Paul M. Scher

East Greenbush, NY – Paul M. Scher, 74, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at the VanRensselaer Manor after a long illness. Born in Albany, NY to the late Matthew and Mary Devlin Scher. He grew up in East Greenbush and was a graduate of Columbia High School and attended Hudson Valley Community College. He attended and received his Computer Programing Certification through IBM.Paul was the beloved husband of Mary Ida (Gable) Gundrum Scher. Paul and Mary Ida were long time residents of Averill Park, moving back to East Greenbush in 2021.

In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his children, Mark R.Gundrum (Dayna Maniccia), of Albany, Carrie E. Sabisch (Jan),of Poestenkill, Bryan C. Gundrum (Catherine Ann) of Ocoee, FL, and Matthew P. Scher of Troy, his grandchildren Dustin R. Moffre, Joseph W. Gundrum, Daniel M. Gundrum, and Christoph R.P. Sabisch, his brother-in-law Charles A. Gable, 3rdand his beloved dog, Maggie. Paul is also survived by his sisters Jeanne Trawinski (Peter), Statesville, NC, Elaine Dupras (Louis) Evans, GA, and Kathleen Switzer (late William) of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

Paul started his career in his parents’ auto parts business, Matty Scher Auto Parts in East Greenbush, at a very early age. At one point during his years being active in drag racing he also started his own business, Scher Magic Performance. Paul drag raced in a custom built dragster at Lebanon Valley and other venues up and down the east coast. He was fond of saying he had raced Cha-Cha Muldowney.

When Paul’s parents retired, he and Mary Ida, took over Matty Scher Auto Parts. In 2000, when the store closed, Paul turned to his love of computer programming, for which he had a natural gift. He retired from CONTEC in Schenectady but continued writing programs as an independent contractor until his illness.

Kiwanis was a big part of Paul’s life as well as the family’s. Paul’s father Matt Scher was a former President of the East Greenbush – Nassau Kiwanis. Paul served two separate terms as president and was followed by son, Bryan who became the youngest president of the East Greenbush – Nassau Kiwanis Club at age 19. Whether a pancake breakfast or a chicken barbecue, Paul and the family were always there to lend a helping hand. In recent years Paul enjoyed membership in the Green Mountain Dock Dogs where he was always capturing pictures of Maggie, the family dog, and handler, his grandson Christoph, competing anywhere from Manchester or Bennington Vt to Clifton Park.

Paul always had a project. Whether it was building a dock, strong enough to tie up the Queen Mary or ripping the side of the camp out with the boys and rebuilding it. Paul was always there working and directing his “crew.” He loved the years he spent on Burden Lake with the family and again with camera in hand taking pictures of the kids tubing on the lake or just out in the boat with Mary Ida.

When the boys were on the La Salle Drill Team, Paul always had the suburban and his camera ready to go with Mary Ida, the kids and Gram and Pop on board. Whether it was local or Springfield, MA, he was ready. Lately, the LaSalle Soccer Team found him in the stands capturing pictures of his grandsons on the field, again no matter the location.

Paul has taught all of the boys how to use tools to build or fix cars or any other assortment of things. However, none of them ever could get over the “magic touch” he used to have with a motor that would not work for anyone else.

Above all else Paul was a man devoted to his wife and family. Whether in the area or visiting Bryan’s family or the “Florida Contingent” as he called them. It was all about family.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at St. Henry’s Church, 39 Old Route 66, Averill Park on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 9 am to 11am. Visiting will be followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial. Inurnment will follow at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Greenbush.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Paul M. Scher, please consider donating to LaSalle Institute, 174 Williams Road, Troy New York 12180 indicating Paul’s name on your donation.

Visit perrykomdat.com for a guestbook and directions.