David Mesches

1934 - 2021

Dr. David Mesches, 87, of New Paltz, New York passed away peacefully on November 20, 2021, at Woodland Pond.Born June 29, 1934, in Gowanda, New York he was the son of the late Joseph and Fanny (Nagle) Mesches. On June 19, 1957, in Buffalo, New York David married the love of his life, Elizabeth &Bette&; Potenza. They had over 64 happy years together before his passing. Dr. Mesches was a leading figure in the history of family medicine in New York State and nationally. He practiced in Ulster County for over 40 years. Dr. Mesches founded the Mid-Hudson Family Health Institute in 1983 and served as its CEO and Chairman of the Board until 2007. The Institute provided high quality medical care to Mid-Hudson residents regardless of their ability to pay in its multiple health centers throughout the Mid-HudsonRegion. He also started the Family Practice Residency Training Program which represents the fulfillment of a dream to bring primary care physicians to areas sorely in need. Some 75% of its graduates practice in New York State mostly in the Hudson Valley. Dr. Mesches was also a Professor, Chairman and Founder of the Department of Family Medicine at New York Medical College where he served for over 20 years. Among many other notable achievements, Dr. Mesches was: Captain in the U.S Air Force; Administrative Director of the Student Health Center at SUNY, New Paltz; Chairman of the Ulster County and Town of New Paltz Planning Boards; President of the Ulster County Medical Society; Chairman of Ulster County Planned Parenthood; President of the Mid- Hudson Consortium for the Advancement of Education of Health Professionals; Member of the New York State Commission on Graduate Medical Education and the New York State Committee on Primary Care; Vice President of the Catskill Alliance of Physicians;Founding Member of the Empire Bank and was on multiple other bank boards.Dr. Mesches authored many articles in medical journals and was profiled by the New York Times among other publications. For his prodigious accomplishments, Dr. Mesches was recognized by the New York State Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives. Survivors include his loving wife, Elizabeth "Bette"; his sons, Dan and his wife, Katherine of Austin, TX and Bruce and his wife, Jody of New Paltz, NY; his brother, Ken and his wife, Lolly of Santa Rosa, CA; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Jake, Laura, Anna, Hannah,Sophia, and Jordan; and two great grandchildren, Ronan and Ayla. In addition to his parents, Dr. Mesches was also predeceased by his son, Craig and his brother, Bob. A Memorial Gathering is being planned for the spring of 2022.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hudson Valley Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist Dr. Mesches’ family with the arrangements. https://www.lastingmemories.com/david-mesches