John Mensah, St. Regis

We are saddened by the passing of John Mensah, an Engineer at the St. Regis Hotel. John is remembered as a great husband, father, and grandfather.

John immigrated to New York City from Ghana and worked at the St. Regis since the hotel re-opened in 1991. His coworkers remember him as a helpful and skilled worker, and a proud union member. 

Engineering Delegate Jesus Hernandez describes John as always having had a cheerful presence on the job. “We worked together for 25 years. John was a great guy. He was always smiling and always supporting the Union.”

Business Agent Larry McNeil recalls how much he enjoyed working with John over the years.  “He was a beautiful guy. He was knowledgeable about the building and his craft. John always had a smile, loved interaction with guests. Whenever we had a meeting, he always made sure everyone had a bottle of water. Union members, reps, management. It was a pleasure to interact with him.” Business Agent Kelly Drummond echoed the same sentiment. “John was a great union member and always taking care of others."

John’s son, Bernard, described his father as a hardworking man who pushed him to be the best person he could be. “I remember when I was young, back home in Ghana, he always wanted me to be first in my class. He pushed me to be the best student and person that I could be. It's because of him that my little brother is in university, getting an education.”

His wife, Charlotte, said, “I shed tears because he is gone, but smile because he lived. I didn’t just lose my husband, I lost my friend, my soulmate, my inspiration and my everything. I will miss him with all my heart.”

John’s daughter, Ophelia, remembers him as a loving man, who enjoyed discussing politics. “He loved Ghana and loved talking about news and politics from back home, thats always what we used to talk about. He was a good father. I will miss him so much.”

“He was a good grandfather, we loved him and he loved us. I hope that God protects him in heaven,” said his granddaughter, Kelsey.

John is survived by his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.