Dr. Hermogenes "Leni" Javier Mecenas

On May 31, 2023, Dr. Hermogenes (Leni) Javier Mecenas, 94, of Ithaca, NY, passed away peacefully in the hospital with his beloved wife Joy (Ghent), his four sons, his four daughter in-laws, and six grandchildren at his side.

Born to Judge Pedro Mecenas and Felicidad (Javier) on the island of Panay in the Philippines, he had two brothers, Pedro Jr. and Isaias.  He attended Northern Antique High School during WWII. After the war he completed a pre-med degree at Silliman University, then a medical degree at the University of the Philippines before immigrating to the U.S. to complete his internship training in Hartford, CT. He then finished his residency in Urology in Buffalo, NY. As a resident, Leni met Joy on a blind date, when she was a third year medical student in Rochester, NY.  Two years later in 1959, they married and established their home in Buffalo where Joy completed her residency in Pediatrics. After the birth of their first two sons, Mark and Peter, they moved to Ithaca, NY, to begin their careers.  In the years to come, they had two more sons, Charles and John.

Leni was dedicated to his medical career.  As a skilled doctor and surgeon, he established a successful private practice. During this time, he gained a large following of loyal patients and served as a pillar of the community for more than 30 years before retiring in 1996.

Leni was a religious man and a Christian. As a long standing member of the First Presbyterian Church he served in various roles, always generous with his time and financial support.

Leni’s pastimes included smelt fishing, tennis, and skeet shooting.  He had a passion for gardening, mowing his lawn, and collecting tools (without necessarily using them).  He was always up for a game of chess (even in the ICU!) and was a joyful gastronome who took great pleasure in every meal.

He had many qualities that were apparent to even casual acquaintances, including acceptance, patience, and generosity (often expressed through charitable giving and gifts to family in the Philippines).  Finally, anyone remembering him will probably first recall his smile, gentle manner, sense of humor, and infectious laugh.

Being a family man, Leni was a devoted husband and father, a doting grandfather, and beloved uncle. He enjoyed the role of father-in-law, treating his sons' spouses as if they were his own daughters.  As part of his family life, his affections extended to his beloved dogs and other pets, including a number of cats and a singular cockatiel.

He is survived by wife Joy (Ghent), and children, Mark (Carolyn), Peter (Diane), Charles (Kati), and John (Dvorah).  He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jacob, Joseph, Julia, Zachary, Tristan, Elijah, and Lauren (and the much anticipated baby Mecenas), as well as his dog Minnie.  He made this world a better place.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 17th, 10 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 315 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ithaca Free Clinic.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca, NY. Online condolences may be made to Leni’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.