Paul Norman Gershon passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 13, 2022, surrounded with love.
Paul was a devoted husband, caring father, loving grandfather, and faithful friend. He loved and adored his family, friends and anyone who crossed his path.
Paul was the only child of Beatrice Kind Gershon and Clarence Gershon, of blessed memory. It was in elementary school and middle school that he met his dear friends, Janice and Steve (affectionately known as “Henry”) Talge. Paul was the type of person to have lifelong friends and always had room to bring more into the fold.
Growing up, Paul was a star athlete in track and field and football. He graduated Southwest High School in 1955, then earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in business administration from UMKC.
Paul loved attending reunions — both high school reunions and Pi Lamb reunions with his fraternity brothers. The OU-Texas game was an annual highlight for Paul, road tripping there to cheer on the Boomer Sooners. Paul loved being a sideline coach for college games and the Kansas City Chiefs with Hal Novicoff. They always thought they would be better play callers than the actual coaches on the sidelines.
Paul and Susie met on a blind date in 1963 and were engaged three months later. They married Aug. 31, 1963. As an only child, Paul enjoyed becoming part of Susie’s larger family. Over the years, weekly Shabbat dinners with the Gershons, Schifmans and Weindlings brought laughs and great memories. Susie’s brothers Stanley, of blessed memory (Kathee), and Billy (Fani) became true brothers to Paul. Even though Paul was an “outlaw,” they showered him with love.
Paul was a generous and loving father to Andy and Amy. His support of them was unwavering and unconditional. His physical and emotional strength was always a bedrock for them. He coached their teams, taught them to drive, and supported them in all of their personal and professional endeavors. He was beyond excited to become a grandfather to Ella and Grace, showering them with love upon arrival and throughout the years. He also loved his daughter-in-law, Emily.
Paul’s professional life in investments spanned over 50 years. Paul became a Certified Financial Analyst in 1974, a title he held until his passing.
Paul and Susie created many great memories over the years. They spent many winters in Singer Island, Florida, where they had a second home. Paul was a terrific tennis and racquetball player, who then transferred into becoming an avid golfer. As a late learner of the game, he was beyond thrilled to get a hole-in-one. Paul and Susie shared a love for the game of bridge, and though he wasn’t quite the bridge master that Susie was, he kept playing because he loved the social element of it. More than anything, Paul loved being social.
Paul loved getting together with friends for dinner and movies. He loved his Wednesday night poker game with the same group of men for over 50 years. He loved those games even more when he was a winner.
Paul was always active. One of his favorite activities was going to the Jewish Community Center and working out or taking his art class. He loved visiting with everyone at the JCC, greeting folks on the treadmill and at the weights station.
Paul was a generous, kind, funny, compassionate and caring man. Paul knew no strangers, only friends. Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Elinor Sue (Susie) Schifman Gershon; son Andy Gershon (Emily); daughter Amy Gershon; granddaughters Ella and Grace; brother-in-law William Schifman (Fani); sister-in-law Kathee Schifman; beloved nephews Aaron (Carolina), Gabe (Aaron), Micah, and Alex and niece Alison (Pat) and their children; and cousins Carol and Ed Lapin.
The family wishes to thank the exceptional care shown to Paul in his final months provided by Fabian, Julius, Kojo, Moha, Patrick and Peter.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to the Jewish Community Center, Kehilath Israel Synagogue or any charity of your choice. Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com
