Paul Scanlon, age 67, of 15 Michigan St., Mohawk, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 11, 2015, in the comfort of his own home with his family by his side. He was born on May 31, 1948, in Herkimer, the son of Lawrence B. and Thelma (Richardson) Scanlon, and attended Mohawk schools. In 1975, Paul graduated Magna Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Albany with a BA degree. Paul was a combat soldier in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He received numerous decorations during the war, including the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Army Commendation Medal and the Unit Commendation Medal. He also was the recipient of several other medals, including two combat bars. He was later awarded New York State’s highest military award, the Conspicuous Service Medal. Paul also served in Ethiopia, Africa, prior to his service in Vietnam. He reached the rank of E5, Specialist E5, at the age of 18. He worked with orphans during his time there, and was rewarded with an audience with Emperor Haile Saliesse for his work with orphans. Paul was employed as an administrator at MVCC in Utica for 25 years. At one time, he was married to Sue Carona. He was an avid Yankee fan. Mr. Scanlon was a member of the Crowley-Barnum American Legion Post #25, of Mohawk, Herkimer VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion Voyageur Locale 352 of the 40 & Eight, and the Ilion Elks Lodge #1444. Surviving family members include his sons, Adam Scanlon, of Little Falls, and Paul M. Scanlon, of England; granddaughters, Grace and Crystal Scanlon; his sisters, Jerrie and Laura Scanlon, of Utica; his longtime beloved friend and companion, Sue Carona; several nieces, nephews, cousins; Godson, Larry Natale; and his best friend, “Brother” Skip Nabinger. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Lawrence; and sister, Ruth. Funeral services will be held 6:00 p.m., Thursday, December 17, 2015, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s newly reopened and renovated home at 102 West St., Ilion, with Sister Mary Jo Tallman, Parish Life Director at Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk, officiating. Interment will be in Saratoga National Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, December 17, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home at 102 West St., Ilion, just prior to the funeral home service. The Mohawk American Legion service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, and the Herkimer VFW service will be held at 5:45 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home at 102 West St., Ilion. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Mohawk Crowley-Barnum American Legion Post #25, 43 W. Main St., Mohawk, NY 13407, in memory of Paul, or Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice for their kindness and compassion. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Paul, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com Paul’s service arrangements were prearranged and entrusted to family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate.