Guilderland- Paul D. Degener, 70, passed away surrounded by his loving family on March 3, 2018. The son of the late Allen and Pauline (Wotkiwicz) Degener, Paul was born on September 20, 1947 in Troy, NY. He faithfully and honorably served his country in the US Army in Vietnam. After his service, he married Kathleen DeLeon February 28, 1970. For several years, he worked as a mason and bricklayer. Paul became a paraplegic as a result of a car accident on March 15, 1979. To understand Paul is to appreciate his unspoken resilience and grit to live his life to the fullest. Paul’s greatest joy was his passion for muscle cars. He was the founder and known as “The Mayor” of The Dead End Cruizers car club and always looked forward to car shows and cruises throughout the Capital District. Paul was talented at working with his hands and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was a generous and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Paul loved his canine companions, Theodore and Sheree.
Paul is survived by his wife of 48 years Kathleen; his sons: Paul Jr., Daniel (Heather) and Brian; his grandsons: Brandon and Keane; his siblings: Louise (Wayne) Dusenbery and Henry “Butch” (Gale) Degener and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Paul’s family wishes to express their gratitude to the loving staff of the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany for their many years of compassionate care and also the drivers who transported Paul to his appointments.
Memorial visitation will be from 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, March 11 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A memorial service will be held at 4 pm at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at 11 am on Monday, March 12 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.