ranger 2”), joined his parents, many friends and loved ones, and beloved animals in heaven on July 29, 2021. His best friend and wife of nearly 55 years, Cathy Bacigalupi, was by his side.
Born in San Francisco, California on April 4, 1944, Paul was the first son of the late Louis and Florence Bacigalupi, and big brother to Robert Bacigalupi. A graduate of South San Francisco High School, Class of 1962, he built a life and family with Cathy in the San Francisco Bay Area until they relocated to Apopka Florida in 2000. He always will be known as the heartbeat of lifelong friendships and will be remembered by all who ever met him for his smile.
From the days when life was simpler and full of misadventures that could fill an entire American Graffiti chapter , Paul loved his cars and weekends racing on El Camino Real, starting with his 1931 Model A, 1955 Ford and 1956 Chevy P/I. His love of cars led to a chance meeting with Cathy at the gas station where he worked as a teenager, which sparked a lifelong love story. He later acquired his dream car, a 1962 Corvette at Hot August Nights in Reno, Nevada, where each year and he, Cathy and friends from around the world, would gather to share their love of cars and 1950s-60s nostalgia.
For many years, as the CEO of Golden Gate Beverage in San Francisco, Paul’s name was synonymous with Royal Crown (RC) Cola. His children lived every child’s dream of having a houseful (and warehouse full) of soda on hand at any given moment. On summertime weekends, Paul could be found helping his children keep the neighborhood soda stand stocked with plenty of RC.
Paul was a gifted athlete who loved to play baseball and softball as Number 9. He passed this gift to his children and granddaughter and spent many years coaching, sponsoring and supporting their respective teams.
He also was a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. In recent years, he realized a lifelong dream to meet Willie Mays, one of his baseball idols. Using a limousine he borrowed from a colleague, Paul “chauffeured” Mr. Mays to a Bay Area event and around San Francisco for an evening. It was a thrill he never forgot.
All who knew Paul appreciated his generous heart and compassion for animals in need. He was rarely seen without a dog and a cat by his side, and made it his mission to champion animal rescue efforts.
Most recently, Paul served the City of Apopka, Florida as a first responder and “Ranger 2” at the 180-acre Northwest Recreation Complex, also known as The Field of Fame. There, he worked closely with the Apopka Police and Fire Departments, and was dedicated to caring for the park and keeping its visitors safe and comfortable. He felt incredibly proud and honored to serve the community and took his job very seriously. He always made every colleague and visitor feel at home and was the first person to be called when a wildlife rescue was needed on campus.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, John and Barbara Gates, uncle-in-law Robert Gates, his brother-in-law, Jack Gates and his lifelong friend, Darryl Payne. He is survived by his best friend and wife, Cathy Bacigalupi; brother Robert Bacigalupi and his wife Susan; brother-in-law Albert Gates and his wife Karen; daughter Wendy Bacigalupi; sons William Bacigalupi and his partner Christina Bryant, and Jeff Bacigalupi; granddaughter Alexandria (Alex) Bacigalupi; and daughter-in-law Tanja Lengemann Bacigalupi.
He also is survived by friends and extended family who include the Norflin family: Hampton, Jayzelle, Pamela, Mia and Gabbey; Dewey and Donna Hendricks; Joe and Linda Lewis; Maria Bryant; cousin Richard Knight; nieces Robin Gates West, Allete Fouts, Kimberly Morris, Lisa Gates Taylor; nephews John Gates, John Bacigalupi and Joseph Bacigalupi. And, he always will be adored by his pups and his cat.
Paul will be honored and remembered by friends, family, first responders and the community of Apopka at a Celebration of Life on Monday August 9, 2021 at 11 a.m. It will take place — rain or shine — at the Northwest Recreation Complex, 3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway, Apopka, FL. All friends are invited to attend. Please enter the park through Gate 3.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in the memory of Paul Bacigalupi to Healy Pack German Shepherd Dog Sanctuary, a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, online at https://healypack.org/contact/ or by mail at
Healy Pack
3721 Dartmouth Ave N
St. Petersburg. Fl
33713
“Cathy, I love you, [I’ll] be your guardian angel — also Wendy’s, Bill’s, Jeff’s and Alex’s. I’ll wait for ya’!”
“10-7, Ranger 2.”