MMB+CO co-founder remembered as mentor, adviser and community leader

A half-century of leadership, mentorship and service helped define Richard J. “Dick” Mengel’s impact on Rochester’s business community and the accounting profession.  

The co-founder of MMB+CO, Mr. Mengel spent more than 50 years building a firm rooted in client relationships and community commitment before his death July 6 at age 83. 

In a communication to employees and clients, Mark Kovaleski, MMB+CO’s managing partner, said Mr. Mengel was known throughout his career for his integrity, professionalism and genuine care for those around him. 

“Dick believed in taking the time to understand each client’s business, goals and challenges, building trusted relationships that often spanned generations,” Kovaleski said. “Many of our clients knew Dick personally and experienced firsthand his thoughtful counsel, strong character and dedication to their success.” 

Mr. Mengel co-founded MMB+CO with Jim Barr and the late Irwin Metzger after the three left careers at national accounting firms to create a firm focused on personalized service, strong client relationships and community involvement. 

The firm, originally known as Mengel Metzger Barr & Co., was founded in Rochester in 1975 and later expanded with an office in Elmira, Chemung County. Today, MMB+CO operates five locations and employs about 250 people companywide, including roughly 125 employees in Rochester. 

Over the years, Mr. Mengel played a central role in the firm’s growth while helping establish the values that continue to guide the organization. MMB+CO provides a broad range of accounting and advisory services, including tax, assurance, audit, consulting, dispute resolution, business valuation, litigation support and forensic and investigative accounting. 

“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dick’s greatest impact was on the people he influenced throughout his life and career,” Kovaleski said. “He was a trusted advisor, respected mentor and cherished friend whose wisdom, generosity and guidance shaped careers, strengthened client relationships and enriched our community.” 

Colleagues said Mr. Mengel’s influence extended well beyond his work as an accountant. Through decades of mentoring employees and advising clients, he helped shape the careers of many professionals and built relationships that became a defining part of MMB+CO’s identity. 

“The values he instilled and the example he set continue to guide MMB+CO today,” Kovaleski said. “His legacy lives on through our people, our culture and the countless relationships he helped build over the years.” 

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021