Robert F. Mehl Jr.

July 13, 2014. Beloved husband of the late Carolyn (nee Kellogg); loving father of Robert F. (Joan Reif) Mehl III; Sandra M. and Christopher E. (Laura Young) Mehl; grandfather of Mark J., Christopher S. Muranyi, Jason C., Sean R. (Elizabeth DeGlopper) Mehl; dearest great-grandfather of Julian F. Mehl; loving partner of Maureen O’Brien Placilla. Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements under the direction of Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, Kenmore, NY.

Robert Franklin Mehl Jr., Ph.D., an Army veteran and retired Buffalo State College professor, died July 13 in his home on Grand Island. He was 89.

Mr. Mehl was born in Pittsburgh and graduated from Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh in 1942.

In 1942, he attended the College of Wooster in Ohio for two years and then enlisted in the Army during World War II in 1944. He served for two years and after he was discharged, he completed his English degree with a minor in sociology in 1948.

He married the late Carolyn Kellogg in 1949. She died in 1997.

Mr. Mehl became a high school English teacher in Ballston Spa. He earned his doctorate in education from the State University of New York at Albany in 1966.

He then became an English literature professor at Buffalo State College from 1966 to 1990.

Mr. Mehl was an avid collector of pre-World War II classic cars and a member of antique car clubs. He was a well-read historian, lover of art and music and an enthusiastic gardener.

Survivors include two sons, Robert F. and Christopher E.; a daughter, Sandra M.; four grandchildren; and a great grandchild.

A private memorial service took place Saturday morning.