Michael Mendelsohn, builder who headed Council Gardens

Beachwood resident Michael Mendelsohn, a general building contractor and former president of Council Gardens, died of complications of cancer on March 5 at the age of 47. Mr. Mendelsohn had been president of Carey Construction Co., which he joined in 1985 as a " Mendelsohn partner. For the past 10 years, Mr. Mendelsohn specialized in commercial buildings. He had worked as a stone mason from 1969 to 1976. In addition to heading the board of Council Gardens and serving as a trustee for Bellefaire/JCB, Mr. Mendelsohn also served as chairman of the Building Repairs and Replacements Committee of the Jewish Community Federation and was active with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters Association. He enjoyed rafting, canoeing, cycling, skiing and was an art collector, sculptor and music lover. Mr. Mendelsohn was a graduate of Shaker Heights High School. Mr. Mendelsohn is survived by his mother, Judith; sister, Ruth; brother, Daniel; a niece and a nephew.