Paul Lawrence Mensch

1936 - 2024

Paul Lawrence Mensch was born in Pennsylvania on March 8, 1936, and passed away peacefully at home on December 27, 2024. His family was the most important part of Paul's life, and the love and devotion shown will be missed.

Paul's father passed unexpectedly when Paul was only 8 years old, and the family relocated to St. Helena to live close to his maternal grandmother. He graduated from St. Helena High School in 1955 where he excelled at both Football and Track and Field. He met and married his high school sweetheart, Paula, and lived first in Rutherford and then in Oakville. Paul was a self-made person and had many hobbies and activities which kept him busy. He began his career with Napa County working on the road crew helping to build the roads around Lake Berryessa. Teaching himself how to be an auto mechanic, he soon moved to the county motor pool where he worked for 40 years.

Paul excelled in his ability to design anything mechanically and enjoyed finding solutions. It did not take long for the locals to learn that if they brought a project for him, he would figure out a way to fix it! He also loved being outdoors, from camping with the family to hunting or fishing with his friends. He was in his element when he was outside. He had a great love for the ocean as well and was PADI certified in 1972. Later in life he added gardening and reading to his list of favorite activities. He instilled this love for the outdoors in all four of his children.

Paul is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Paula, as well as his children Jennifer (Brad) McKay, Linda Gleeson, Barbara (John) Corna, Jeffrey (Gina) Mensch. He will be dearly missed by his family, which includes nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Interment will be private.

Paul Lawrence Mensch