Paul Jorgensen

Paul was born in 1939 and raised in Bay Ridge , Brooklyn. He was a first generation American, grew up humble and grateful for the freedom that America brought to his family.

He was a graduate of Our Lady of Angels School and Fort Hamilton High School. He went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the United States Air Force from 1957-1961, as an Air Crash Rescue Fireman. He was stationed at Stuart Airbase, Newburgh, New York. One of his proudest moments was serving standby protection duty for a landing of Air Force 1, carrying President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Paul had the opportunity to salute “ Ike” and shake his hand.

He completed his military service and went on to serve as a fireman with the New York City Fire Department, serving 34 years and retired in 1997. He was very proud to be a charter and long time member of Tower Ladder 172, Brooklyn.

Paul married the love of his life, Mary, who had recently emigrated from Ireland, in 1967. They remained inseparable for 57 years, raising three children in Prince’s Bay Staten Island. Paul was know as a quiet, stoic, simple man. God family and country were his only concerns in life.

In February of 1978 he was diagnosed with end stage non-Hodgkins lymphoma and was subsequently sent home to die. He volunteered to be a “test pilot” for a radical new aggressive chemotherapy. After receiving treatment for 4 1/2 years he went on to live a very grateful life in remission. Paul was an inspiration to all around him. He never complained and always put family and friends first.

Paul is survived by his adoring wife, Mary, of over 57 years, his three children and their spouses, Niels [Anne], Colleen [Kevin] and Joseph. He also leaves behind his five grandchildren, his “lovies”, Emily [Rob], Joseph, Paul, Shannon and Kathryn. He was very proud of his grandchildren and was eternally grateful to witness them growing up to be wonderful adults. He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Helen [George] and Grace. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews in America, Ireland and England. He will also be missed by his cousins, in his father’s native country, Denmark. Paul also loved his second Bay Ridge family, the Macrons, who were life long friends. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Niels and Mary Jorgensen and his loving sister, Martha.

A special thanks to all of his care providers at SIUH South CCU. Thanks to his many nurses [Teddy, Ashley, Barbara, Dawn, Anne Marie, Nora and many more]. Thanks to all of the doctors and med surge 3rd and 4th floors. Paul received world class loving care from everyone there. A very special thanks to Freddie C, our dad’s “fireman buddy” who went above and beyond for him. Also, thanking everyone at Advantage Care especially Doctor Giddeman and his nurse Geraldine who provided loving care for many years. Also thanking the staff at Carmel Richmond, especially nursing directors Eddie and Toni Ann and our father’s “angel” care attendant, Margarita, who held his hand when he was scared. Margarita you are truly the Jorgensen family’s hero for the love you showed our dad.

Pop rest easy. We will all miss your wisdom, humor and love. Keep low and we will see you again. In lieu of flowers, please make a donations in his name to either of his favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Tunnel to Towers. Thank you