DENNIS MESNICK 1950-2023

Yesterday we lost my husband, a father, grandfather, last patriarch of his generation, Dennis Mesnick. Most of you know his story, he was a warrior and a Superman, beating two cancers and a transplant outlived all statistics. He never gave up, living life to the fullest. He continued to do the things he loved travel, concerts theater sports and family events.

Below is a tribute that his niece, Carly wrote about how he touched her life.

There are few people I throw the word “warrior” out when I describe them. You know who you are. But this man wasn’t just a warrior, he was my uncle, my dad’s brother, the last Mesnick glue that somehow pieced together this family. When I went out to San Diego yearly to visit my family and friends, I relished every word, every story he told about my dad who I lost at age 11. He was so resilient and in the face of adversity I often asked him how did he become that way. He pointed me to a Jewish psychiatrist I now talk about in my trauma trainings, Victor Frankl. Frankl specialized in studies of depression and suicide, developing Logotherapy, a type of psychotherapy that based on the premise that the primary motivational force of an individual is to find a meaning in life- and you can do so through examining your suffering. That’s exactly my Uncle D- he found so much meaning in the suffering he endured in his life. So much meaning he passed on to those he loved so dearly. Today, we lost Uncle D. I’m heartbroken, so sad and suffering along with many of his loved ones in our state of mourning. If there is anything Uncle D would want more than ever, it is that we find meaning in our suffering and hold one another close through this time and always. Thank you, Uncle D for your unconditional love, guidance, support, for keeping the Mesnick faith alive, and for being our favorite Warrior.

Dennis L. Mesnick passed away peacefully Feb. 15, 2023, in San Diego, Calif., at 72.

He was born in Cleveland to Maxwell and Anne (nee Auerbach) Mesnick. Dennis attended The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Case Western University, receiving his Master of Arts degree in social work. From very early on, Dennis had a gift of establishing long-lasting relationships and had maintained many friendships from his days at Moreland Elementary School, Woodbury as well as Shaker Heights High School, class of 1968.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and the patriarch of the Mesnick family. He was an eight-year warrior/Superman, defeating all odds. We believed he was immortal, beating every health challenge he faced and those battles were relentless. Dennis was so resilient in the face of adversity, he was often asked how he became that way. He quoted Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust concentration camp survivor (author of “Man’s Search for Meaning”), whose own triumph over adversity inspired Dennis. Frankl encouraged identifying a purpose in life by examining your suffering, and then immersively imagining that outcome. That’s exactly what Dennis had done. He never ever gave up (NEGU) continuing to live life to the fullest, participating in all the things he loved – travel, music, concerts, theater, sports and family gatherings.

Dennis had a long and successful career working as director and fundraising for many Jewish and health organizations. Dennis made the most of his retirement from volunteering to property management and more.

We remember Dennis warmly for the twinkle in his eye, infectious smile and especially the many entertaining stories he shared. He touched many lives with kindness, friendship and a special appreciation for life. He had a generous and caring heart. Dennis was the gracious host opening his home for family and friends making sure everyone was taken care of, comfortable and needed for nothing.

Dennis is survived by “Sweets” Sue West, his loving wife of almost 20 years; his sons, Sean, Jason (Molly) and Larry (Margot); and six grand grandchildren, Jackson, Bailey, Ty, Riley, Ava and Hunter; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Larry and Ronald, and sister, Marlene Colon. He is sorely missed by everyone who enjoyed him.

Donations in Dennis’ memory can be made to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (bit.ly/3EKdni2).