Aug. 25, 2015 Stony Brook's athletic department mourns the loss of Henry "Hank" von Mechow, who passed away this past weekend. von Mechow played an eminent role in the development of intramural, recreational, and intercollegiate athletic programs at Stony Brook as the university's first athletic director in 1958.

In the fall of 1958, von Mechow accepted a position as an assistant professor at Stony Brook and remained at the University until his retirement in 1991. From 1958 to 1967, von Mechow served as the University's first athletic director and Physical Education Department chairman. In 1970, he earned associate professor status and, in 1980, became a full professor.

A. Henry von Mechow May 9, 1928-August 22, 2015 A Henry (Hank) von Mechow, of Hamilton, NY, died suddenly at the age of 87. Hank served his country during the Post War European Occupation in the Special Services Unit, and was a faculty member of Stony Brook University from 1957 until his retirement in 1991. He was inducted into the SUNY Cortland "C" Club Athletic Hall of Fame n 1991, and the Stony Brook University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. Hank loved to teach, and most recently taught ballroom dancing at Colgate University and Hamilton Adult Education. He served on the Board of Directors for Hamilton Education Unlimited and the SUNY Cortland "C" Club Athletic Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed traveling and had been to many places throughout Europe, Australia, and Antarctica. In addition to teaching and travel, Hank was also passionate about vegetable gardening, model railroading, and spending time with family, of whom he was extremely proud. Hank is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sallie; his children, Fred and Patricia von Mechow, Kathy and Miichael Bowen, Ruth and Dave Dupont, and Laura and Warren Kerper; twelve grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Calling hours will be Friday, August 28 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Burgess and Tedesco Funeral Home, 25 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY. The Memorial service will be Saturday, August 29 at 2 PM at the First Baptist Church of Hamilton, 27 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hamilton Food Cupboard, 1 Mill Street, Hamilton, NY.