Paul Sinatra dies at 48; world-class vaulter jumped in April 2010
Paul Sinatra, an M45 vaulter who competed as recently as April, died today, according to Nick Vogt, coach at Christian Team Ministries of Meadow Vista, California. Nick sent this note: “Today, December 1, 2010, our world lost a most excellent friend, an elite athlete, exceptional pole vault coach, and encouraging mentor to hundreds of young people.  Paul Sinatra endured a 2-year battle against cancer on the horizontal runway on earth; but he vaulted victoriously into the heavens, easily clearing the bar of Eternal Life, and he has landed safely and peacefully into the arms of our loving heavenly Father.” Born in April 1962, he had an M40 best of 4.86 meters (15-11 1/4) and an M45 best of 4.85 (15-10 3/4) — making him one of the top 3 in history. Some of his vaults are archived on YouTube, including this one from 2008, with Frank Sinatra in the background singing “(I did it) My Way”:
Paul competed at the National Pole Vault Summit in Reno, winning in 2009. I don’t know if Paul and Frank Sinatra were related, but they were brothers in doing it their way. Our sincerest condolences to family and friends.
24 Responses
Ken, Thanks for putting this blog up… It’s much appreciated.
Paul was a teammate of mine back in college. Wonderful person. I would see him during the spring as we coached high school vaulters, he would help anybody. It is a sad day for me and track and field. My condolences as well to the family and friends. I am so sorry.
What terrible news. I always so enjoyed watching Paul vault. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends- Paul will be missed.
I had only seen Paul vault a few times at the Pole Vault Summit. But as a fellow masters vaulter, I’m saddened to see one of us pass so young. I send my condolences to family and friends.
Truly a sad day and a huge loss. We both NH’d together this last year at the Summit, so we had a nice chat sharing that experience and Masters Vaulting overall. What a phenomenal vaulter, and person as a whole. RIP and condolences to his family.
Tremendous vaulter and person. So sorry for the loss.
Sad news when anyone passes on so early in life. My condolences to Paul’s family and friends. Having just joined the Masters PV circuit in 2008 and meeting new PVers and friends along the way, I always found Paul at the top of the leader board and hoped to compete with him and make a new friend. As I read these posts of those who knew him personally, I lament not being able to have met the man himself.
What a sad shock. Paul was a good friend. I coached at Sacramento State when Paul was there and went to Nationals with him (I was the distance coach). It was one of the best trips of my life. Not only did my athlete win 2 events at Nationals, I got to really know Paul. In all my years of knowing Paul I never saw a frown on his face. Always a very happy person. I will miss him.
Very sorry to hear this. Paul was one of the most incredible athletes I’ve ever known. He was an inspiration to all of us. Meets will not be the same this year.
This is very poignant. A young guy (M45) with flair passing 50 years before his time. P. Sinatra vaulting to the strains of F. Sinatra in the background. This is very tough.
My Best wishes to his Family, I never met him but somehow feel as if I did, watcing videos of him. a real champion an inspiration to us all. Peace brother.
my prayers for his family as well as our extended masters track and field family…
Paul was one of the nicest men anyone could ever have met. I saw just him a few short months ago and he was is old, chipper self. We all lost a great friend and competitor.
Paul Sinatra’s Memorial Service will be Tuesday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m.
Burial to follow memorial service
Sunset Lawn
Chapel of the Chimes
4701 Marysville Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95838
916-922-5833
Reception to immediately follow memorial service
Rancho Martinez
2830 Hurley Way
Sacramento, CA 95864
Maps to reception will be given out at the memorial
Paul was a friend and a mentor to me. We spent many hours together at BV coaching athletes and working with him when he needed some private jump time. I could feel Paul’s presence last Thursday when I walked out onto the BV pole vault complex for a practice session. I shall miss him. My deepest condolences to his family. The vault world has lost a true champion.
Paul is now smiling down on us all from Heaven and thanking you for these beautiful responses. Many blessings & heartfelt thanks from his wife & Sinatra Family.
Paul was one of a kind and I always called him my brother. I was so greatful to be a part of his life…Adrea Frances Bagatelos
I will miss Paul greatly. I coached with him at Woodcreek High School in 2001 and 2002. We became good friends and always cheered each other on at masters meets we were both at. Paul always had time to come catch me in the hammer throw before his warm-ups. Paul absence will always be felt and I will not forget his freindship and outstanding vaults.
Paul, God Bless, you will be missed!
All our love and respect.
Mike and Gina Curry
I came across this news quite by accident. In 2007, Paul was so excited to learn that Sacramento would be the place for Nationals in 2010, and the Worlds in 2011. Knowing the great competitor he was, I expected to see him atop the results lists. It hit me hard to realize that he will never make it to these “home turf” meets.
I have been torn away from PV for a few years, but Paul’s passing is helping me to find my way back.
He gave so much to this world, and has been a tremendous example to me–so I thought I’d try to give back a little. I’ve created this video “For Paul”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7J8jwbk61M
May we all take a little of his spirit with us down the runway of life.
-Tony Hatch
Tony….love the video. Thanks so much for preparing! Paul is sorely missed by so many. He was definitely an example and inspiration to all.
I love my little brother but know he’s in a better place.
– Mike Sinatra
This Website creates a huge lump in my throat! I’m Paul’s Mom, and we followed him wherever he was vaulting! He loved the vault, created a runway in our back yard (Chula Vista) when he was in High School, he would run and jump, and land in the “ice plant” between our house and the neighbor’s property! Of course his big brother, Joe, also vaulted for CV High, and brother Mike was a long-distance runner… When you have 8 kids you’ve got to have them involved in sports! That’s a MUST!! I myself did Volley Ball, Soft Ball, and Tennis… He left a beautiful legacy for our family, and also for the young athletes with whom he worked and loved!
Hi JoAnne… Paul also left a wonderful legacy for all of the coaches who had an opportunity to know and coach along side him. Before a vault competition we attended at Woodcreek High school last month, the coaches gathered the competitors around Paul’s memorial plaque installed near the PV Runway to share a few memories of Paul’s dedication to serve and encourage athletes and others within his sphere of influence. JoAnne, thank you for being a loving, caring mother to Paul and his seven siblings, while giving them inspiration to help others make a positive difference in our world.
My first year coaching high school Track Paul was a freshman on the team. I always remembered him as a good kid, and a great competitor! He really studied his event. I was happy that he continued vaulting in college, as a Master, and went into coaching. One of my favorites over a 20 year career of coaching.
I was very saddened to learn of his passing.
RIP Paul! Coach Steve
I’ve been searching for my dear friend and college roomate, Mike Sinatra, and in the search I am saddened to hear of the loss of his brother Paul. I’ve met him a few times in his ‘teens… and remember him as a happy, and friendly young man. I remember brother Mike vaulted in college, and Paul must have carried on the tradition in tremendous fashion. May God’s promise of being at our sides at all times bring comfort to his dear family.
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