Paul C. Lehnig passed away Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 at his residence. He died the way he lived: calmly, peacefully, with dignity in his rocking chair, while listening to his favorite music.
The youngest of two children, he was born in Philadelphia, Pa., to the late Paul C. Lehnig Sr. and Edna Graf Lehnig. He was preceded in death by his brother, Alfred Lehnig, and by his wife, best friend, and the love of his life, Katharine Petri Lehnig, whom he married Feb. 14, 1947. He was also preceded in death by his 4-year-old grandson, Paul Christopher Lehnig.
He is survived by his four children, David Lehnig and Daniel Lehnig of Penrose, Colo., Diane Lehnig Kelly (Tom) of Ripley, NY and Dale Elizabeth Lehnig Healy (Kevin) of Berryville, Va. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, Troy Wellejus, Kevin Wellejus (Jill Hirst), Sharon Krol, Gregory Krol (Tina), Sean and Bryan Healy, Holly Lehnig Geniuk (Chris) and Thomas and Caitlin Kelly. In addition, he is survived by by five great-grandchildren: Claire, Edwin, Casey, Megan and Edmund.
Paul was a World War II veteran, where he served as a fleet mechanic for General MacArthur. He attended Drexel University through the GI Bill and obtained his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. He worked for several companies, including Boeing and Tinnius Olson Company in Hatboro, Pa., where he retired as chief mechanical engineer.
After his wife passed away 10 years ago, he moved to Westfield, N.Y., to be closer to his daughter and her family. He loved cookouts in the summer, his flower and tomato gardens, the Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles. His favorite day of the week was Monday, when he played pinochle with his card group in Westfield. He enjoyed his last Thanksgiving with 20 relatives who traveled from Wisconsin, Virginia and Colorado to see him. Healthy until his last several weeks, he was a strong independent man with a big heart. He dearly loved his family and will be greatly missed.
No calling hours will be observed. Memorials may be made to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Arrangements are by the Fantauzzi Funeral Home, 82 East Main St., Fredonia, NY.
