Paul B. Schimmel, 91, World War II veteran, electric company owner

Paul B. Schimmel, 91, a World War II veteran who served as an infantryman in the Battle of the Bulge and was twice awarded a Purple Heart, died Thursday at the Sunrise Senior Living Facility in Haverford.

Mr. Schimmel served in the Battle of the Bulge from Dec. 16, 1944, to Jan. 25, 1945, and spent some of his time in the Army helping refugees in camps in France. Although he "saw some real atrocities there," said his oldest son, Rob Schimmel, "one of his great pleasures was reliving the war, because it gave him an appreciation" for what he had in peace time.

After he was honorably discharged in 1945, Mr. Schimmel delighted in the little things he missed most: cigarettes, chocolate, and hot soup.

He also loved to spend his free time on the beach in Ventnor.

"He loved nothing more than sitting on the beach," said his son. "It was the only place he knew where he could find relaxation."

Mr. Schimmel met his former wife, an Atlantic City native, at the beach. After 30 years, the two were divorced.

In 1947, Mr. Schimmel joined his family's business, the Royal Electric Supply Co., which was founded in 1919 by his father, Joseph.

His son recalled that his father "had a super-strong work ethic. He was still coming into the office at 89."

Now, Mr. Schimmel's sons, Rob and Larry, run the business.

Mr. Schimmel also was treasurer of the Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry and was an officer of Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley.

"He had a really strong internal compass about what's right and what's wrong," said son Rob. "If somebody had hardship, he was there quietly to help out."

In addition to his sons, Mr. Schimmel is survived by a daughter, Roseanne Shmulevich; three grandchildren; and a brother, Marvin.

A funeral will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at Roosevelt Memorial Park, 2701 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose.

Donations may be made to the Rose & Joseph Schimmel Preschool, Har Zion Temple, 1500 Hagys Ford Rd., Penn Valley, Pa. 19072.