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Harvey Mandell Obituary
He was the son of Simon and Rose Mandell. Dr. Mandell was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy, Dartmouth College, and Dartmouth and Columbia Medical Schools.
During World War II, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy after graduating from Midshipmen's School. He served his internship and his residencies at the Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, and the St. Louis City Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., where he was appointed chief resident on the Washington University Medical service. He was the first Board Certified Doctor of Internal Medicine to practice in Norwich when he opened his practice in 1953. He loved the practice of medicine and he cared deeply about his patients and often said, "There's no career that could make me happier." For 25 years he spent his day off teaching medical students at Yale University of Medicine where he was an associate professor of clinical medicine. It's also where he continued to add to his personal medical knowledge by joining medical rounds on the Gastroenterology Service on the same day.
In 1976 he became the first vice president for Medical Affairs at The William W. Backus Hospital, a position he enjoyed until his retirement at the age of 70. While serving in this position, he was awarded the distinguished Laureate Award from the American College of Physicians. The award honors fellows of the college who have demonstrated by their example and conduct an abiding commitment to excellence in medical care, education, or research in service to their community and the American College of Physicians.
He was a writer and was the co-author with Dr. Howard Spiro of the book "When Doctors Get Sick," wrote a monthly column, "Physician at Large" in the journal, "Post Graduate Medicine," served on the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterlogy and was book review editor for the Journal. He was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and many other publications.
He was an avid chess player and established a Chess Club at Bartleby's Coffee Cafe in Mystic where he played every Tuesday and Thursday nights and also maintained a computer site, "Bartleby's Chess Club," where chess players from all over the world participate. His desire to learn never changed and with the aid of the computer was able to take lessons from a Chess Grandmaster in Israel until recently.
He loved to travel frequently with his wife, Marjorie. After a family visit to Israel in 1968, he returned to that country frequently once as Volunteer Doctor. He had hoped to make one last visit to Israel this year.
He leaves Marjorie, his wife of 60 years; and his sons, Ross, Marc, and David; and Aida, his daughter-in-law; a sister, Rivy Chapman; niece, Robin Mencher; and nephew, Eric Mencher.
Donations in his honor may be sent to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, The William W. Backus Hospital, or Smilow Cancer Center at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich. Burial will immediately follow at Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery on Route 12, Preston.
To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.churchandallen.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harvey Mandell
April 25, 2011
I was sorry to hear of Dr. Mandell's passing from David today. He had a long life and distinguished career.. my condolences to your family. Dr. Larry Berkman
Shaun Rock
April 11, 2011
Dear Mrs. Mandell and Family; Please accept my condolences of your loss. I have very warm memories of Dr. Mandell relaxing in his Groton Cottage. It was always always special, because it meant that a long lazy summer was to begin when your family arrived to the shore. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sally Rock-Blake
April 9, 2011
Though I haven't seen Dr. Mandell in years, my memory is of a quiet, thoughtful and gentle man who always welcomed my siblings and I to his home (summers in Groton) to play chess or hang out with his boys. A good memory to have.
Harry Rock
April 9, 2011
To Margorie, Ross, David and Mark. Please know that my thoughts are with all of you. I always thought very highly of Dr. Mandell (husband and father) with how he lived his life, his devotion and love for his family, and his life's work of helping people through their medical challenges. My fond memories are of our summers being across the street from each other on Shore Avenue in Groton with the chess tournaments we would have between my many hours of scraping and painting our house (how I hated that). Of course I always struggled with the game in those days but it led to my love of chess later on and elevating my play. It is never easy losing a loved family member but know that he was a wonderful role model for all of us with how he lived his life and his desire to do all that he could to make a positive impact on the lives of the people he touched on a daily basis. With much fondness, Harry Rock
April 7, 2011
Marge, Martin and I send condolence to you and your family for Harvey's death. We were unaware of his illness and hope he did not suffer. We honor the special place he held in the Norwich community and thank him for the care he gave each of our parents at one time or another. May he rest in peace; he certainly earned it. Rona Silver Rutchik
Phoebe Rock
April 7, 2011
Dearest Marjorie, Ross, David and Mark,
It is with heartfelt sadness I write on behalf of the Rock family to express our condolences. Mr Mandell was the kindness, most gentle, Brilliant! father and husband, neighbor and friend! His Brilliance, kindness and handsome looks he most certainly passed on to his three wonderful sons. It was such a priviledge and blessing to grow up across the street from the Madell House as a little girl! I love you all and of course my Mom is devastated also. My siblings, Harry, Sally, Jody, Amy and Shaun also send you their love. Love Phoebe and Seraphina
Jeff Schwab
April 7, 2011
It was a pleasure knowing Doctor Mandell. His wit, good nature and ready sense of humor were always present. My sincere condolences to the Mandell family.
mahmoud okasha
April 4, 2011
Dear Marjorie Ross David and Mark
my deepest regrets and sympathy for your loss,a loss that is not only felt by his family but by friends ,the community and medecine alike
I had the pleasure and priviledge to practice medecine while Harvey was medical director a Backus ,he was indeed a learned physician agreat leader and an active pillar of the community.
I will alwaysl miss his wit ,dry sense of humour and wisdom
Mahmoud Okasha
Carolyn Horton
April 4, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Dr Mandell for many years at Backus Hospital. I can still remember when he was writing his book and how supporting he was when I told him my story and he said I should write my story. How I started it but still haven't finished but as he would kid me that I had to start sometime and I have. My condolences to all thet knew him.
He will be missed but the memories will always be there. May god bless you all.
Bryan Desautell
April 4, 2011
a privilege to know you. ( ....e5! )
Tom Ruth
April 4, 2011
Dear David and Marc,
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. May you and your family find peace in this time of sorrow.
Becky McClain
April 4, 2011
Dear Marjorie, Ross, Marc and David,
My deepest sympathies for your loss of husband and father. I only knew Harvey as an honorable, kind and optimistic man. I enjoyed his numerous chess challenges at Bartleby’s and admired his love and generosity for the local community. Thank you, sweet Harvey. You will be missed!
Yours truly,
April 3, 2011
Dr. Mandell's interest and support made a great deal of difference for me. You are all in my thoughts.
Katie Norman
Joseph De Lucia, Sr.
April 3, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 3, 2011
Dr Mandell(Harvey) gave back to the community and will be missed. My condolences to the family. Tom Beechey, Mystic, Ct.
Lloyd Langhammer
April 3, 2011
Dear Mrs. Mandell and Family;
Please accept my condolences at the passing of Dr. Mandell. He was a formidable chess player and a fine man. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dov & Sandy Hack
April 3, 2011
Dear Marjorie, Ross, David and Marc,
We were so sorry to learn of your loss. During Dov's time living in Norwich, Harvey and Marjorie were like second parents to him, and we will always remember your friendship with love and gratitude.
kathy Delaney
April 3, 2011
I send my deepest sympathy and love to marjorie and Harveys family- Harvey was a wonderful man and you are all in my thoughts and prayers
April 3, 2011
Dear Mrs. Mandell and Family: I am so very sorry at the loss of your husband and father. It was a honor and pleasure to take care of Dr. Mandell. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kelly Derosier, RN
Lynn & Tina Lessard
April 3, 2011
Dear Marge and Boys,
Words cannot describe my feelings as I write this... You and Harvey have been two of my many favorite "customer/friends" for many years... I will miss his gentle charm, "dry wit" sense of humor and "sea stories..."
Tina and I send you our heartfelt condolences and We consider ourselves fotunate to have known Harvey these many years...
Tom Santos
April 3, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dr. Mandell will always be remembered by me as a great chess player. We played chess at a Norwich school, so long ago, I don't remember where. I was a novice and he was patient with me, as he beat me. He was a great man. God bless you all.
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