H. Paul Munkel

Harry Paul Munkel graduated to heaven on December 24th, 2020 at the age of 94. He is survived by his loving wife Joan of 66yrs.,2 daughters, a son, 7 grandchildren, 4 nieces and 2 nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Herman Harry and Irma, brother John and sister Olive.

He was born on March 14th, 1926 in Ridgefield Park, NJ. Paul was 17yrs old when he enlisted in the Merchant Marines during WW2. He was a wiper/oiler on a Liberty ship. He received an honorable discharge on August 1946. In June 1951 Paul was drafted into the Army during the Korean War in the 223rd Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division where he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. At all times his kitchen served superior quality rations, including hot bread, homemade pizza, and excellent pastries. Paul distinguished himself by meritorious service in Korea and received an honorable discharge March 1953. He was awarded a commendation ribbon with metal pendent for showing outstanding qualities of leadership, extreme technical skills, and sincere devotion to Army.

He met the love of his life Joan through a blind date and they married on June 26, 1954, and they started their family soon after. Paul’s experience as 1st cook and Assistant Mess Steward overflowed into his personal life. He always volunteered in the kitchen for church activities and would make the best homemade pizza for youth group gatherings. During the holidays he would make his famous Irish Freckle bread for family and friends. His fondness for Italian food was only surpassed by his love for coffee and passion for chocolate.

In 1967-1968 he was awarded for outstanding service as President of the Garden State Chapter of Systems and Procedures for IBM.

His public service included president for the Homeowner Community in their winter home in Florida for several years.

Paul was a devout Christian who taught his family Biblical Truths, served as a Trustee at church, and taught a Bible study at the State of NJ Correctional Women’s Prison in 1974. He lived his life with a heart of gratitude as he embraced one of his favorite Bible verses of thankful faith found in Luke 17: 11-19 about the leper who came back to Jesus to thank him for healing him. He was a humble man who showed great respect to other’s by living out Matthew 7:12…. Do to other’s what you would have them do to you.

His recreational interests included fishing, camping, bowling, bocce, and reading books… especially the Sunday comics. He was known for his great sense of humor and telling jokes. As his children and grandchildren were growing up, he would tell them “if you grow another foot, we’ll put you in the circus.

He is greatly missed by his family and friends. A full military service will be held at a later date.