Paul E. Newcomer

YORK Paul E. Newcomer, 88, passed away at his residence in Spring Garden Township on December 4, 2013. He was the husband of Dorothy (Keller) Newcomer for 37 years. Paul was born September 12, 1925, in Manor Township, Lancaster County, to the late Ira L. Newcomer and Ruth (Stoner) Newcomer. Paul graduated from Manor High School in Millersville in 1943 as Valedictorian of his class and enlisted in the Navy Air Corps V 12A College training program. The Navy transferred him to Union College for training in electrical engineering. In 1946 he graduated with honors earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. He earned an MBA in 1949 from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon release from the Navy in 1953, he accepted a sales position with the York branch of Quaker City Paper Company and in 1957 Paul purchased the company. For the remainder of his life he was dedicated to Quaker City and its employees, working tirelessly to ensure its and their success. He was driven and focused in his business pursuits. He left home early in the morning and worked until late in the evening almost every day. He was an ethical and honorable businessman who earned the respect and trust of the individuals with whom he dealt with on a daily basis. Today, with large warehouses at 300 and 301 N. Sherman St. in York, Quaker City Paper is a major player in the distribution of paper and janitorial supplies in eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1996 he chose to convert ownership to an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) to give the employees a vested interest in the future of the company. He was a life master bridge player, avid sports fan and story teller. He and Dot enjoyed cruises, dining out, music and dancing. Paul loved life on his Spring Valley Farm, whether walking, gardening, hunting, entertaining friends, or floating on his back in the pond. In the depression of the 1930's he worked on his family's farm and felt it was important for his children to learn the values of growing up in a farm environment. Paul was also active in civic organizations. As a Rotarian, he never missed a single meeting in his many years of membership, instead taking the opportunity to attend Rotary meetings all over the world. He was also an avid member of the Country Club of York and the Box Hill dining club. Education was important to Paul. He valued the education he received through the Navy and he encouraged and assisted his children and others to continue their education. World Neighbor Organization was a favorite charity because of its mission to teach families in third world countries to help themselves through improved farming and small family businesses. Paul traveled around the world, often returning to places he loved. He enjoyed gaining an appreciation for other cultures and customs. He planned and hosted trips for his entire extended family to locations in the U.S. and Caribbean to share family time and his love of travel. He was a kind, loving and responsible husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed. In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, David Newcomer of Macon, Ga., and daughter, Lisa Mulhall (John) of Boca Raton, Fla.; grandchildren, Eric Newcomer, Katherine Newcomer, Megan Mulhall, John T. Mulhall, IV, and Michael Mulhall; and by his sister, Gladys Lownsbery of Pittsburgh. He is also survived by stepdaughters, Kathleen Bergdoll (George) and Christine Frantz (Ken), stepson, Scott Snyder; stepgrandsons, Jarrod Barshinger, Justin Kenny, Ben Rouco, and Tyler Snyder, and step great-grandchildren, Taylor Johnson, Connor Rouco, and Mattie Rouco, all of York. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lester Newcomer, and step-grandson, Matthew Rouco. A service to celebrate Paul's life will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Fourth United Methodist Church, 1067 E. Market St., York, with the Rev. Mitchell Galloway officiating. A private burial will be held at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens at the convenience of the family. The Etzweiler Funeral Home, 1111 E. Market St., York, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Paul's name to World Neighbors, 4127 NW 122nd, Oklahoma City, OK 73120; York Rescue Mission, 367 W. Market St., York, PA 17403; or a charity of your choice. www.etzweiler.com