Gary Mensch

Gary Allan Mensch , 80, of Greensburg, went home to eternal glory with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 21, 2022. He was born on July 4, 1941, the middle child of Alexander W. and Margaret O. (nee McIlveen) Mensch. He lived his youth in Youngwood, then in Armbrust, graduating from Hempfield High School in 1959. Known for his meticulous, dapper appearance, he was employed by the O.P.O. Men’s store, before being hired into management at Joe Workman’s, both formerly of Greensburg.  Gary was Protestant by faith and most often attended Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, but loved to visit churches all over downtown Greensburg, many of which claimed him as their own. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his beloved wife, Bernadette (nee Zahratka). He is survived by his brother, Joel, Sr. and nephew Joel II, who lovingly combined to help provide his care in recent years. He is also survived by two brothers from Texas, Ronald and Dennis, and a sister, Constance Bowers from Virginia. Also surviving are the following nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved: Christine and Charlotte (Joel’s); Jennifer and Jeff (Dennis’); Robert, Jill, Kimberly, Natalie, and Ronald (Ronald’s); Brenda, Barbara, Arlene, and Scott (Constance’s); numerous grandnieces and grandnephews; as well as his many in-laws whom he also loved. Due to birth trauma and an early bout with polio, Gary waged a constant and determined battle against physical health problems.  Though he spent the latter half of his life in a wheelchair, he remained fiercely independent. Despite often being in pain, he was never one to grumble or feel sorry for himself. He always presented a positive, cheerful countenance. You couldn’t spend much time around Gary without feeling that, if he could meet life head on with a smile, the comparatively small problems in your own life weren’t worthy of complaint. His kind demeanor, self-deprecating sense of humor, and humble spirit charmed people and won friends for him wherever he went. Everyone in Greensburg knew Gary and his wheelchair. He was the “elder statesman” of Penn Towers. Though he would often “play dumb” to put others at ease, he was, in fact, highly intelligent and very creative. He enjoyed researching genealogies, collecting historical items and antiques, as well as any furniture or decorative items he deemed unique or beautiful. He had collections of oil lamps, Irish items, glassware, and spoons, to name a few. Every year he would choose a different selection from his many Nativity sets, pack them up, then ride them down to the Methodist Church on his wheelchair for their Creche display. His apartment was a virtual museum of fascinating items, each with a unique story or memory attached to it. The world will be a less kind and less interesting place without Gary Mensch in it. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Gary, Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Clement L. Pantalone Funeral Home, Inc. 409 W. Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, (724) 837-0020 . A funeral service will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the Pantalone Funeral Home with Pastor Joel Mensch, Sr. and Rev. Brian B. Chaffee officiating. Interment will follow in Middletown United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensburg. The family would like to thank Gary’s ICU nurses at Forbes Regional and his visiting caregivers for their dedication and kindness. If you prefer not to send flowers, you may opt to make a donation to the Mutual Aid Ambulance Service. Gary’s family has entrusted his care to the Pantalone Funeral Home Inc., Greensburg.  For online condolences / directions, visit us at pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.