Jeffrey Charles Mendel

Jeffrey Charles Mendel, 62, of Punta Gorda passed away at his home on February 10, 2015. He was born May 31, 1952 at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. Jeffrey spent part of his childhood in Japan and in Georgia, finally settling in Sarasota at the age of 10. He attended Florida Military School and graduated from Sanford Naval Academy in 1971. He earned his BA at St. Leo's College, attended Marquette University for Pre-Law and then attended the World Academy of New York, studying European government in various European Countries. Following in his father's footsteps he worked for Zimmer Orthopedic Company as a salesman in Florida. He married Rachel and moved to Connecticut for 8 years. When he returned to Florida he attended Fire School and became a Firefighter/EMT, working for Charlotte County Fire and EMS from 1988 until his retirement in 2009. During his career Jeff was elected President of Local 3060, and then District Vice President for the Charlotte County unit of Local 2546 following the merger he initiated. He was instrumental in guiding the consolidation process and integrating separate Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services departments, helping to secure safety improvements for Firefighters/Paramedics and their constituents, promoting safer staffing levels, as well as fighting for competitive compensation and benefits. After retirement Jeffrey stayed active as a security guard at Fawcett Memorial Hospital and volunteering his time at the Florida Heritage Museum in Fisherman's Village. Jeffrey leaves behind his three children, Katie Rachel (John) Heck, Jonathan Joseph Mendel and Jefferson Charles Mendel; his ex-wife, Rachel Hulevitch-Mendel; grandsons, Lennon and Logan Heck and sister, Kathy Mendel. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Jeffrey's life will be held Sunday, February 15, 2015, from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Larry Taylor's Funeral Home. To express condolences please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guest book.