Paul Justin Shatswell was born to Thomas Shatswell and Michelle Rizzuto on October 24th, 1973. He grew up in Pittsburg, CA, being raised by his grandparents the late Paul and Betty Rizzuto. He attended Foothill Elementary, Central Junior High and Pittsburg Senior High School, Class of 1991. Always one to push the limits, Paul's life was a fulfilling balance of fatherhood, faith, educational accomplishments and career success. Paul loved having a full house with a total of 8 children. His first son, Andrew was born in 1989 followed by Jonathan, Janae, Paul Jr, Serena, Maximus, Benjamin and his youngest son, Anthony, was born in 2012. With a beautiful voice and talent for playing the piano and guitar among other instruments, music was a significant part of his life. Related musical accolades include serving as the music minister at Radiant Life Ministries and creating original compositions with his band Jomo, who played the local club circuit and won Battle of the Bands in 2005 earning them a trip to play at world famous Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas. Always on a pursuit to expand his knowledge and increase his capacity to serve others, Paul earned Masters of Science in Accounting and Masters in Business Administration degrees from Saint Mary's College and a Masters in Counseling from Chapman University among other degrees and credentials. A man of many strengths, Paul most recently worked for Pittsburg Unified School District and West Contra Costa County Unified School Districts, where he worked hard to shape the lives of youth and young adults for the better. Over the years Paul worked with Don Rhodes Real Estate, PacBell, EMC, Oracle, Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department and Safeway to name a few. He was a professional through and through, but under it all he was a comedian, jester and joker. Downright hilarious. He would often make silly nicknames and monikers for people and loved telling lively stories of his happiest and funniest moments shared with others. He easily made people laugh and smile even if you didn't feel like it. Above all, Paul made everyone feel like a friend and family with his big heart and compassion and love for others that knew no limits. He used his voice to bring life into any conversation and devoted so much time and energy into building people up, whether that be personally with family and friends or professionally with students and colleagues. Paul enjoyed spontaneous adventures with those he loved, handyman projects with his sons and friends, playing and composing music and tasks that challenged his perspective and mind, especially those involving his faith and favorite subject mathematics. Paul is survived by his Father Thomas Shatswell, Mother Michelle Rizzuto, Stepmother Roberta Shatswell, Sisters Lynsie Shatswell and Marci Shatswell, 8 Children Andrew, Jonathan, Janae, Paul Jr, Serena, Maximus, Benjamin and Anthony and three grandchildren Makaela, Jonathan Jr. and Christian.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2019 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Pittsburg Funeral Chapel. Memorial service Friday, April 5, 2019 at 7:00pm at the Creative Arts Building at Pittsburg High School.