Jay Vickers Dewell, Sr.

Jay Vickers Dewell, a dedicated medical doctor who served his community for 54 years, passed away surrounded by family on April 19, 2024.
He was born on September 24, 1928, in Albany, New York to Mildred Vickers Dewell and Burdette Gage Dewell II. After excelling as valedictorian at Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School, he pursued his higher education at Union College. He maintained a strong connection with Union throughout his life and was proud to be a member of the Garnet Guard, an honor given for celebrating his 50th reunion. He continued his academic journey at Albany Medical School where upon graduation, he followed his passion for public and community service. He spent 2 years serving as a doctor on a Pawnee Indian Reservation in Oklahoma before fulfilling his dream of establishing his own practice in family medicine in Cobleskill, New York. His practice became a cornerstone of the community, where he cared for generations of families until his retirement at the age of 84.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Dewell was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, cherished by his extensive growing and blended family. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan Mina Rich, and his brother Burdett Gage Dewell III, and is survived by his wife, Tordis Hollenbach Dewell, his sister, Liz Dewell (Connie), his brother, Robert Dewell (Anne), his children: John David Gallagher, Susan Gallagher, Dennis Gallagher (Martha), Jay Dewell (Connie), Sarah Dewell (Ken), Carolyn Winter (Scott), and Heidi Hollenbach-Wall (Scott), and his grandchildren: Julia Ilowiecki, Rebecca Ilowiecki (Karl), Jake Ilowiecki (Liz), Meaghan Gallagher, MacKenzie Philbert (Brian), Ryan Dewell (Lauren), Corey Walton (Amanda), Leithe Morey, Arielle Morey (Bob), Landen Moore, Evan Dickens (Chelsea), Jared Wall, Sierra Wall, and his great-grandchildren: Colton Kubiak, Colton Elkins, Arya Morey-Heck, Oskar Miemis, Fredriks Miemis, Carson Philbert, Kennedy Philbert, Natalie Dickens, and Caleb Dickens.
Our dad found joy in gardening and landscaping and took great care to maintain his homes, ensuring that they were havens of comfort and elegance. With meticulous detail, he transformed each space into a reflection of his refined taste and discerning eye for design. He also had a love for luxury cars and on weekends, when he wasn’t gardening, he could be found in the driveway washing and detailing his cars with dedication and appreciation for their craftsmanship. He was an avid learner, constantly seeking to master new skills. From experimenting with gourmet cooking, tinkering with new technology, or embracing the challenges of learning to sail, he approached each endeavor with enthusiasm and determination.
Dr. Jay Dewell’s life is marked by a commitment to service, and he will be remembered for his love of family and contributions to the health and well-being of his community.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Cobleskill Methodist Church, 107 Chapel Street, Cobleskill, New York. Calling hours begin at 1:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life ceremony at 2:00 PM.
Contributions in memory of Dr. Jay Dewell can be made to Marathon for a Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, New York 12187.
Arrangements are entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill where the provision for online condolences may be found at www.merenessputnamfuneralhome.com