Obituary of Dennis A. Pastena, MD.

Dennis A. Pastena, M.D. of Katonah, NY passed away at the age of 76 on Friday, March 22, 2024, at NYP-Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt, NY after a brief illness.

Dennis was born on April 15, 1947, in Glen Ridge, NJ to the late Lola and Anthony Pastena.

He grew up in Livingston, NJ and spent summers at the town pools, Jersey shore and life guarding at lakes in NJ. His love of swimming earned him a spot as a competitive swimmer at both Seton Hall Prep and Seton Hall University where he received his varsity letter in swimming and Bachelor of Science degree.

He graduated from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine of Chicago and then completed his Surgical Residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in NYC and his Residency in Plastic Surgery at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY.

As a doctor he dedicated his life to patients in Northern Westchester and in Putnam County, NY for 44 years. He was on the staff of Putnam, Hudson Valley, and Northern Westchester Hospitals until his retirement in 2020. Dr. Pastena touched the lives of so many families caring for them in their time of need.

Dennis and his wife Dr. Paula Coleman met in medical school and were married for 50 years. They fell in love with Katonah after driving through on a ski trip and settled there in 1978. He was the beloved father to Dr. Ryan Pastena and father-in-law to Dr. Jenika Karcich. Ryan considered his father to be his best friend. He is predeceased by his daughter Lauren who adored her father. He delighted in playing catch with Ryan every day before school and watched Lauren excel in her competitive horseback riding. He was the devoted grandfather to Gianna, Yure and Mila who brought such joy to his life. He was a loving and caring brother to Dr. Janis Pastena of Katonah, NY and Southbury, Ct.

Dennis was an avid fly fisherman and could be found on the Amawalk stream at every opportunity. He dedicated his time to Somer’s Boy Scout Troop 228, mentoring numerous scouts through the years to the rank of Eagle including his son own Ryan. Dennis enjoyed his time as a leader experiencing high adventure trips with the scouts, camp outs and summers at Camp Reed.

He loved music, especially the Beach Boys, and was always ready to go to a concert. As a family they created beautiful memories enjoying skiing, the Jersey shore, Disney World, and camping. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Friends may call at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah, NY on Monday, March 25th from 4 to 8 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers, NY on Tuesday, March 26th at 11:30 AM.  Interment will follow at Amawalk Hill Cemetery 2445 Quaker Church Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to Boy Scouts of America Troop 228, (checks made out to “Somers Troup 228”) 9 Oliver Court, Mahopac, NY 10541; or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (1-800-805-5856).