Paul L. Wankmuller

Paul was the second-born son of Robert and Mary Wankmueller and was lovingly raised within an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Paul was of the Roman Catholic faith and graduated from Cathedral Prep. He completed his undergraduate degree at Niagara University and then received his Master’s Degree from Columbia University Teachers College. Paul married Lorraine Musser, also of Brooklyn, NY, and together they had four children, Kathleen, Robert, Stephen, and Michelle.

Paul was a lifelong educator, first teaching English at Bushwick High School in Brooklyn, NY, then working as a guidance counselor at J.H.S. /I.S. 125 in Woodside, NY, and teaching English-as-a-Second-Language and tutoring teenagers and adults at Queens College and La Guardia Community College. Paul stayed in touch with many of his students and even received calls and visits from them years later.

A devout Catholic, Paul attended weekly services at St. Andrew Avellino, in Flushing, NY, where he sent all four of his children to Catholic school. Paul and his eldest son, Robert, were members of the St. Andrew Avellino Choir for many years. An avid Beatles fan, Paul loved listening to live music and learning about new singers and bands.

Paul endured significant losses during his life, most notably of his son, Stephen, in 1996, and wife, Lorraine, in 2001, but his unshakeable faith and bond with his own father, children, and grandchildren helped him endure. He is pre-deceased by his mother, Mary Wankmueller, his father, Robert Wankmueller, and his older brother, Peter Wankmueller.

In recent years, Paul found a new community of friends at Flushing House, a senior residence. There he came to be known as “Paul Elvis” for his lively singing with the Flushing House band and at weekly karaoke. Fellow residents remembered him for his willingness to listen to their problems and for trying to offer guidance and support. Paul was fortunate to meet and form a special bond with Diane Nash, his girlfriend and constant companion for the past two years.

Paul was a loving father and grandfather and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his eight grandchildren Sophia, Emily, Tristan, Olivia, Kira, Stephen, Kyla, and Xavier II, his children, Kathleen, Robert, and Michelle, his daughter-in-law, Gabriela, sons-in-law, Xavier and Dmitriy, and their extended families, his brother, John, and John’s children, Donna and David, his nephew, Donald, and Donald’s son, Ian.

Paul lived a blessed life and was a beloved part of his family. At weddings and family gatherings, he was always talking, enjoying food, and dancing. He loved taking pictures and always stood out with his height and big smile. His family asks that you remember Paul with the values he believed in: faith, positive thinking, and random acts of kindness.

A visitation for Paul will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. A funeral mass will occur Monday, August 14, 2023 10:00 AM at Saint Andrew Avellino, 35-60 158th Street, Flushing, NY 11358. Graveside service to follow at St Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frederick-fh.com for the Wankmuller family.