Paul Michael Virga, 73
Paul Michael Virga, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 1, 2013 at his home in Yuma, Arizona from pancreatic cancer. Paul was born May 19, 1940 to Paul S. Virga and Margaret S. ‘Peggy’ Virga in Sacramento, California. He was the oldest of three children.
After graduating from C. K. McClatchy High School in 1959 he began his career with the State of California, starting as a clerk at the Franchise Tax Board, working his way up while taking computer classes at night, to then work for the Department of Justice as a Programmer Analyst, promoted to Data Processing Manager for the Secretary of State, under the direction of March Fong Eu. He managed this department until his retirement in 1995.
Paul loved to spend time with his family and friends. His favorite pastimes included fishing, gardening, cooking, playing card games and camping. Soon after retirement, Paul relocated from Placerville to Yuma, Arizona. Here he volunteered his time in the local community, and served as a board member of the Casa Manana home owners association for several years, including a term as president. This is also where he met and fell in love with Sandra (Greable) St. John, who he married in September 2007. He was lovingly welcomed into her community in Worley, Idaho, where he was an active member of the Conkling Park Association, Friends of the Library, Worley Fire District, and Worley Community Church.
Paul is survived by his wife, Sandie; son Paul Michael (Barbara) Virga Jr; son David Lynn (Susan) Virga; daughter Shari Rochelle (Bill) Blankenbehler; step son Michael (Kathy) St. John; grandchildren Ashley, Alex, Natalie, Dominic, and Elianna Virga, Billy and Carianna Blankenbehler; brother Larry Virga; and sister Paula Horak-Bailey. He was predeceased by his parents, and sister Sandra Fuqua.
A memorial picnic was July 20, 2013, in the Sacramento area. A short ceremony was held to spread his ashes in the river near his favorite fishing spot on July 20, 2013. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Hospice of Yuma, 1824 South Eighth Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364, or the Worley Community Church, P.O. Box 86, Worley, ID 83876.