Obituary of Dr. Joseph E. Genewich, MD

Joseph E. Genewich, MD passed away June 11, 2015. Born in Elmira on December 5, 1925 he was the son of Joseph and Josephine (Bernas) Genewich. Joseph served in the US Army from 1944 to 1946 during WW II. He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Buffalo Medical School graduating in 1952. Joseph served his internship from 1952 to 1953 at Bellevue Hospital and his residency in Internal Medicine from 1953 to 1956 at the EJ Meyer Memorial Hospital now known as Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo. He began his private practice in Lockport in 1956 and returned to ECMC in 1958 for a residency in cardiology of which Joseph was the first cardiology resident. While practicing in Lockport he initiated the Intensive Care Unit, the first in Niagara County and taught evening classes to the nursing staff educating them to understand ICU therapy. He also instituted the temporary pacemaker capability, echocardiography and stress testing, and instituted a citywide CPR education with the Red Cross. Joseph served as Chief of Staff of Lockport Memorial Hospital for several years, was a HEART member (Terror Response Team), member of the Niagara County Chamber of Commerce, member of CHCF initiated for the survival of LMH and was also a volunteer with Niagara Hospice in his retirement years. Joseph enjoyed woodworking, hunting, traveling, gardening and cooking. Joseph is survived by his wife of 64 years Imogene R. (Williams) Genewich of Lockport; father of David (Camille), Bruce (Sally), Brian Genewich, Gretchen (Paul) Labbe, and Judy (Roger) Fitch. Private graveside services were held in Cold Springs Cemetery.