Remembrance of the Life of Paul J. Wexler CoL

Loretto Co-member Paul Wexler died July 26 at his home in Bryn Mawr, Pa., following illness. Paul was married to Jacqueline Grennan Wexler, Loretto Co-member and former vowed member, who died Jan. 19, 2012. He is survived by his daughter, Wendy (Wexler) Branton; his son, Wayne Wexler, preceded him in death.

Paul was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 1941, where he majored in sociology, played varsity football and ran track. After graduation, he worked briefly for Columbia Records before entering the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served four years and was discharged with the rank of captain.

After the war, he returned to Columbia Records, working with such top-recording stars as Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett. Paul became vice president of Columbia and later left to join Colpix, a division of Columbia Pictures. He founded Cape Music, a small mail order company that sold records and books. Paul served on various boards of directors in the record industry; in the civic community he served in a variety of youth activities and justice areas.

Paul became acquainted with Loretto through Jacqueline. The couple married in 1969. They frequently visited the Motherhouse Community and Loretto friends in St. Louis. He and Jacqueline often welcomed Loretto members to their home as well. In retirement, Paul and Jacqueline lived in Orlando, Fla., for 20 years. After Jacqueline’s death, Paul moved to Wayne, Pa., and later to Bryn Mawr.

Paul identified these as the gifts he offered to Loretto: curiosity, a sense of humor and a steadfast commitment to people he admired. He said his most important life memories included his mother’s teaching him the importance of education, honesty, integrity and hard work.

Paul’s expressed expectation of Loretto: “Stay as good as you are!”