Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home

Mench, Edwin E (Woody) Colonel, USAFR (Retired)

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by

ryanbilak
in

Fairport: Peacefully on November 7 after a courageous fight against prostate cancer. He is predeceased by his wife Margaret Nichols Mench, his parents Elwood E. Mench Sr. and Marcella Mench, and son-in-law Philip Nixon. He is survived by his wife Marion; children Rosemary (Jeff) Gaynier, Stephen (Diane), Andrea Mench-Nixon; step-children Kristin (Robert) Treiber, Chip (Julie) Simplicio, and  Jonathan (Sandy) Simplicio. He is also survived by 10 loving
and loved grandchildren.

A native of Philadelphia, Ed graduated from Duquesne University. He entered active U.S. Air Force service in 1956
and received his wings in 1957. After returning to civilian life in 1960, he joined the reserves where he remained for 26 years during which he achieved the rank of full Colonel. His 31 year Air Force career was marked by his appointment as Niagara Falls Air Force Group Commander and completing over 4500 flying hours. He retired from the Air Force in 1986. An executive with Xerox, he retired from the company in 1993.

He was involved in various military organizations including Military Officers of America on the local and statewide level and served two terms as State President of the MOAA Council of Chapters.

Woody was an avid sportsman playing tennis, baseball, softball, and golf. He fanatically cheered on the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.

One of his proudest achievements was his involvement as a founding director of Honor Flight Rochester. At his death, he was Chairman and President of the organization which has flown 1492 WWII veterans to Washington DC to visit their memorial.

The family will be receiving friends Monday from 4 to 7 at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY. His funeral mass will take place Tuesday, 11a.m. at St. Louis Church, 64 S. Main Street, Pittsford, NY.

The family thanks the staff of Aaron Manor for their caring and kindness. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Honor Flight Rochester, PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692

Comments

One response to “Mench, Edwin E (Woody) Colonel, USAFR (Retired)”

  1. Bob & Barbara bienvenue Avatar
    Bob & Barbara bienvenue

    Dear Marion and Family,
    Although we have had some time to anticipate Woody’s passing, none the less it is very sad.
    We have had the pleasure of knowing Woody since 1998 at the NY MOAA Convention in Niagara Falls. His gregarious personality was infectious — and with his quiet and determined leadership, which we came to know later, he became an inspiration to me. He was always a warm and welcoming person, and combined with Marion’s own wonderfully upbeat ways they were an endearing couple we enjoyed being with. During his tenure as MOAA State President we became closer as I served as his Secretary. The health challenges he faced then never detracted from his commitment and loyalty to our organization nor to his very successful quest to initiate an Honor Flight hub in Rochester. Knowing what needed to be done and never failing to making sure it was accomplished … that was Woody all the time.
    There is a large hole in our hearts now which over time will be filled with happy memories of Woody and with Marion.
    We live in Florida now which leaves us unable to call on Marion and the family but want you to know we pray that your sadness will be tempered by your many fond memories of your Dad and husband.

    Fondly,

    Bob & Barbara Bienvenue
    The Villages, Florida