Paul Mendelson, patriarch of a large and loving family, and a generous supporter of numerous Jewish and general causes and charities, died Wednesday, Nov. 14. He was 91 and a lifelong resident of St. Louis. He had been injured in an automobile accident the previous week.

Mr. Mendelson was “committed to giving back to the community, and this became his passion,” a statement from the family said. “Paul’s love of Judaism was evident through the way in which he led his life and supported the Jewish community…Paul valued family above all else, and his capacity to love, to enjoy life, to always reach for the higher good and to take a genuine interest in every person, no matter their station, defined him.”

Mr. Mendelson was a devoted longtime member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, where he attended weekly Shabbat services. He endowed the congregational library which carries his name and that of his wife, Betty.  

He was also a strong supporter of the Central Institute for the Deaf.  He and Betty started a weekly program teaching tennis to the CID students after school, which continues today. Tennis was a lifetime passion for Mr. Mendelson 

Jewish Student Union (JSU) honored the Mendelsons for their support of the nonprofit during a Nov. 11 gala, although the couple was unable to attend due to the car accident.

In a statement, JSU Director Rabbi Michael Rovinsky said, “Every once in a while, we come across an individual who impacts our life in the most amazingly deep and inspirational ways. I hope and pray we can and emulate, even if just a little bit, of the life that [Mr. Mendelson] led and make our community that much greater.”

The large sanctuary at B’nai Amoona was filled to overflowing last Sunday for Mr. Mendelson’s funeral. Among the community leaders who offered remarks were Andrew Rehfeld, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. 

“Paul’s leadership was not about the work he did, not about any particular position in which he served, nor about the legacy of his and Betty’s many significant philanthropical projects,” Rehfeld said. “In my mind, Paul’s leadership came through the strength of his neshama, his soul, his moral character, a character that served as a guide post of decency, humility and compassion.”

Harris J. Frank, a past president of the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Center and Congregation Shaare Emeth, and a longtime friend of Mr. Mendelson, said, “Paul epitomized our expression tzedakah in the truest sense of its meaning—and then he took it a step further. He never, ever wanted his munificence publicized.”

In his eulogy, Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose of B’nai Amoona recalled how he and Mr. Mendelson spent many hours together studying the Torah and other sacred texts. He said Mr. Mendelson seemed to embrace one recent passage.

“In our last face-to-face meeting, we studied the following passage from the great teacher, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel: ‘Our goal should be radical amazement…get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted.  Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually.  To be spiritual is to be continually amazed.’ ”

Paul Mendelson was born in St. Louis on Aug. 1, 1927, the son of Nathan and Sarah Milner Mendelson, the youngest of five children. At a young age, he joined and ultimately took leadership of his father’s business, American Loose Leaf, an office products manufacturer and distributorship. 

Mr. Mendelson, a Soldan High School graduate, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948 from Washington University. He served in the Army from 1951-1953.

During his time with American Loose Leaf, Mr. Mendelson grew the company into one of the largest office supply companies in the country, with hundreds of employees.

“Paul managed the company with the same compassion, integrity and humility that exemplified his life,” noted a statement from the family. “When he eventually sold the company, Paul ensured that every employee’s position with the new owner was secure.”

Paul’s wife of 65 years, the former Betty Galansky, was his partner and companion in all of his communal activities.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include their three daughters:  Susan Laycob (Lee) Vicki Barnell (Michael) and Nina Greenfield (David), five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Following the service at B’nai Amoona, burial was at the B’nai Amoona Cemetery in University City.

Memorial contributions are requested to Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 South Mason Road, or to a Jewish charity of the donor’s choice.