Paul Leonard Mennucci passed away on March 12, 2026. In Paul's own words, "I lived a wonderful life." He will be remembered by all who knew him as a consummate caretaker, gracious host, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Paul was born to Olga Cowie and Leonard Mennucci on May 10, 1940. He was raised in South Bend, Indiana, with his siblings Donald (Don), Janet and Elisa (Lisa). Paul was a 1958 graduate of South Bend's Saint Joseph High School, and a proud alumnus of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's in business. After graduation, Paul served as a Captain in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He began his professional career at Dodge Manufacturing Co. in Mishawaka. Paul's career spanned several decades and multiple states (Indiana, Texas, Missouri), as he became a sought-after expert in the flexible packaging industry. After 50 years of service, Paul retired as an independent broker for Bemis Manufacturing Co.

Paul met the love of his life, Eleanor (Ellie) Kueper, in St. Louis. They were married May 13, 2000. Together they enjoyed making memories with their families and friends; caring for their pets; playing golf, tennis and cards; gardening; and hosting amazing gatherings at their homes in Missouri, Arizona and Florida. Paul was an incredible chef, and caring for others through food brought him unending joy. He will be remembered most for his immense love for family, his pets and for always being available for anyone who needed him. Paul was a wonderful listener who freely gave unwavering support and unconditional love. His family and friends never had to wonder how Paul felt about them, as he wore his heart on his sleeve in the best possible way.

Paul is survived by his wife, Ellie; his son, Bill Mennucci (wife Melanie); his daughter, Michele Molinelli (husband Pete); his stepchildren, Rick Orvis (wife Dawn), Dave Orvis, Chris DeGraeve, Scott Mennucci (wife Calli), James Kueper, Jeannine Chamberlin, Janice DePriest (husband Brent); his sister Lisa Fischesser (husband Don); his brother-in-law, Raymond Plas; and his grandchildren, Solstice Mennucci, Giada Mennucci, Alexander Molinelli  (wife Samantha), Mia Molinelli, Curtis Chamberlin, Chloe Chamberlin, Ellie Chamberlin. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Don, and Don's wife, Martha; and his sister, Janet.

Paul was truly beloved by all who knew him. A lasting lesson to be learned from Paul is not to take one minute for granted. Tell those you love and care about exactly how you feel, so you have peace knowing that nothing was left unsaid.

Services: A Mass in Paul's honor will be held at Ascension Catholic Church (Chesterfield, Missouri) on Friday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of Paul's life and visitation with the family in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project ( www.woundedwarriorproject.org ) or the American Heart Association ( www.heart.org ).

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schader.com.