Paul Samuel "Coach" Lombardo, 79, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Paul was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Samuel Paul and Dorothy Marie (Hammer) Lombardo where he spent his early years and where he developed a love for sports, discipline, and teamwork that would shape the course of his life. He was proud of his Italian heritage, recalling days spent with his grandfather who owned a large Italian bakery. He discovered a love for cooking, baking and the dedication and discipline to one's craft. It was within that large boisterous family he learned teamwork, becoming aware that every individual had something to bring to the table.

During his Jr. High years his family moved to Dade City, FL. He attended Pasco High School excelling in every sport he tried out for, but football was his passion. He went on to study and play football for a community college in Coffeyville, KS where his skills helped earn the team numerous awards. He returned home to attend the University of Tampa where he was offered a full-ride football scholarship, and he received his BS in Physical Education. After graduation he attended Livingston University (currently University of West Alabama) where he received his master's degree. As a graduate assistant he coached the 1971 Livingston Tigers team and through the combined efforts of players and coaches, the Tigers won the NAIA National Championship that year (in 2021, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Livingston University football team's national championship, the coaches and entire team were inducted into the UWA Hall of Fame). His passion for football and leadership continued to grow.

Paul devoted his professional life to coaching football, building a successful and respected career at both high school and college levels. For over 45 years he influenced countless young men, not only as athletes, but as individuals. While he was known for his knowledge of the game and commitment to excellence, those who truly knew him understood that his greatest strength was his character.

Paul cared deeply for his players. He believed in each one as a whole person, not just a position on the field. He mentored, encouraged and stood by them, often long after their playing days were over. So many considered him a second father - someone who demanded discipline but gave unwavering support, guidance and respect in return. His impact reached far beyond wins and losses and will live on through the lives he touched.

His accolades on the playing field are many but beyond football, Paul was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in each of them. He was a man of quiet strength, loyalty, and deep faith -values he lived daily and passed on to those around him.

Paul will be remembered for his integrity, his dedication to others and the lasting influence he had on generations of players, students, friends and family. He leaves a legacy of leadership, compassion and steadfast love. He will be remembered as someone who understood the game. He knew that the game was never over regardless of what the scoreboard read. He knew the secret of the game was to persist and endure and never give up.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, William Vincent "Billy" Lombardo.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Marcella "Peggy" Lombardo; children, Cilia Marie Lombardo Barrett (Patrick) and Paul Anthony "Tony" Lombardo; grandchildren, Gabriella Margaret "Gabby" Lombardo, Sydney Ruth Brassey-Brierley, Paul Anthony Lombardo Jr., Austin Paul Brassey-Brierley, and Emma Dorothy Lombardo; sister, Janet Frances Ellard (Steve), brother, Rick Vincent Lombardo and nephew, Marc Ellard (Susan).

A Visitation will be held from 2:30pm until a Memorial Service begins at 3:00pm on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Fr. Frank Watts officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association ( https://www.heart.org/ ) or to the Shriners Children's ( https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en ).