Paul R. Mahler, beloved son of Frank (dec.) and Irene (dec.), left us just one month after his 62nd birthday. His life was rich with family, friends and his faith.
Paul often reminisced about his wonderful childhood. He enjoyed much love and attention from his parents, his older sister Linda (Martin) Murphy, and brother Jim (Susan). He also treasured his younger brother, Robbie(Norma) and sister, Lisa. He valued the strong work ethic and faith instilled by his parents.
While Paul was at Kenmore West High School, he developed a love of cars and car racing. He raced at Humberstone, which inspired his first career as a mechanic. Paul graduated from SUNY at Alfred with an Associates degree in Occupational Studies. He then worked at a car dealership and the NFTA.
In 1978, he married Carol Peterson and they welcomed 3 beautiful daughters into their lives, Dr. Helen (Michael) Nazareth, Dr. Jean (Roy) Bachar and Rebecca (Ryan) Blough.
Paul’s next career began with the New York State Power Authority. He was an engineer on a tugboat used to put in the ice boom, and a Captain of the icebreaker responsible for keeping the intakes free of ice.
In 1989, he married Susan K. Quetschenbach. They lived in Niagara Falls and later bought a home in Cambria, where they began clearing the land for their little farm.
Paul served for 30 years as a load master and then as a flight engineer on the C130 transport with 328th TAS in the Air Force Reserve. He flew missions all over the world and served in both Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He retired in 2004 with the rank of Senior Master Sgt.
Paul’s passions were flying, farming, family and faith. To keep busy after retiring 4 years ago, Paul took a part-time job as a tractor mechanic with Niagara Implement. He fell in love with the job and the people, and he would visit even when he wasn’t working. He was blessed with 4 grandchildren, Luke and Cassie Nazareth, and Ella Eve and Max Hudson Bachar. Paul attended the Catholic Biblical School conducted by Barbara Shanahan, and he continued study with Kalista Leherer. Paul said the study of Scripture and prayer fulfilled his life.
Paul was always a go-to person, and no matter how busy he was he found time for a friend in need. He will be greatly missed.
There will be no prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport NY on Saturday, December 17 at 10 AM. Flowers graciously declined. Donations may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or to www.niagarahospice.org in honor of Paul.
