Dr. Harvey Pastel

1924. - 2017

Dr. Harvey Pastel died peacefully on Tuesday, 21 February 2017. Harvey was born in Coulterville, IL, on 9 July 1924. He attended Harvard University and graduated from the Columbia University Medical School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Navy while in college and medical school. After finishing his internship at Hartford Hospital, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany. He did residencies at Boston City Hospital and Lahey Clinic in Boston, specializing in surgery. After finishing his residencies, Dr. Pastel opened his general surgery practice in Manchester, CT in 1957 and retired from private practice in 2000. He continued to assist in surgery until age 86. At Manchester Memorial Hospital, Dr. Pastel served as Chief of Surgical Staff for two years and was active on many committees. Harvey was a loving and devoted husband to Jane, his wife of 68 years, and will be missed greatly by his wife and four children: Douglas (Barbara), Newton, MA; Hope (Jeff), Settle, North Yorkshire, UK; Ross (Caroline), Rockville, MD; and Jean (Paul), Vernon, CT; four grandchildren (Renée, Benjamin, Elias and Abram), one great-grandchild Elliot and many nieces and nephews. Harvey was predeceased by his parents, his sister Marjorie and his brother Robert. Harvey will always be remembered by his family and friends as a kind, gentle and caring person. Dr. Pastel was a great listener and had tremendous compassion for his patients and colleagues. His interests and talents were many. Harvey was an avid tennis player, playing three to four times a week, until 2015. He also enjoyed downhill skiing and diving. Harvey built and flew model airplanes and volunteered at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks. He was an active board member and president at Lutz Children's Museum in the 60's. Harvey was fascinated by photography and origami (Japanese paper folding). He decorated his office and home with pictures he took of flowers, pets and family. He enjoyed teaching others how to build model airplanes and fold origami figures.A memorial service will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 41 Park St., Manchester, CT at 1 p.m. on Saturday, 11 March 2017. There will be a private burial at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New England Air Museum (www.neam.org) or a charity of your choice. Online tributes can be made at www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com.