Paul Joseph Buechel

Greece, NY — March 28, 1939 – October 7, 2026. Passed to eternal life at age 87. Paul lived a life defined by faith, family, and a strong conviction for the Lord. Paul’s deep devotion to his family began when he met Marlene, a young woman from Wisconsin, through a Catholic magazine’s writing club. That connection grew into a beautiful 62-year marriage built on devotion, partnership, and unconditional love. Together, they raised six children, anchoring them in faith and teaching them by example how to live with a generous spirit and a compassionate heart. Paul dedicated his life to his family, ensuring his children knew and loved the Lord. He will always be remembered for his hard work, his unwavering faith, generous spirit, sense of humor, and deep love for his family.

Paul spent three of his last four years devotedly helping his beloved wife, Marlene, staying by her side till the end through her three-year battle with Alzheimer’s. His family finds immense peace in knowing they are together again, whole and free, in the arms of Jesus Christ.

A man committed to service, Paul proudly served his country in the National Guard for fourteen years. He also dedicated 32 years of his career to the Strong Memorial Hospital Microbiology Unit, working as a courier for the community.

Above all, Paul loved Jesus. His deep faith was his guiding light, and he put that faith into action every day through his passion for helping others. He was a servant at heart, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Paul always thought of the homeless and needy. Even when he could no longer physically assemble boxes for donations himself, he would get help from others to ensure those packages of food and clothing were still sent out to those facing hunger and hardship.

He held a deep love for animals and nature, frequently speaking of how we can clearly see God’s greatness through the beauty of creation. Whether he was admiring the majestic mountains, a brilliant sunset, the changing leaves of autumn, the woodland critters he fed, or the soaring birds overhead, he saw the Lord’s handiwork in it all. He had a special fondness for the desert landscapes and warm sunshine of Arizona, which he always considered a beautiful reflection of God’s artistry.

Paul valued honest conversations and sharing opinions on current events. He believed that people should be able to talk about anything openly and honestly, welcoming lively debates and genuine conversation.

Paul’s life, love, and legacy will live on through his surviving children: Paul, Bruce, Laura, Ellen, and Marcy, and a large, close-knit family who will all miss him deeply. Words cannot begin to express how much he was loved and how deeply and incredibly he will be missed.

Predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marlene; their son, Daniel J. Buechel; nephew, Kevin D. Young; parents, William W. and Mary Agnes Buechel; father and mother-in-law, Fred and Lucille Weisensel; sisters-in-law, Bobbie Buechel and Geraldine Vande Zande; brothers-in-law, Kevin Young, Rev. Cyril Weisensel, Hubert Weisensel, Kenneth Vande Zande, and Tony Holbrook.

Survived by his children Paul (Victoria) Buechel, Bruce (Julie) Buechel, Laura (Brian) Norton, Ellen (Devon) Whyte, Marcy (Dave) Palmer; daughter-in-law, Camille Buechel; grandchildren Lexie, Katherine (Matthew), Audrey (Kevan), Stephany, Joseph, Brandon, Trisha (Chuck), Mia, Chantel (Jordan), Melissa (Adrian), Kasey, Sam, Luke, and Ava; great-grandchildren, Emory, Melaina, Evelyn, Dameon, Theo, Sylvie, Ella, Jace, and Madison; siblings, Rosanne Young, Maryellen Holbrook, William E. Buechel; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeanette (Gilbert) Benoy, Dolores (Harvey) Taylor, Wil (Susan) Weisensel, Mary (Donald) Sheldon, Mark (Rose) Weisensel, Nick (Laur) Weisensel, Bruce (Kathy) Weisensel, Sue Weisensel and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Friends may call Thursday (Oct 15^th) 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road.  His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (Oct 16^th) 10:00 AM at St. Lawrence Church.  Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Paul’s memory by doing a good deed or random act of kindness: buy a stranger a cup of coffee and donut, take the time to check on a neighbor, deliver a warm meal to someone going through a hard time, share a word of encouragement with a friend, or lend a helping hand to someone in need—or by making a donation in Paul’s honor to the Open Door Mission in his memory.