Stephen Mencher, 85, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Throughout the difficult period of his decline, his loving, amiable spirit shown through to light us with love and gratitude, offering much inspiration to everyone around him. Even when verbal communication eluded him, his impish smile and strategically-raised eyebrow would always let us know what he was thinking or feeling.
The son of Nadine Greenman Mencher Gelband and Edward Mencher, Stephen was born in Miami FL in 1937 and grew up in New Rochelle NY. He attended Cornell University before moving back to Scarsdale NY to start his family.
Stephen met the love of his life, Barbara, in 1978, and they married in 1981. They enjoyed a long, loving partnership rooted in family and devoted to each other.
Over the course of his work life, he applied his keen intellect to several different fields, including commercial construction management, owning and operating restaurants, and corporate accounting. He retired as an accountant for Habitat for Humanity.
Outside of work, Stephen enjoyed several hobbies during his long life. In the 1970's, Stephen became a private pilot, surprising his three young daughters with an airplane trip, piloted by him, all the way to the newly-opened Disneyworld Magic Kingdom, a singularly special family time that he always reminisced about with tears in his eyes. He was also a paddle ball player and offered volunteer leadership on condo boards where he and Barbara lived.
Stephen will be missed by his loving wife of 42 years, Barbara; his daughters Julie Mencher, Jane (Mencher) Antastasi, and Marissa Mencher; his stepchildren Dara Polenghi and Evan Polenghi, his sons-in-law Joseph Anastasi, Balmoris Hurtado, and Kris Quinn; and his grandsons Avery Mencher, Ethan Quinn, Julian Quinn, and Mateo Hurtado. He is also survived by his ex-wife Carol Mencher. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Pamela Swerdlick.
The family will always be grateful to Wendy (a.k.a., Gwendy Francis) and Dawn (a.k.a., Merline Francis) for their compassion and devotion in caring for Stephen during his last years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephen's honor to the Alzheimers Association.
The family will be welcoming visitors at the home of Jane & Joe Anastasi - on Friday, from 1:30 - 6:30 at the clubhouse at High Point of Hartsdale. 200 High Point Drive Hartsdale, NY 10530.
Friday, June 30, 2023
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Ferncliff Cemetery Association
Visits: 54
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