John Mensch, founder of the Montauk Bus Service, died of cancer on March 22. A resident of Old Mastic, he was 66.
Mr. Mensch graduated from Mercy High School in 1961 and subsequently served in the U.S. Navy. In the early 1970s, he and his wife Mary began a bus company that ultimately became Montauk Bus Service, employing more than 300 people on Long Island.
Speaking of his passion, friends and family recalled his involvement with several charities, including the Special Olympics and the Angel Tree Program, and autism-related organizations.
His personal involvement in the community was not limited only to providing monetary support; he was also a member of the Right to Life Organization, the Yuma Sports Club, the Eastport American Legion, Hampton Bays athletic groups, the Kiwanis Club of Hampton Bays, the Hampton Bays Hibernians, the Relay for Life team, Colonial Youth and Family Services and Section 11 Athletics.
He also donated bus service for the William Floyd football and wrestling team away games.
In addition, his wife Mary recently remembered his great devotion to the St. Joseph the Worker parish in East Patchogue.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Mensch of Old Mastic, three sons, Mark Mensch of Mastic Beach, Greg Mensch and his wife Suzanne of Westhampton, and John Mensch and his wife Jennifer of Old Mastic; two daughters, Tina Mercado and her husband Rob of Florida and Linda Plourde and her husband Ronny of Old Mastic; a brother, Michael Mensch of Yaphank; and a sister, Frances Coady of Riverhead; and 15 grandchildren.
His mother, Cecelia Tobin Mensch, father John Mensch, and a grandson, Martin John Mensch, predeceased him.
The family received visitors on March 25 and March 26 at Sinnicksons Moriches Funeral Home in Center Moriches. Funeral services were held on March 27 at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church in East Patchogue. Interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Land and Sea Sports Club, 4 Quail Run, Smith Point, NY 11967 and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, National Processing Center, ATTN: Honor and Memorial Gifts, PO Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9976 would be appreciated by the family.
on Apr 7, 2010