Paul Richard Truchan, 78, of the Bronx, New York, passed away at home on July 20, 2026. Born on May 7, 1948, in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx, he was the beloved son of the late Alexander and Elsie Truchan. The values of hard work, perseverance and family that shaped his early years became the foundation of his character throughout his life.
He attended the City College of New York, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering and met the love of his life, Alfonsina. He later received a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from The Cooper Union and proudly served six years in the National Guard. Paul went on to dedicate thirty-eight years to the Environmental Protection Agency, where his work reflected the values that guided his life — a deep respect for the natural world and a commitment to preserving it for future generations.
At heart, however, he was an explorer — a man of boundless curiosity and quiet adventure. Travel was one of his great passions, not simply for the destinations themselves, but for the opportunity to experience the world in all its vastness and majesty. He found joy in its sweeping landscapes, natural wonders, ancient histories, and vibrant cultures. Whether crossing oceans or wandering unfamiliar roads, he believed there was always more to see, more to understand and more to appreciate. He approached both his travels and his life with humility, respect, and an enduring spirit of discovery.
Yet for all his accomplishments and adventures, Paul’s greatest passion was his family. They were his greatest joy and his life’s purpose. He was a remarkable role model whose example taught the values of discipline, honesty, lifelong learning, and selflessness. Possessing a quiet strength that steadied those around him, he never sought recognition for himself, yet his generosity, compassion and respect for others left a genuine and lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Those blessed to have him in their lives will carry forward the lessons he lived every day: to lead with kindness and integrity, to approach life with patience and optimism, to seek meaningful experiences over materiality and to hold family above all else.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alexander and Elsie and his sister Joanna. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Alfonsina; his sons, Christopher and his wife Josephine, and Mark and his wife Jessica; his six treasured grandchildren, Isabella, Victoria, Juliet, Abigail, Charlotte and Jackson; his brother Steve and his wife Wendy; his sister Victoria and her husband Jim; his sister-in-law Pia and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on August 6 at 11 a.m. at Saint Clare of Assisi Church, 1027 Rhinelander Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to charities that Paul passionately supported and cared deeply about:
• National Wildlife Federation
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- UNICEF
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