Harvey Mendelson

Rexford - Harvey Mendelson, 90, passed away peacefully at his residence on May 26, 2022 with his loving family by his side. Born in Bronx, NY he was the son of the late Abe and Ida (Schuster) Mendelson.

Harvey was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, earned his Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering from City College of NY, obtained his Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from New York University and would go on to receive his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Harvey proudly served in The United States Army during the Korean War from 1953-1955. He was employed by Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna as a Nuclear Engineer and Manager of Experimental Engineering from 1959 until his retirement in 1992 at the age of 60.

The Arts were always a passion of Harvey’s from his teen years through adulthood. He began with photography as a teen and carried this throughout his life. He was a member of The Schenectady Photographic Society, the official photographer for Congregation Agudat Achim, he took pictures for the last journal that was put out and photographed for The Divine Kosher Cuisine. Harvey also taught photography composition at The Schenectady Jewish Community Center for 3 years.

After retirement, painting with water colors became a passion of Harvey’s. He painted and framed his own work, many of which now adourn the walls of Coburg Village where he and his wife Arlene have resided for the last eight years. Harvey received many awards and recognition for his photography and paintings in local capital district art exhibits. He was also a past President of The Schenectady Art Society. 

Harvey was an active member of Congregation Agudat Achim and served as Vice President for two years.

“Harvey enjoyed camping with his family, traveling to many destinations up and down the east coast. After retirement he and Arlene participated in over 50 Elder Hostils in the US and Overseas. The family also co -owned a vacation home in Newcomb, NY on Lake Harris for 23 years with their dear friends, where he loved to sail. He also loved to travel to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren and with his grandchildren to Disney and the beach

Harvey was a humble gentleman of few words with a dry sense of humor and to know him was to love him. He was a hands on Dad and Papa to his three daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed any events of his daughters growing up and did all of the announcing for their swim meets at the Woodlin Club. He was also in attendance at many of his grandchildren’s events, they all loved him so much!

Harvey is survived by the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Arlene Gelwarg Mendelson; his loving children, Cyd Mendelson, Shari (Richard Briggs) Mendelson and Melissa (Kevin) Mack; his cherished grandchildren, Isabella Mack, Abigail Mack and Korrie (Terry) Rhoads; and adored great-grandchildren, Adam Mendelson-Busch and Kathryn Rhoads.

Funeral Services for Harvey will be held on Thursday June 2nd at 10:00 am at Congregation  Agudat Achim, 2117 Union St. in Schenectady.  Burial will follow at Agudat Achim Cemetery.

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