Obituary of Eugene Selig Mendelson
Eugene S. Mendelson (Gene). July 22, 2018 at age 80. Predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ann (Brick) Mendelson and his parents William and Lillian Mendelson. Gene is survived by his children, Mark Mendelson (Christopher LaPolice), Steven Mendelson (Carmen), Mona Mendelson (Jan Dommerholt), Eric Mendelson (Anca), and Daniel Mendelson (Linda); grandchildren, William and Jacob Mendelson, Taliah and Aram Dommerholt, Samuel and Maxwell Mendelson, and Lianna and Megan Mendelson; brother, Jules (Jim) Mendelson (Phyllis); brother-in-law, Lawrence Brick (Carolyn); and sister-in-law, Judith Jonas (Peter); and many dear and loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Gene was born in Brooklyn, NY and was a proud graduate of City College of New York. He married Mary Ann Brick who he had met at summer camp and spent the next 50 years trying to be worthy of her interest and the last 10 years missing her every day. Gene was incredibly proud of his children and their accomplishments as well as their spouses and his grandchildren; he often boasted about them to friends and anyone who would listen.
Gene was an executive and consultant in retail and liquidation. He was particularly fond of operating Halloween stores in his later years. He was an avid fisherman, accumulator of pine cones, collector of frogs, and jigsaw puzzle master. He found pleasure in working hard and in simple things.
Gene was the founding president of Congregation Kol Haverim in Glastonbury, CT more than 30 years. Though raised and identifying as Orthodox, Gene enjoyed being part of both the Conservative and Reform movements as well and found support and comfort in his Jewish practices. He will always be remembered for leading many family Passover Seders.
The family would like to express their deepest and heartfelt gratitude to: St. John’s Meadows staff; Lifespan Volunteer Bob Sagan; Dr. Dallas Nelson and Elisa Elliot, NP from UR Medicine Geriatrics Group; Dr. Joseph Nicholas, Highland Geriatrics Hospitalists; UR Medicine Home Care Hospice and in particular Heather Dunn, RN; Rabbi Peter Stein; and the incredible dedicated, kind, and caring staff on West 6 and East 7 at Highland Hospital who made Gene’s last days comfortable and peaceful.
Graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Hebrew Cemetery, West Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC.
Shiva observance Monday, July 30, 2018 at 6:00 PM at Temple B’rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY. [CLICK FOR DIRECTIONS]
Memorial gifts in Gene’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Please consider a gift to the Highland Hospital Foundation, 1000 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 [DONATE ONLINE] in honor of the extraordinary East 7 staff or to a charity of your choosing.