It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Mendelson, Pesach Ben Nachman VeSarah, on November 14, 2018. The patriarch of his family, Paul’s passing is an enormous loss. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Galansky Mendelson; his daughters, Suzan (Lee) Laycob, Vicki (Michael) Barnell and Nina (David) Greenfield; his grandchildren, Michael (Chrissy) Laycob, Allison (Jeffrey) Matty, Andrew and Erica Barnell, Jason, Joshua and Brooke Greenfield; his great-grandchildren, Ethan and Oliver Laycob and Jacob Matty; his nieces, Roberta (Michael) Gutwein, Phyllis (George) Markus and Marjorie (Alec) Fatalevich, and nephew, Stephen Poore; and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins, all of whom are blessed to have loved and learned so much from Paul.
The son of Sarah and Nathan Mendelson, Paul was born on August 1, 1927 as the youngest of 5 children into a family filled with love that would transcend for generations to come. At a young age, Paul joined and ultimately took leadership of his father’s business, American Loose Leaf, an office products manufacturer and distributorship. He grew the company into one of the largest office supply companies in the country with hundreds of employees. Paul managed the company with the same compassion, integrity and humility that exemplified his life. When he eventually sold the company, Paul ensured that every employee’s position with the new owner was secure.
Paul was committed to giving back to the community, and this became his passion. Paul’s love of Judaism was evident through the way in which he led his life and supported the Jewish community with his participation and major philanthropic gifts. At the age of 91, he was still learning, applying, striving and yearning to become a better Jewish person. He was a devoted member of Congregation B’nai Amoona where he attended weekly Shabbat services and endowed the congregational library that carries his and Betty’s name. In addition to numerous Jewish organizations, Paul fell in love with the students at Central Institute for the Deaf. Fourteen years ago, he and Betty started a weekly program teaching tennis to the CID students after school which continues today.
Services will be held on Sunday, November 18 at 1:30 PM at Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63141. Please park on the north side of the building, closest to Ladue Road. Valet parking will be available. Interment follows at B’nai Amoona Cemetery, 930 North and South Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63130. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to Congregation B’nai Amoona or a Jewish charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18