Paul William Mlinar Jr.

Paul W. Mlinar, Jr., age 80, passed away on May 3, 2026. A long-time resident of Pound Ridge, New York, Paul was born on December 27, 1945, in York, Pennsylvania, to Paul W. Mlinar and Mildred Mlinar. He graduated from high school in 1963 and attended the University of Massachusetts, where he earned a degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management.

To encounter Paul was to be met with a huge smile, a warm handshake, or a loving bear hug. His mesmerizing blue eyes and hearty belly laugh could fill any room with joy. Paul built an extraordinary career as a commercial pilot, flying for Seaboard World Airlines, Flying Tigers, and Federal Express over a span of more than 44 years. Flying was not just his profession, but a lifelong passion; he took immense pride in his work as an aviator and loved seeing the world from above.

An adventurous spirit with a deep love of life, Paul completed the 10-day, 49-state Iron Butt motorcycle challenge and participated in both the Cannonball Run and the Alcan 5000 automobile rallies. Above all, Paul cherished his family. He shared a beautiful 62-year relationship with his beloved wife, Wendy. He adored spending time with his son, Gavin, and his grandchildren, Halsey and Paul, always making time for play and a sweet treat.

He found peace in the simple beauty of nature, especially at Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, New York, and Silver Creek in Sun Valley, Idaho. A true epicurean, he was always in search of the "best bite," the perfect cup of coffee, or a fine glass of wine or whiskey, experiences he loved sharing with those he held dear. Paul also had a deep appreciation for music; he was actively involved with Hickory Hill Figure Skating, providing music for ice dance sessions and competitions, and enjoyed learning to play the piano and guitar.

A lifelong athlete, Paul played defensive end at the University of Massachusetts and was named to the Long Island Golden Dozen. He was an accomplished wrestler, going undefeated during his postgraduate year at Northfield Mount Hermon School, and even played semi-professional basketball while living in the Philippines from 1976 to 1977.

Paul is survived by his wife, Wendy Weinstock Mlinar, his son, Gavin P. Mlinar, daughter-in-law Amanda B. Mlinar and his grandchildren, Halsey and Paul Mlinar.

The family will hold a private celebration of life.

Paul lived by the words of one of his favorite authors, Ernest Hemingway: "Try as much as possible to be wholly alive... and when you laugh, laugh like hell."