Dr. Paul J. Minnillo, Sr. 'Doc'

Dr. Paul J. Minnillo, Sr. 'Doc', 95, of Avon (formerly of Elyria, and New Hampshire), passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake following a brief illness. He was born October 13, 1930 in Cleveland. After graduating from Cleveland Heights High School, Dr. Minnillo attended Case Western Reserve University during which time he married his childhood friend, Lucille and started a family. Upon graduation, Paul Sr. served in the United States Air Force at Bergstrom Air Force Base near Austin, Texas. After serving his time in the Air Force he moved to Elyria and opened his private dental practice where many of his patients became lifelong friends. In his younger years, Paul enjoyed golf, fishing and playing bridge. He was a member and past president of the Lorain County Dental Society and was a member of the Lorain County airport authority and was an avid pilot. He and Lucille enjoyed many happy adventures traveling the country in their motorhome, meeting up with friends along the way. He was an avid writer of letters to the editor. We are sure he will be missed by many of his readers for his views on many different topics. In his golden years, after the passing of Lucille, Paul married Barbara and found love again. Together they cared for one another and lived a happy life. In August 2025, Paul moved to the Rose Senior Facility in Avon where he received exceptional care from the staff there. He was a member of St. Jude Church in Elyria. Survivors include five sons, Christopher J. (Stephanie) of Columbus, David (Beverly Jenkins) of Elyria, Ohio, Michael (Jodie) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Paul J. Jr. (Angie) Avon, Ohio, Mark J. (Deann) of Thorne Bay, Alaska; and stepdaughter, Donna Podziewski (Chip) of Londonderry, New Hampshire. Additional survivors include twelve grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives, Lucille M. (nee Galemmo), and Barbara Berg; his parents, Crescenzo and Agatha (nee Piccirillo) Minnillo; and a sister, Anna Marie Sender. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2025 in The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria, 440-322-4626, where a Celebration of Life will be at 7 p.m. immediately following visitation. The Reverend Father Frank P. Kosem will officiate. A private burial with Military Honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Avon. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Dr. Minnillo's memory be sent to the Dr. Paul Minnillo Scholarship Fund at Elyria Catholic High School, 725 Gulf Rd., Elyria, OH 44035. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com