Apolinar Filiberto Escamilla

Apolinar "Paul" Filiberto Escamilla, age 76, passed away in his home on March 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on August 22, 1949, Paul was raised in Palmdale, California. He was the son of Josefina and Apolinar Escamilla, who instilled in him the values of hard work, discipline, and deep devotion to family. He was one of several siblings, with Juanita being the eldest, followed by Paul, Tom, Rosie, and Josie.

After graduating high school, Paul joined the United States Army, where he trained as a radar technician. He was later stationed in Okinawa, serving on a remote radar site for almost two years.

Paul pursued his education in engineering at Northrop Institute of Technology. He furthered his training through CDC (Control Data Corporation), as well as extension classes at UCLA, and earned many additional certificates throughout his life—reflecting his deep commitment to learning and growth.

He dedicated his professional life to computer engineering, building a career marked by precision, intelligence, and quiet excellence. One of his proudest and most meaningful roles was serving as a Flight Test Conductor for the ASAT (Anti-Satellite) program—a United States military initiative focused on developing systems capable of tracking and intercepting objects in space. In this role, Paul carried immense responsibility, helping coordinate and oversee complex flight-testing operations. It was work he took great pride in, and one that reflected both his technical skill and his steady, dependable nature.

On July 26, 1975, Paul married his love, Cathy Steidl, at Grace and Truth Chapel in San Diego. Together, they built a life grounded in love, guided by their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and endeavoring to serve Him through their lives and family.

Paul’s hobbies were varied, but he especially enjoyed mountain biking, engraving, and cooking. Cooking was one of his greatest joys. For many years, he faithfully served his church at Bible camps, preparing meals for hundreds of children. He poured care into every meal and continued cooking for as long as he possibly could—until the final months of his life. He also deeply loved to eat and fully enjoyed good food throughout his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy, and his children: Jeremy (wife Isella), Ariana, Ben, and Steven (wife Sam).

He was a devoted grandfather to Zion, Judah, and Mateo; Madison and Micaela; and Logan and Mason.

Paul will be remembered for his strength, his intelligence, his dedication, and the quiet but powerful ways he showed love—through his work, his service, and the life he built for his family. He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke in love.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.