Aspire of WNY is proud to congratulate Mark Mesi as he embarks on a new chapter: Retirement! Throughout Mark’s time with our agency, he has served in various roles including Team Coordinator, Service Coordinator, and most notably, as Adaptive Projects Specialist (Environmental Modifications/E-Mods). With over 20 years of dedicated service, Mark has made a lasting impact on our agency and the individuals that we support!
Mark’s career in E-Mods began when the agency’s focus shifted to hiring for jobs that were more concentrated on Environmental Modifications due to the complexity of the process and project management. Mark worked under the late Craig Panzica’s guidance, learning the responsibilities of an environmental modification manager up until Craig retired from our agency in June of 2013. At this time, Mark took over as an E-Mod manager for Erie County, where he met Jon Lundmark, who was overseeing Aspire of WNY’s E-Mods within Chautauqua County. Jon eventually became Mark’s supervisor, but more importantly, his lifelong friend.
“Working with Mark over the years has left a ton of life-lasting memories. Two principles that come to mind are his work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the work done, as well as his awesome sense of humor, which made work exciting and fun, each day,” Jon shares. “Mark always put the individuals and families we served first in everything he did. He was truly a ‘Rock’ here at Aspire of WNY.”
Mark says that throughout the years, him and Jon “would not even be able to guess” how many environmental modifications such as barrier-free bathrooms, ceiling track systems, ramps, wheelchair lifts, stair glides, and door widening projects they completed together. This pair worked tirelessly to help make spaces more accessible for the individuals we support at Aspire of WNY, ultimately helping them to live as independently as possible.
Reflecting on his time with our agency, Mark shares: “I can’t begin to tell you how quickly time goes by when you enjoy what you are doing while making dreams for families come true. My work here has been very rewarding, the years flew by. I will always remember the 20+ years providing services for families while raising and providing for my own family through their growing years. I take with me many experiences, memories, and accomplishments as I start the next chapter of my life.”
In his retirement, Mark plans to stay active by continuing work with the Sheriff’s Department and various local venues, including Shea’s, Kleinhans, Buffalo Riverworks, UB, Buffalo State, Food Truck Tuesdays, and the Buffalo Bandits, Bisons, and Sabres!
Over his two decades with Aspire, Mark has overseen more than 100 environmental modifications, helping to support countless individuals to live as independently as possible! Mark leaves behind a legacy of dedication, joy, good humor, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. As Mark enters this new chapter, Aspire of WNY is proud to celebrate his remarkable career and the IMPACT he has made on the individuals we support! From all of us here at Aspire of WNY, Congratulations Mark!
A message to Mark, from Jon Lundmark: In two easy words. “Thank-you.” However, I would like to add a thank you for your dedication to the individuals and families we served, the agency, your co-workers and for your friendship that we have built over the last 10 plus years and won’t end with your retirement. You can enjoy your retirement knowing that the work you put in over the years has made a difference and now you can work “for less…a lot less”. Lol!!! (Inside joke) Here’s to good health and relaxation doing as you wish when you wish. You will be missed!!!