Popular water polo official passes away (updated)

Popular Orange County water polo referee Stephen Pal, 46, died Wednesday night of a heart attack, his wife, Jenny confirmed. His funeral is scheduled for Monday, March 1 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Long Beach at 10 a.m.

The Westminster resident had been battling health issues but was able to attend the CIF girls water polo semifinals in Irvine on Wednesday.

Pal spent time at the event talking to friends. He also shared his excitement about an upcoming assignment to officiate a swim meet.

“It was, quite honestly, his best day of the year,” friend and fellow official Eric Pierce said. “He was so happy.”

Pal was a veteran water polo official. He also was a former longtime lifeguard in Long Beach.

Pal played water polo and swam at Long Beach State and West Valley College in Northern California. He attended Saratoga High.

Pal also swam for the powerhouse Santa Clara Swim Club.

In Orange County, he refereed top-tier matches but also was known for his affable personality. Fellow official Nick Baba called him “a true people person.”

Pal is survived by his wife, mother, Norma, brothers, Damon, and, Jason, sister, Veronica. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.