Hewlett native Dr. David A. Genn, 56

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The family and friends of Hewlett native Dr. David A. Genn say that he always stood out with his honesty, humility, humbleness and above all else, his tremendous kindness and generosity.

Genn, a resident of upstate Beacon died at New York-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt Manor on April 21. He was 56.

Born on Sept. 9, 1964 in Hewlett, Genn was the son of Brenda (née Slepp) Genn and Cole Genn. He graduated from Hewlett High School in 1982. Dave was also a graduate of Boston University’s College of Medicine Class of 1988. During this time, he would marry Coleen Moore.

Genn completed his internship and residency at Montefiore Medical Center and he completed his gastroenterology fellowship at New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center. He then spent his entire 20-year career doing what he loved with the people and the patients that he loved.

His family said that Genn was incredibly proud and honored to be affiliated with Hudson Valley Hospital and to be a gastrointestinal partner at Mid-Hudson Gastroenterology, LLP. In 2013, Genn became disabled and was unable to actively practice medicine. Despite being physically unable to practice, Genn remained educated and hopeful that one day he would again be able to serve others via his profession.

He enjoyed listening to his favorite music, which included The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and Eric Clapton. According to family, Genn was his household’s unofficial nightly Jeopardy! champion, as he often answered the clues before they were read. In addition, Genn enjoyed art, traveling and reading. 

Genn's family said they are thankful for the physicians, nurses and all of the staff who helped take care of Genn at New York-Presbyterian / Hudson Valley Hospital and Emerald Peak Rehabilitation Center.

“Above all else, Dave enjoyed and was truly thankful for all the love and support that he received from all of his friends and family during the nearly decade long struggle he endured while fighting heroically with numerous complicated medical issues,” they said. “On behalf of Dave and his family, we’d like all of you to know that we are incredibly grateful for the friendship, love and support that you all shared with Dave throughout his entire life.”

Predeceased by his father Cole, Genn is survived by his mother Brenda Genn of Hewlett; his wife, Coleen Moore Genn of Beacon; his step-son Brenden Moore of Chicago; his sister, Shari Shapiro and her husband David of Lawrence; his nephews and nieces, Jacob Decter, Ashely Prawer, Gabby Decter, Emma Strulowitz, Craig Shapiro, Jeremy Shapiro, Evan Shapiro, and Kerri Wasserman. Several aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nephews and great-nieces also survive him. 

A wake was held on April 25 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill. A funeral service was held on April 26 at the same funeral home, followed by a burial at St. Joachim Cemetery in Beacon.

In lieu of flowers, Genn’s family said memorial donations can be made to The Heather Abbott Foundation which provides services to amputees. Go to www.heatherabbottfoundation.org.