Dr. Robert W. Mendel

July 15, 1925 - January 6, 2021

Dr. Robert W. Mendel, age 95, passed away peacefully on January 6th at home with his family at his bedside. Bob graduated from Perry High School and served in the Army Airforce during WWII. After his army discharge he attended and graduated from the University of Pittsburg College and School of Dentistry with a D.D.S. degree and was subsequently commissioned an officer in the Navy Dental Corp. In 1952 he was stationed at the US Naval hospital in St Albans, New York where he met his future wife Shirley who was a Navy Nurse, also stationed there. During Bob’s naval career he served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Following an internship and two years of residency in Endodontics, Dr. Mendel became a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. He retired from the Navy in 1970 and joined the faculty of the University of Louisville where he became a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Endodontics; in 1979 he earned a M.A in higher Education at the University of Louisville. Upon his retirement from U of L in 1992 he was named Professor Emeritus of Endodontics. He is a member of the American and Kentucky Dental Societies, the Military Officers Association and the Military Order of the World Wars. He was a Kentucky Colonel and a member of Springdale Presbyterian Church where he served a term as an Elder. Bob was an avid reader of biographies and events covering the Civil War. He and Shirley enjoyed many wonderful trips to various parts of the world. Bob was noted for his keen whit, his jokes and his story telling tales. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Jane Holsinger. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley to whom he was married for 67 years, a son Gary Mendel of San Francisco, daughter Joanne Mendel ( Steve Forgey) also from San Francisco, a daughter Karen Mendel Sharp of Plano, Texas, 5 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Visitation will take place at Pearson's, 149 Breckenridge Lane at 11 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 12 Noon. A private burial will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery. View service at: https://youtube.com/channel/UCbTV1VFPOSK-mFL2tfu-Dww In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy can be made to his church, Springdale Presbyterian Church 7812 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, Ky. 40241 or to Judes Childrens Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38165. Due to Covid 19 the following protocols will be observed: masks are required, social distancing, please, no food brought in to be shared – thank you for your understanding and cooperation.