Barbra Minch

Barbra Minch was born on May 22,1941 in Queens, New York, to Diana and Samuel Montefel. She grew up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn along with her older brother Martin. Much of her youth was spent with extended family, and summers were spent on Lake Mohegan. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959, completed her undergrad at Boston University, and received a Masters in education from New York University. Her marriage to Martin Minch in 1964 gave her the two greatest gifts in her life -daughter, Melaine, and son, Daniel.

She began her career as a public school teacher before transitioning to a 35 year career in public health.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of the William F. Ryan Community Health Center, she was a major leading force in building Ryan Community Health Network which created a multiple of Community health centers throughout the city. Barbra was a force of nature who fought tirelessly in her mission to make healthcare accessible to all. She was a longtime leader of her Upper West Side community and a forceful community health advocate on a national level.

She was an avid reader, loved her high heels, and trips Puerto Rico. In Barbra’s retirement years she continued to stay active in her community and public health, but most importantly she loved spending time with her granddaughter, Addie. She will be missed by so many, near and far.

Barbra is survived by her son, Daniel; her daughter-in-law Elisabeth, and her granddaughter, Addie.

A Celebration Of Life will be held at Riverside Memorial Chapel on Monday August 31st at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering, ACLU, and Ryan Health.