TRAVERSE CITY — Paul J. Mocere, 81, of Traverse City, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at his home.
Paul was born March 22, 1927, in Lansing. He was the son of Domiano and Angela (Stornant) Mocere. On July 24, 1954, in Gaylord, he married Christine Holewinski, his wife of 54 years.
He was a graduate of Lansing St. Mary High School and Michigan State University. After high school graduation, he served in the United States Army during WWII. After his service to his country, Paul was a Drug representative with manufacturers and wholesaler Bergen Brunswig, retiring in 1991. For 17 years he called on doctors, and then for 23 years he called on drug stores and hospitals.
Paul was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a former member of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club and the Traverse City Elks Lodge. He was also a member of the Traverse City Rotary Club and a past president from 1994-95. He also was an active participant in the Rotary Show starting in 1973, and was on the board of Rotary Charities and the youth exchange committee. Paul will always be remembered as the "godfather" in many skits, as well as being an end man.
One of Paul's great passions was working with the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Athletic Association, where he was active in the annual stag steak fry to benefit the Athletic Association. Paul also drove the St. Francis team bus from 1976-86. From 1991 to 2002, he worked at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
He enjoyed grilling, playing golf, cards like gin and rummy, and any St. Francis or Spartan sporting events. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and all the special traditions they had during the holidays.
He is survived by his wife, Chris; a son, Mark of Traverse City; two daughters, Lisa M. Mocere of Aventura, Fla., and Michele Mocere of St. Clair Shores; two granddaughters, Alisha and Kristin; and one great-grandson, Logan.
Visitation will take place Thursday, Dec. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a scripture service at 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City, with Fr. Kenneth Stachnik officiating.
Memorial donations in memory of Paul may be made to the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Athletic Association or Munson Hospice.
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.