Paul Andrew Coty

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Paul Andrew Coty. Paul was born on November 12, 1967. At only 58 years old, he died suddenly on June 9, 2026. Paul will be fondly remembered for his genuine compassion and kindheartedness. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Paul was born in San Jose, California to Douglas and Erma Coty. He grew up in Watsonville, California, and attended Moreland Notre Dame and Watsonville High School. Paul was a gifted student who left an unforgettable impression on his classmates and teachers alike. He would take any opportunity to spend time with his friends (often causing small amounts of mischief). He loved all things sports, from biking to golf to baseball. He was an All-Star baseball player, excelling as both a pitcher and catcher. Paul attended UCLA and graduated in 1990 with degrees in Economics and Political Science. While in college, Paul was a red shirt member of the collegiate baseball team. He was proudly initiated into Beta Theta Pi his freshman year; his fraternity brothers became some of his dearest friends. His love of the brotherhood was an inspiration to his own brother to found a new chapter of the fraternity at UC Santa Barbara. Paul spent his collegiate summers working at IBM, where his own father spent his entire career.

After graduating, Paul went on to have an extensive career as a salesman in the chemicals industry. Paul's work took him to all corners of the globe including: France, Chile, Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia, where he spent almost three years establishing a presence for the company he worked for. He was also an entrepreneur, owning and operating several laundry-orientated businesses. Throughout his career, Paul was known as a charismatic and grounded colleague, with enthusiasm and generosity for all he encountered. As an employer and resident, his contributions to the community were noteworthy.

Paul believed his greatest accomplishments though were with his family. Paul married in 1995, and had two children Elyse and Aidan. Being a father was the pride and joy of his life. He not only passed on his own love of the outdoors, but embraced his children's unique passions and talents. Paul always made time to coach or umpire softball and baseball games, and loved practicing with his both kids. He spent many hours learning about music to better appreciate their musical talents, while he shared his own passion for classic rock. From the time they were young he instilled a love of travel, be it camping in Tahoe to vacationing in Hawaii. In short, Paul loved being a father: whether he was taking a road trip; attending a theater performance; or sharing a meal with his kids. Paul also loved his family pets, Dominic and Duke.

Paul precedes his parents and younger brother, Douglas "Dougie" Coty in death. He leaves behind his two children and dogs, for whom he worked tirelessly until his final days. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all the family and friends who will greatly miss him.

A funeral service for Paul will be held at Holy Eucharist Catholic Community, Corralitos, California on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 11am, with a potluck reception immediately following. The vigil service will take place at Resurrection Catholic Community, Aptos, CA on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 6:30pm. All who knew and loved him are invited. Please bring a dessert and favorite memory to share.

Donations can be given at Spot.Fund/PACotyForestMemorial to help fund Paul's final resting place (learn more about where he will be spread by visiting BetterPlaceForests.org/forest-santa-cruz).

Published in The Pajaronian · July 2, 2026