Paul Anthony Lechner

To Paul Anthony Lechner, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Paul, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Paul really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

His parents were Paul and Marie Lechner. Paul was raised in Philadelphia, PA. Even as a child, Paul had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn't help but capture everyone's attention. He played the accordian and in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family. Paul was easygoing and fun loving. Paul was raised with two siblings. He had two older sisters, Lillian and Gerry. All of Paul's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Paul experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He loved Basketball. In his spare time he liked collecting baseball cards ,coins and oil painting. Paul simply enjoyed others the laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Paul, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. Since experience was Paul's best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the practical approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in theory.

Paul graduated from West Catholic High School in 1951. Paul never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Paul to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around. Paul utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, his best friend was John Leahy. Later in life, he became friends with Tony Calderaio and Jim Gustin. Paul loved sharing life and having his home filled with family and friends.

On September 29, 1956 Paul exchanged wedding vows with Mary Ann Caruso at St. Clements Church of Philadelphia, PA. The ability to be just a kid at heart. Paul was blessed with three daughters, Donna, Lisa, and Tina. He was their best friend and a great Dad. He also had a son-in-law Rick Anaya who he thought a great deal of and loved. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Brianna and Logan. Paul had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. Paul's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. At work, as in life, Paul was a real people person. He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. His primary occupation was Plumber. He was employed for 30 years Plumbers Local Union 690.

In his leisure time Paul felt excited and challenged by sports. Paul loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Paul played basketball in high school. Paul was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events. Tops on his list were basketball and football.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Paul recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church for 8 years.

Paul loved the beach, Frank Sinatra and his music. Max (Shih Tzu) was Paul's best friend for 6 years. Max loved laying beside him any chance he got.

Paul believed that you had to experience life, and his life in retirement was no different. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, NV to be closer to his daughters. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing bingo. Even in retirement, Paul continued to stay in touch with his old friends and he made new acquaintances as well.

Paul passed away on April 28, 2010 at Summerlin Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. Heart Failure. He is survived by wife Mary Ann, children Donna, Lisa, Tina and son-in-law Rick Anaya, grandchildren Brianna and Logan. And his sister Gerry. Services were held at Palm Mortuary. Paul was laid to rest in Cremation Service and ashes will be given to the family.