Thomas H. Mendenhall Of East Quogue Dies August 23

Thomas H. Mendenhall of East Quogue and Petersburgh, New York, died on August 23 from complications due to COVID-19. He was 76.

Mr. Mendenhall was a proud and honest man who loved God, his family and his country, his family said.

He served as a medic in the Vietnam War and upon returning to his hometown, began his life goal of making every day count. He worked alongside his father at the company his father started, Mendenhall Fuel, worked his way up to president and semi-retired in 2017. He still serves on the board of directors there.

He was a member of the East Quogue Fire Department for more than 50 years, past chief, captain of the Fire Police Squad and recently was elected to be their chaplain, which he was so proud of, his family noted. Mr. Mendenhall was appointed to the title of chaplain of the Fire Chiefs Council. He was also a member of the Westhampton Beach VFW Post 5350.

He was a lifelong member of the East Quogue United Methodist Church, holding many positions over the years, including president of the trustees, until retiring in 2017.

While staying in Petersburgh, New York, he focused on the Petersburgh UMC and had the opportunity to fill in once in a while as their chaplain.

Mr. Mendenhall was also very involved in many local and national organizations: East Quogue Historical Society, past president of the East Quogue Methodist Men, Oakwood Cemetery Association in East Quogue, the Route 66 Association, Mendenhall Family Association, Friends of Dyken Pond, life member of both the AANR and The Naturist Society, American Family Association, NRA, along with many others. He loved traveling and supporting fire departments around the country whenever he found out about fundraising they were doing. He always gave from his heart, his family said.

Anyone who knew Mr. Mendenhall instantly became his friend, his family said, noting that he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Mendenhall; his four daughters, Rebecca (Matthew) Mendenhall-Atkins, Sarah (Erik) Mendenhall-Luhmer, Tracee Mendenhall and Jessica (Jay) Mendenhall- Kunkle; his step-children Margaret (PJ) Bourque and Frank Sanders; five grandchildren, Noelle and Jakob Luhmer, Alora Mendenhall-Atkins, Zachary Rushlo, Maxwell McMahon and his good friend Kevin Rushlo. He is also survived by his sister, Ann (Tim) Cullum. He was predeceased by his parents Edna A. and Carleton (Bus) Mendenhall; his daughter Catherine; and son Matthew.

Calling hours are being held at the Scott-Rothwell Funeral Home in Hampton Bays with a Firematic Service that evening on Thursday, September 2, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Christ Our Savior Church of Hampton Bays on Friday, September 3, at 10:30 a.m., with interment following at the Oakwood Cemetery in East Quogue.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Firefighters Benevolent Association in East Quogue or the National Cancer Society.