Neil A. Lachant, M.D.

Neil A. Lachant, M.D., 75, passed away peacefully on April 7th surrounded by his adoring family at FF Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY. Neil was born in Bennington, VT on January 3, 1949, to the late Audrey (nee Fienberg) and Joseph Lachant.



He spent his childhood in Bennington and went on to receive both his Undergraduate and Medical School degrees from the University of Vermont in 1970 and 1974, respectively, before going on to pursue his residency and fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at SUNY Upstate University in Syracuse, NY where he met a nurse that became the love of his life, Mary Ann Turner.

After fellowship, Neil embarked on a 44-year long career as a hematologist where he touched the lives of patients and trainees throughout the country including UCLA, Medical College of Ohio, Wayne State University, Geisinger Health System, Cooper University Hospital, and the University of Rochester.

Practicing medicine was one of Neil's greatest passions in life. An accomplished physician, Neil also contributed to several textbooks and published many articles related to his research. Education was very important to Neil, and he was proud to serve as a professor of hematology and share his knowledge with others throughout his career. Neil always maintained that any day he learned something new was a good day.

Neil's profession was a calling for him and was his life's purpose. Colleagues and patients alike will remember him for his dedication to providing the best care possible, his kind and calming demeanor, generous personality, and his incredible sense of humor.



The only thing Neil enjoyed more than practicing medicine, was spending time with his family. Whether it was playing golf, watching races at his sons' rowing regattas, or tackling the Sunday edition of the New York Times' crossword puzzle with his Sweetie, any chance he had to spend time with family he took advantage of. His perfect Saturday afternoon was spent with his family in the kitchen, cooking up one of his many legendary meals with the help of his granddaughter sous-chefs, while enjoying red wine and hours of laughter and conversation. All were welcome at Neil's table, and he always had an extra setting and glass of wine ready.

Neil's greatest legacy will be his surviving family; he was a deeply devoted husband of 45 years to Mary, beloved father to Ann, Aaron, Dr. Daniel (Dr. Jamie Adams), Joseph, Michael, and Matthew (Dr. Gabrielle Mendes), and adored "Hema" to granddaughters Maddie, Emma, and Lucy. Neil is also survived by his brother Michael (Laurie) and was predeceased by his parents.

In keeping with his wishes, Neil was laid to rest next to his parents in the Bennington Hebrew Cemetery on April 11. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 11, 2024 at 2PM at the Interfaith Chapel at the University of Rochester with a reception to follow. All who knew Neil are welcome to attend and celebrate a life that was exceptionally well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Neil's memory to the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester: 300 E. River Road, PO Box 278996 Rochester, NY 14627, (585) 276-4717.