Larry Mengel

Leroy Larry Mengel, 71, of Rochester Township passed quietly Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025.
Larry was the youngest child of the late Leroy and Emma (Cordes) Mengel of New Sewickley Township. Larry is survived by his devoted wife Jane (Mundell) Mengel, his children Joan Mengel of Beaver Falls, and Heather (Tom) Hartle of Wake Forest, N.C., and grandchildren Aaron and Zoey Mengel, and Tommy, Mason and Brooklyn Hartle.
He is also survived by his two sisters, Carol (Denny) DeLauter and Kathy (Lenny) Rudar, both of New Sewickley, sister-in-law Nanette Mundell of Chippewa Township, and brother-in-law Jack W. (Leigh) Mundell of Gettysburg. In addition, he's grieved by a large and boisterous Mengel/Cordes-related clan of cousins, nieces, nephews, and others who held him very dear.
Larry was also predeceased by his parents-in-law Richard A. and Margaret Mundell of Chippewa, and brother-in-law Richard S. (Misook) Mundell of South Korea.
A Freedom Area High School graduate, Larry followed his father and grandfather to work in the Conway Yards, and did so as a railroad conductor for decades. He was a member of Rochester VFW Post 128 and Rochester Turners, where he had many friends.
He was a rambunctious kid, hunting, adventuring, Boy Scouting, and racing his pony while wearing a cape like a superhero.
He was a fun-loving adult with a close circle of like-minded friends who had more fun than was probably legal. He was a green-thumb gardener and avid biker. He loved being outdoors, and he shared it with beloved labradors, especially Sarah Lee. He could always find the sassafras root for tea.
He was generous in his time with his family, always there to lend a hand or take you out for your 21st birthday. He was funny and liked to tease and laugh, especially with his "Punkin."
He was handsome, so handsome that his daughters and nieces got nasty looks from admirers who thought they were competition. He was clever with mechanics, meticulous with his truck, and ornery when need be.
He is deeply missed.
Larry didn't want to have any services, public or otherwise. He would have loved everyone to have a drink in his memory.
He'd also want, and the family wants as well, to thank the doctors, nurses and all of the staff at AHN Cancer Institute in Center Township for their wonderful care. Some were so appreciated, they got nicknames too.
Over the last few years, Larry gave Jane a new nickname, his "angel." Now, she calls him her angel.