Dave Pasternack
Jewish Hall of Fame Biography of David Pasternak (1947- )
David went to public schools in Rochester and, in high school, was adept at three sports; baseball, volleyball and soccer. At age 13, while working weekends as “the towel boy” in the old JY health club, he would take his 10 minute break by going up to the handball courts and hitting an old handball around. An unknown handball player gave David an old pair of gloves after observing him hit the ball around and told him to “keep practicing-you might be good at it someday”. That prophecy came true.
Having completed three degrees over the years to enhance his career as a Rochester City School District educator, David kept “practicing” and has been able to accumulate over 100 local and regional handball tournament wins since his first one in 1967. While in college, he started the Brockport Handball Club which eventually grew to over 100 student and faculty players. In the early years of the new JCC, David taught handball to beginners who were interested in learning the game. He also, with other members of The Rochester Handball Club, gave handball clinics at various Rochester area colleges, such as The University of Rochester, St. John Fisher College, S.U.N.Y. Brockport and Geneseo, and Monroe Community College.
In retirement, David is staying active physically by continuing to play handball and by entering a few tournaments from time to time. He is also staying active mentally by continuing in the field of education as a consultant at Pasternak Educational Consulting Services, teaching on line college courses and advising educational doctoral candidates.