Paul Francis Werbaneth
August 29, 1957 - February 07, 2025
Paul Francis Werbaneth passed away on February 7, 2025 at the age of 67. Paul was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in the North Hills. He attended North Hills High School where he earned a varsity letter as a high jumper on the track team and was a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist.
Paul attended Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Cornell remained a life-long touchpoint, and he returned to Ithaca regularly over the years, earning certificates in Marketing and Japanese Language studies and volunteering his time to the undergraduate admissions process.
After graduation, he took a gap year and worked as a waiter in a small hotel in Murten Switzerland. Upon his return to the United States, Paul started a career in the semiconductor industry that lasted for over 45 years. He began work with Intel in Livermore, CA (where he experienced the joys of the 125% solution), and eventually worked for many leading companies including Tegal, Motorola, Hitachi, and Intevac. Paul paused his career in 2019 to return home and provide end-of-life care for his elderly mother, who greatly appreciated his help and company. Paul worked with numerous semiconductor trade organizations, speaking at conferences and publishing many papers during this time. He was proud to stay up to date with the latest developments in his industry and beyond.
Paul was an avid outdoorsman and adventurer. Just after graduating high school, he biked across the country with his good friend Charlie Duerig, riding from Pittsburgh to Vancouver in 28 days. He was also an avid skier, hiker, backpacker, and runner. He had many adventures in the Sierra Nevada mountains and, more locally, hiked many of the trails in Marin County, California with his family. He spent the last few years of his life walking the trails of North Park and Western Pennsylvania.
A voracious reader, Paul always had a book or magazine article to recommend. He liked watching movies old and new, especially enjoying the programs at Row House Cinemas in Lawrenceville, where he had recently moved. Paul could be seen attending Pirates games at PNC Park with his brother Peter and his cousin Jim Werbaneth. They were always delighted when they could raise the Jolly Roger after a victory.
Paul developed a great love for Japan and the Japanese culture after living there for 3 years in the 1990s for work, frequently flying back to visit for pleasure and work throughout the rest of his life. Even in the states, he remained a member of Japan Society and regularly participated in events like the Japanese New Year bell-ringing ceremony and enjoyed Japanese cinema.
Paul is survived by his daughters Akiko Barton (Nick) and Saori Bainum (Brian) along with 5 grandchildren. He leaves behind 3 younger brothers, Greg (Evelyn), Bill (Mary) and Peter, who still lives in Pittsburgh. He was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Louis Werbaneth Jr.
Think of Paul the next time you walk around the lake, dive into a new book, or play your favorite Steely Dan record.
I work at a coffee shop where we were proud to call Paul a “regular”. I loved to make his quad shop latte and chat with him. Always a pleasure and a real class act. He will be missed. – Dave, Matt, Claire, Vince, Josh, and Caleb.
I had the great pleasure of working with Paul.
He will be dearly missed.
He was a great colleague and friend.
Praying for Paul and his family. Paul and I worked together at Tegal.
I am very sorry and surprised to recently hear of Paul’s passing after working with him over the years through the AVS Northern California Chapter of AVS and the TF User Group. He was a very kind man and always happy to contribute. He will be missed.
Paul and I worked together for many years at Tegal as applications engineers and later in technical marketing. He had a sharp mind and a real passion for the technology. I share my condolences with his family.
Paul and I graduated from NHHS together, class of 1975. I would see him at class get togethers and class reunions. We also were connected through fb. When we bumped into each other, he always had a great smile and interesting conversation. We would also talk about the joys of taking care of our aging mothers. Knowing that we were blessed to still have them in our lives.
What a wonderful life you led, taken way too soon. I will miss you Paul. My sincere condolences to his family. God bless. Rest In Peace, Paul
I met Paul in 1981 at Intel. We became friends and spent many good times together in CA, NY and Japan. I will miss him. Fly high, Paul.
My sincere condolences. Had a nice conversation at the last reunion. Rest in peace Paul
I knew Paul through his younger brother Pete. We shared some holidays together from 2015 to 2024. Paul was interesting, very intelligent and articulate. I looked forward to spending the holidays together as a group. My sincere condolences to the Werbaneth family.
I never new Paul but although his life was cut short at an early stage he most certainly packed as much into that time. My condolences to Paul’s family for their great loss.
I connected with Paul thru facebook his mom’s sister Pat was my Godmother. So sorry to hear of his passing. Our sincere condolences to his family.