Michael Mendlen
Michael Alan “Mickey” Mendlen, 81, of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Highlands died June 2, 2017. He was born in Irvington and was called “Captain Mickey” for the past 30 years.
As a young man, Mr. Mendlen was in his father’s structural steel business; later, he became a journeyman iron worker and then a furniture salesman. He later opened his own furniture manufacturing company, Bunk Trunk, where he held 14 patents in furniture design. After selling the company he became the owner of Whiskers Restaurant in Red Bank; following its sale, he pursued his passion for boating and became a boat captain. For the following 25 years, until his retirement in late 2015, he was Dock Master of the Molly Pitcher and Oyster Point marinas.
Among his personal interests was helping children with illness or handicaps; he was a supporter of St. Jude’s Research Hospital and the Special Olympics.
He is survived by his daughter, Leslie (Marc) Kesselhaut; his son, Mark; five grandchildren; his longtime companion, Fran Tessler; and his former wife, Sandra Mendlen.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Molly Pitcher Hotel, Red Bank.
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