In Memoriam — The Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital

Rochelle Hirschhorn, MD

…passed away on October 25, 2024, at the age of 92. She was a member of the Society since 2013. Dr. Hirschhorn, a graduate of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, was chief of the Division of Medical Genetics for 24 years and a distinguished member of the faculty for over 50 years.
Dr. Hirschhorn made a number of seminal scientific contributions, particularly in the fields of immunodeficiencies and lysosomal-storage disorders. She discovered the genetic structure of the adenosine deaminase (ADA)-encoding gene, which is mutated in a form of severe combined immunodeficiency, and of the acid-alpha-glucosidase-encoding gene, which is mutated in Pompe disease. She identified and characterized numerous mutations of varying severity in these genes and became an international resource for clinicians treating patients with ADA deficiency. Through careful studies of patients with ADA deficiency, she discovered the key role of deoxyATP in the pathophysiology. She also recognized and described the first example of somatic reversion of a disease-causing mutation in two patients, resulting in a resolution of their disease. Because of this and other observations, she correctly predicted that ADA deficiency would lead the way as a target for gene therapy. Using red cell transfusions, Dr. Hirschhorn also provided the first evidence that enzyme-replacement therapy would be successful in ameliorating ADA deficiency.
Dr. Hirschhorn received numerous awards, including the prestigious Victor A. McKusick Leadership Award together with her husband Kurt Hirschhorn, MD, also a world renowned geneticist and graduate of our medical school. She was also honored as a recipient of the Berson Award and Master Scientist Award at Dean’s Honors Day.
Dr. Hirschhorn has led not only by scientific achievement but also by example as a woman physician-scientist in an era when there were few such role models and when there was frequent and active opposition to the idea that a woman could or should pursue such a career. When, in 1986, she was elected to the Interurban Clinical Club, founded in 1905 by William Osler, she was its first female member. Shortly thereafter, she became its first female president.
Dr. Hirschhorn was a beloved mentor and accomplished scientist who inspired generations of young men and especially women to pursue careers in science. Dr. Hirschhorn was predeceased by her husband Kurt and is survived by her three children, Joel Hirschhorn, Melanie Vetter, and Lisa Hirschhorn. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Society of Human Genetics or the Barnard College Science Fund.
Posted by NYU Grossman School of Medicine

**Golomb, Frederick M. (Fred)**

…passed away **March 25, 2024** at the age of 99. He was professor of surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a member of the Society since 1975, having become an Emeritus Member. On October 1, 2014 he presented “A Dream Fulfilled: Soaring with Eagles” to the Society.
*Posted by Robert Montgomery, MD, DPhil, H. Leon Pachter, MD Professor of Surgery & Chair, NYU Department of Surgery:*
Born in the Bronx, Dr. Golomb enlisted in the ski troops after the United States entered World War II. During basic training, he achieved a high score on an aptitude test under the Army Specialized Training Program that made him eligible to attend Yale University (Class of 1945) and later the University of Rochester Medical School (Class of 1949). He then completed a surgical internship at Johns Hopkins under Drs. Alfred Blalock and his chief resident Denton Cooley, where he assisted Dr. Blalock’s landmark “blue baby” operations. Afterwards, Dr. Golomb began his general surgery residency at Bellevue Hospital.
In 1953, Dr. Golomb was drafted and served in Korea. He was appointed chief of surgery at the 44th MASH and promoted to the rank of Captain. In 1954, he received a Purple Heart after sustaining severe injuries while administering first aid in the field to an injured soldier. Upon returning to NYU Langone, Dr. Golomb completed his residency in 1956 and became professor of clinical surgery in 1977.
Dr. Golomb became a trailblazer in chemoimmunotherapy after he developed a close friendship and professional relationship with Dr. Jane Wright. Prior to the advent of medical oncology as a specialty, Dr. Golomb was the sole practitioner of chemotherapy for solid tumors at NYU Langone and became the director of the chemoimmunotherapy division of the tumor service. In 1964, Dr. Golomb was with Dr. Wright during the gestational conference that led to the creation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). He later became a member of the Executive Committee of the Central Oncology Group (COG) and of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) where he served as chairman of the melanoma committee. He was also a president of the New York Cancer Society.
Dr. Golomb was a pioneer in the development of isolated hyperemic perfusion surgery for the administration of intensive local chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma of the extremity. He trained formally in plastic reconstructive surgery at NYU Langone and in 1958 published a novel Z-plasty operation for the closure of wide circular defects without use of skin grafting based on his experience at the 44th MASH. Dr. Golomb was principle investigator on many early national chemoimmunotherapy trials and authored over 75 peer reviewed papers. In the operating room, Dr. Golomb took pride in working cleanly and efficiently, collecting data obsessively in order to learn, publish, and improve. He was known for his grace, cheerfulness, and disdain for argument or accusation. After retiring from clinical practice and well into his 80s, Dr. Golomb attended medical meetings proudly standing next to his posters eager to answer questions.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Golomb was an accomplished mountaineer, skier, and adventurer. When asked to comment on his occupation he would frequently say “I am a surgeon in New York but I climb mountains for a living.” He made first ascents in Alaska, pioneered climbing routes in the Grand Tetons, and climbed extensively in the Alps. In 1952 he was accepted as a member of the American Alpine Club. He later made numerous ski mountaineering descents in the Rockies and French Alps, an activity he pursued into his 80s. When the demands of climbing became too rigorous, he took up paragliding at age 87 becoming the oldest known person in France to adopt the sport and learn to fly solo. Dr. Golomb was also a private pilot, yachtsman, white water kayaker, wind surfer, and long-distance swimmer. In celebration of his 90th birthday, he swam across the Hudson river beneath the GW Bridge.

O’LEARY, Michael P., MD

…passed away on **September 27, 2023** at the age of 88. He was a member of the Society since 2009. He was loved and cherished by many people including his sons, John (Eileen) and Owen; his grandchildren, Michael and Caitlin; his wife Irene; his son Brian; and his parents, John (Frances O'Leary) and Michael.

HIRSCHHORN, Kurt, MD

…passed away on **Friday, November 25, 2022**. He was a member of the Society since 2013. He was an exemplary academic leader who became a role model that so many aspired to be—thoughtful, generous in the time he devoted to those who followed in his footsteps, committed to excellence in every endeavor he pursued, and passionate about science and discovery.
Dr. Hirschhorn had served as the Herbert H. Lehman Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Pediatrician-in-Chief of The Mount Sinai Hospital and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine (now the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai) from 1977 until 1995. He was a beloved and celebrated member of the Mount Sinai community for 50 years.
Dr. Hirschhorn established one of the first laboratories in the United States for clinical chromosome studies, where he and co-researcher Herbert L. Cooper, MD, first defined what later became known as Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a condition that causes malformations in many parts of the body due to a genetic chromosome deletion. His subsequent groundbreaking research effort, spanning the spectrum from cytogenetics to immunology, was immensely productive, culminating in the publication of more than 400 articles.
Dr. Hirschhorn received his medical degree from New York University College of Medicine. He then completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in metabolic diseases (specifically hyperlipidemia), both at Bellevue Hospital.

CRANDALL, Elizabeth Jones, M.D.

…98, a member of the Society since 1988 died on **January 31, 2022**. She was a freshman at Wellesley College when the bombs dropped on Pearl Harbor. The campus was transformed into a training facility for officers. Her older brother, Ben, came to visit her before sailing for Europe and impressed upon her that she would be responsible for her mother and elderly aunts if anything happened to him.
Instead of pursuing a career in science, she decided to go to medical school. After graduating from Wellesley she entered Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons as one of 17 women in her class. There, she met a returning war veteran in the class behind her, who would become her partner for almost 70 years, Charles Eben Crandall. The couple graduated together in the class of 1950. They completed internships at Bellevue Hospital in New York. Elizabeth returned to Orange Memorial for residency in pediatrics and obstetrics and to Maplewood and the home she grew up in to raise her family.
After completing her training, she worked as a physician for the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company for 10 years. She left industry and went to work for the next 20 years for South Orange-Maplewood School District and as a school physician and eventually as chief. She served the same function for Our Lady of Sorrows for 30 years. During this time she also worked for the South Orange Keep Well Clinic. In the mid- 1970s, Elizabeth moved into insurance medicine, serving for 10 years as medical director to the Prudential Insurance Company, the first woman to do so.
After leaving Prudential, she worked as chief medical director for American International Group and served as consultant to United States Life, Royal Life, Essex Life, Golden Life and American Centurian. After retiring from AIG, she joined the medical staff at Bankers Trust, which functioned as an urgent care for downtown New York and Wall Street.

ZIMMER, Helen F.

…was administrator for the Society from 1997 - 2013. She was born June 4, 1931 and passed away April 12, 2020. Beautiful, vibrant social butterfly, with loving, generous heart and amazing fortitude, Helen was an avid New Yorker who relished the opera, ballet, NY Yankees, Strand bookstore and above all her family. Loving wife of Abram (predeceased), daughter of Dora (Klarman) and Harry Moskowitz (predeceased). Survived by devoted children Karen, Jon (Kathryn), Renata (Randal); cherished grandchildren Kaitlin, Dylan Kate (Jeffrey), Kyra; sisters Sandra, Barbara (William), sister- in-law Rosalie; brothers Dennis (Evelyn), Jeffrey (Cheryl); many nieces, nephews, friends. Predeceased by siblings Ruth, Rosalie, Gertrude, Morris, Raymond, George, Hillard, spouses, and brother-in-law Perry Berg, MD.

Francis Moore.jpg — MOORE
, Francis X. Jr., MD

… 97, was a member of the Society since 1961, Dr. Moore passed away on **Friday, November 8, 2019**. Dr. Moore's interest in medicine began as a young boy as he accompanied Dr. Myron Jackson on his rounds in town. An excellent student, he graduated from Oyster Bay High School and went on to study at McGill University in Montreal, and Columbia College and Fordham School of Education in NYC. He received his medical degree from New York University through the US Army in 1946. From 1947-1949, Dr. Moore began his military service as 1st Lieutenant at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. He next served at the 25th Station Hospital, Regensburg, Germany where he was a Captain and Commander of Company A, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. He also was Battalion Surgeon, 18th Infantry Regiment, and from 1951-1953, he was recalled to be Assistant Chief, Medical Services, 320th General Hospital. At his last assignment he was stationed at 90 Church Street in New York City. Later in the 1950's, Dr. Moore was one of only two hematologists on Long Island, the other being Dr. Arthur Sawitsky. Initially, his practice consisted of hematology, but as the newly developing field of medical oncology grew, he became more heavily involved in caring for patients with cancer. He was the first doctor to bring hematology and then oncology consultation services into Long Island nursing homes, and also was credited with establishing a fully functioning Hospice Care Unit, in Glen Cove Hospital in 1976. In 1979 he was joined in this endeavor, by Dr. Reed Phillips. Due to regulatory changes in subsequent NYS DOH funding, Dr. Moore's community Hospice at Glen Cove closed in 1986. His Devotion to terminally ill patients never wavered, and he next assisted the Friends of Hospice Association of Roslyn, NY in setting up Hospice Care of Long Island (HCLI) which later became the Hospice Care Network and the Northwell Hospice, as it is known today.

HAMILTON, Richard H., M.D.

…96, passed away on **July 6, 2019**. He was President of the Society in 1984 and had been a member since 1974. His daughter Elizabeth Hamilton Ferenczi noted that "Bellevue and the Alumni Society figured large in my father's life, and his friends and colleagues meant a great deal to him." "Ham" or "Bito" to his friends, he died at home with family around him. He was sent to New York Medical College whilst in the Army, trained at Bellevue in the late 1940's, and had a long and distinguished career as a radiologist, both in private practice and at NYU and the Rusk Institute. Ham will be remembered as an insatiable polymath whose charm, joie de vivre and sense of humor and justice informed all his relationships.

ETKIND, Irving M., MD

…passed away on **April 20, 2019**. He received his medical degree from University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine and was a member of the Society since 1968. He did his internship and surgical and orthopedic residencies at Bellevue/NYU.

MITCHELL, Alexander C., M.D.

…98, of Warminster, Pa., passed away on **Feb. 14, 2018** surrounded by family at Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Pa. "Allie" was born in Atlanta, Ga. on Sept. 26, 1919 to Joseph and Hazel Mitchell. He graduated from University of North Carolina, then attended two years of medical school there before completing his studies at New York University School of Medicine. He served two years in the U.S. Army, having been commissioned to the U.S. Army of Occupation in Germany. He was discharged in 1947 as captain, medical officer. In New York City, he married Charlotte Beckwith in 1949. After starting a family and a medical practice in New York City, the couple moved to Alexandria Township, Hunterdon County, N.J., where he accepted the position of urologist at the Hunterdon Medical Center (HMC), Flemington, N.J. Allie held title as director of urology from 1955 to 1985. During his career, he served as clinical professor, Dept. of Surgery (Urology), UMDNJ (Rutgers Medical School) from 1976 to 1986. He served as president of the Medical Society in 1978 and president, Medical Staff, HMC, from 1981 to 1982. He was a member of the NY Section, American Urological Association, the American Medical Association, the Hunterdon County Medical Society, the Bellevue Urological Alumni Association, and other organizations. Allie loved music. He played the viola in the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, the Hunterdon Symphony Orchestra of Flemington, and he enjoyed playing quartets with young musicians. He was also an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Alexandria Township. After retiring to the Saranac Lake area of the Adirondacks, he enjoyed hiking, fishing, and gardening. He especially valued his service to the Saranac Lake Voluntary Health Association. He was an active member of the Church of St. Luke, the Beloved Physician, and volunteered there for the Lunch Box for nine years. After 22 years of permanent residency in NY State, Allie and Charlotte moved to Ann's Choice, Warminster, Pa. to be closer to family. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Mitchell; six children, Christine Mitchell-Kenney, Punta Gorda, Fla.; Alexander Mitchell, Jr., Walkersville, Md.; Karen Nelson, Chino Hills, Calif.; Scott Mitchell, Nutley, N.J.; Barbara Conly, Milford, N.J.; Joseph Mitchell, Easton, Pa.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, and niece, Amy Biancolli Ringwald, Albany, NY.

Lawrence Shapiro.png — SHAPIRO, Lawrence R., M.D.

…81, of Haverstraw, New York passed away on **Tuesday November 20, 2018**. Dr. Shapiro was born December 14, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY and was an emeritus member of the society since 1977. He was Medical Advisor to the Jewish Genetic Disease Consortium and a pioneer in the field of Medical Genetics. Dr. Shapiro worked tirelessly for more than 40 years to bring education and free genetic carrier screening programs to the Lower Hudson Valley in New York. Dr. Shapiro was a geneticist at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY and was Chief of Medical Genetics for almost 50 years. He graduated from New York University School of Medicine in 1962 and specialized in pediatrics, clinical genetics, and clinical cytogenetics.

TUCKMAN, Marcel, M.D.

...97, passed away on November 10, 2018. He was a noted physician/mentor who has been at NYULMC for more than 60 years and was a member of the Society since 1974. Dr. Tuchman survived Auschwitz and wrote of his experiences in his memoir, Remember: My Stories of Survival and Beyond. where he recounts dramatic tales of his often brutal, always compelling experiences as a youth in Eastern Europe during the Holocaust and in its aftermath. The story carries us from the Przemysl ghetto and slave labor in the Auschwitz death camp to his experiences attending university in post-war Germany, filled with characters both good and evil, and some even heroic, all of whom played a role in his survival. Dr. Tuchman emphasized the importance of nurturing the connection and rapport between doctors and patients, especially as medical practice evolves with continuing advances in technology. “From the patient one obtains infinite information, in both content and in body language, which has not only diagnostic but also therapeutic value,” he said. “Doctors can use words and demeanor to ease the pain and anguish of patients. The disregard of that does harm to those they are trying to help.”

IMPARATO, Anthony M., M.D.

...86, of St. Petersburg, Florida passed away on **February 12, 2018**. Dr Imparato was President of the Society in 1988 and one of the founding fathers of vascular surgery. He was born in 1922 in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Columbia College and New York University School of Medicine. He completed his surgical training with the NYU Post-Graduate Medical School Service at Bellevue Hospital, under the direction of J. William Hinton, MD. In 1958 he joined the faculty of NYU. In 1968, Dr. Imparato inaugurated the NYU fellowship in vascular surgery, which was one of the first peripheral vascular surgery fellowships in the United States. The NYU group was one of the first to perform carotid endarterectomy in awake patients. An avid fly fisherman, he enjoyed trips to Iceland for Atlantic Salmon for over 30 years with his wife of 68 years, Agatha. Dr. Imparato was a member of the Society since 1962.

DAVID, Seymour M.D.

...83, of Syosset, NY, passed away on **July 9, 2017**. Born in Bronx, NY. Devoted husband to loving wife Theodora of 53 years, father to Edward (Karine), the late Michael (Tara), and Robert (Arinne), grandfather to Mason, Riley, Ray, Presley, Julian, Michael, and Maya. Loving brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to all. A general surgeon for more than 45 years, he served as the longtime Director of Surgery at Syosset Hospital. Graduate of the University of Buffalo School of Medicine, New School University, CCNY, and Bronx High School of Science. He will be remembered for his love of family, endless curiosity, kindness, caring, and generosity, and will be missed by all who knew him. Dr. Grauer was a member of the Society since 1977.

CRANDALL, Charles Eben, M.D.

… 85, was a member of the Society since 1982 and died on **April 17, 2017**. Lt. Crandall was awarded the Navy and Marine Corp medal for rescuing two marine pilots under enemy fire at Guam, and the Bronze Star with Combat V for bravery under fire at Iwo Jima. He received a battlefield promotion at Iwo Jima to skipper of the flagship LCI(G) 457. Following World War II, Mr. Crandall served in the reserves on the USS Gato (submarine service).
After returning from the Central Pacific, Mr. Crandall attended medical school, he said, so no one ever would die on his watch for his lack of knowledge. At Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, he met the woman who would be his partner for almost 70 years, Elizabeth Jones. The two interned at Bellevue Hospital in New York and completed residency at the Hospital Center at Orange, New Jersey. He then spent two years as chief resident in Orange before moving on to Francis Delafield Hospital doing cancer research.
Dr. Crandall subsequently established a private practice in the South Orange-Maplewood area and was on the medical staffs of the Hospital Center at Orange, East Orange General Hospital and St. Barnabas Medical Center, serving all three institutions in multiple capacities. At East Orange General, Dr. Crandall was instrumental in establishing the first intensive care unit in New Jersey. He finished his professional career as medical director and chief underwriter at Prudential Life Insurance Company and then at Guardian Life in New York.

Sedlis 083004_7d_b.gif — SEDLIS, Emilia (Mila) Zeldowicz, M.D.

**...**died **December 11, 2012** at the age of 91. She became a member of the Society in 1984. Mila and her husband Alik were Holocaust refugees, having survived the Vilna ghetto in Poland. After the war Mila went to medical school at the University of Rome and came to NYU in the 1950s. She was respected for her clinical pediatric expertise, particularly her interest in eczema, while she practiced in the Bellevue Hospital clinics. During her tenure at NYU she assumed the role of director of the student clerkship and elective service where she effectively steered future pediatricians and made others appreciate what pediatrics has to offer. After she ‘retired’ she continued to come to Bellevue where she was a regular at conferences and where she also served as advisor to many immigrants who needed her expertise. When a neurologic disability made her trips to Bellevue difficult, Alik transported her door to door, in between his own ongoing service as Professor Emeritus of OBGYN at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn.

HOWLEY, William Payne, M.D.

**...**a longtime resident of Balmville in the Town of Newburgh, died Tuesday, **July 29, 2014**, at the Joe Raso Hospice Residence inNew City, NY at the age of 87. He became a member of the Society in 1957. Known by his relatives and dear friends as Bill, William was born in New York City, N.Y., September 10, 1926, son of the late Clarence Payne Howley, M.D., and Ethel Regan Howley. Bill was an exceptional student with a keen interest in baseball. He was an ardent fan of the New York Giants before and after their move to San Francisco. Following his graduation from Regis High School in 1942, at the age of 15 Bill continued his Jesuit education at Fordham University majoring in pre-medical studies. He postponed his education at Fordham University to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. Following this initial war service Bill attended and graduated from New York University Medical School.
As a young surgeon, he performed his residency requirements at Saint Vincent's and Bellevue Hospitals in New York City. Bill married Catherine Mary Woodland on December 27, 1950. Shortly after his marriage Dr. Howley served his nation again as a Captain in the United States Army Medical Corps as an orthopedic surgeon during the Korean War. Locally, Dr. Howley faithfully served countless patients in private practice and as an esteemed surgical staff member at both Saint Luke's and Cornwall Hospitals for over 50 years. During that time he was appointed both Chief of Surgery and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at each of these area hospitals. Dr. Howley was also a past president of the Medical Staff at St. Luke's Hospital and former Medical Director of the Cornwall Hospital's Physical Therapy Department. For over 20 years, he was Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Health and a charter member and Medical Officer of the Catholic War Veterans Post 386.Bill was an enthusiastic golfer and frequently seen with his numerous life-long friends on the greens of the Powelton Club near his Balmville home.
He was a loving husband, devoted father and uncle to the many members of his family. Bill is survived by his sister, children, great granchildren and by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, great-grandnephews and countless friends and medical colleagues. Bill was preceded in death by his dear wife Catherine. They enjoyed over 61 years of marriage.

**WECHSLER, Sidney Edward, M.D.**

...80, Rapid City died Friday, **July 31, 2015** at the Rapid City Regional Auxiliary Hospice House. He was born October 13, 1934 in New York City, New York to Murray and Sarah [Eckhaus] Wechsler and became a member of the Society in 1964. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School at the age of 15 and graduated from NYU at age 19. As the youngest graduate of the 1958 class at NYU School of Medicine, Sidney was first in his class at the age of 23. He continued his education specializing OB/GYN. Sidney chose obstetrics because he wanted to bring life into the world, and delivered over 3000 babies during his private practice Los Angeles, CA. He married Sandra Elaine Russell on November 12, 1959 at New York City.

During his private practice, he was also a professor at UCLA. Afterwards he accepted a commission as a LT. Col with the Public Health Service in Rosebud, SD at the Rosebud Reservation Indian Hospital where Sidney was the Senior Surgeon and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology.After returning to Los Angeles in 1980, Sidney was professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at USC. Sidney and his wife Sandi retired to South Dakota in 1997.

**BRUNO Michael S., M.D.**

...93, died on **November 16, 2015** in Manhattan. He became a member of the Society in 1957 and was President in 1975. For 35 years Dr. Bruno was Director of the Department of Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital ("LHH"). He was elected to four terms as President of the Medical Board, a member of the Board of Trustees and Joint Conference Committee for 24 years, and a member of the Lenox Hill Corporation. In addition he was regarded as one of the best diagnosticians in New York while he carried out his private practice as an internist. Dr. Bruno also served as Lenox Hill's Associate Dean for Medical Education for the NYU Medical Center affiliation, a position that continued his role as a mentor and guide to future generations of physicians. When he arrived at LHH in 1966, it was regarded as a community hospital. Over the years Dr. Bruno's passion for graduate medical education made it into one of the finest programs in New York City. His leadership was instrumental in transforming LHH to an outstanding teaching hospital and tertiary care center. This helped foster many important innovations and improvements in patient care. A native of New York City, Dr. Bruno earned his BA and MD degrees from Columbia College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons respectively. After an internship at Bellevue Hospital and service in the US Army in Japan, he was discharged as Captain in 1948 and appointed Chief Resident at Bellevue Hospital with additional, significant teaching and administrative responsibilities. In 1956 at the age of 34, he became Director of the Department of Medicine at Knickerbocker Hospital in Harlem, serving as President of its Medical Board and a member of the Medical Board Executive Committee.

**BRAYTON, Robert G., M.D.**

...The Society was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Brayton on **March 8, 2016** in Massachusetts. Dr. Brayton, 85, joined the Society in 1970 after training in the 2nd Medical Service at Bellevue during 1959-1961. He also served as a Visiting Physician in the Bellevue Chest Service in 1965-1967. He attended Williams College, received his MD from Cornell University, and for many years served in the general medical clinic at New York Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dr. Donna O'Hare, and his daughter, Cory Brayton, DVM, of Baltimore, MD. He was the father of the late John S. Brayton V.
While at Williams College, Bob met his wife Donna, and they married in 1954. Bob and Donna lived in New York City with their beagle Smokey, and owl, Mr. Friendly, while in medical school. Together they were house staff at Bellevue Hospital, and physicians in New York City until they retired in 1998. He was on faculty at Cornell University Medical College, also the Medical Director of Irving Trust Bank and then the Bank of New York until 1998.
Upon his retirement, he continued to live in New York City and Westport Point, and had longstanding interests in American art and antiques, and in wildlife and land conservation. He painted, carved and repaired furniture and did taxidermy, and had an unconventional but usually effective approach to home repairs. He was also a member of the Physicians Scientific Society, New York County Medical Society, the Medical Strollers of New York City, the Grenfell Foundation of Newfoundland, the Newport Preservation Society, Shelter Island Yacht Club and Elephant Rock Beach Club.

**HARNES, Jack R., M.D.**

...It is with deep sadness that we announce his passing on Friday, January 22, after a short illness at the age of 93. Dr. Harnes, a former president of the Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital, has been a member since 1956, and attended the Yale Club dinners for decades, in recent years with his wife, Joan. Dr. Harnes did his residency at Bellevue Hospital in the 1940s of which he often spoke. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save the Children as his mother, Veda, was one of the founders of the US chapter of the charity and a past President.

**WASSERBERG, Ira, M.D.**

...died December 7, 2015. He was a urologist and member of the Society since 2006. From his obituary, he was husband of Louise, father of David, Emily and Andrew, and grandfather of Yoni, Noam and Sebastian. Urologist, artist, proud WWII veteran, world traveler, believer in the written word. May he rest in peace.

**TZIMAS, Nicholas, M.D.**

...died peacefully in his home on **May 29, 2015**. He was a member of the Society since 1996. A brilliant children's orthopaedic surgeon who had patients from all over the world. He was published in Who's Who in America. He was knighted from the Italian government. He was a knight of Saint Andrew in the Greek Orthodox church and a member of the Leadership 100. He graduated from Athens University and came to the United States in 1955 with $125.00 on a boat. He has trained generations of physicians at NYU School of Medicine of where he was a Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is survived by his daughters Yvonne and Christina Tzimas and his brother Basilli Tzimas in Greece.

**DISTENFELD, Ariel, M.D.**

...passed away on **April 12, 2015**. Dr. Distenfeld was born in Israel, and he served and was injured in its war of independence. He graduated from NYU School of Medicine in 1957. He was a member of the Society since 1984 and was President in 1999. A hematologist and clinical professor of medicine at NYU, he spent many years in private practice, published several peer reviewed articles, and was former medical director of Cabrini Hospice. He was predeceased by first wife Joy, and is survived by loving wife Harriet Friedes; children Rona Distenfeld, Suzy Crabb (Ian) and Elana Gitter (Henry) and grandchildren Michael, Rebecca, Joy and Shayna.

**BERG, Perry, M.D.**

...passed away on **February 23, 2015**. He was currently a trustee of the Robert J. Carlisle Fund and Treasurer and member of the Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital since 1974. He is profoundly missed by his wife Sandra, his three children and their wives, Jordan and Colleen, Robert and Janet, David and Laura, his seven grandchildren, his sister Esther Ratner and his entire extended family. Dr. Berg graduated from the NYU School of Medicine and served as Chief Resident of the 4th Division at Bellevue Hospital. A U.S. Air Force flight surgeon during the Korean War, he practiced medicine in NYC for over 60 years. He served on the Board of Directors of the NY County Society of Internal Medicine and was Clinical Professor of Medicine and a member of the Medical Peer Review Subcommittee at the NYU Medical Center before retiring. Dr. Berg was always available for counsel at any hour. He will be remembered for the lifelong relationships he maintained with friends of all ages and for his unwavering advocacy for his patients.

**LUSSKIN, Ralph, M.D.**

...87, died peacefully in his home after a long illness on **January 17, 2015.** He was a member of the Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital since 1979 and President in 1989. A brilliant physician who graduated from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons at age 21, he served as an orthopedic surgeon on the USS Relief during the Korean War and retired from the US Naval Reserves as Lieutenant Commander. Born and raised in New York City, he was the elder son of two orthopedic surgeons, Lillian S. Lusskin, M.D. and Harold Lusskin, M.D. Devoted to and respected by his patients, he also trained generations of physicians at NYU School of Medicine where he was Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Phyllis (née Brown), and by daughters Shari I. Lusskin, MD (Robbie Wagner) and Elizabeth Lusskin, Esq. (Marc Solomon), grandchildren Lauren, Sadie, Eric, and Isaac, and brother Bret Lusskin, M.D.

**MARSHALL, James, M.D.**

...80, of Alpine, NY passed away on Monday, **December 29th, 2014** in his beloved home after an extended illness. He was born on July 19, 1934 in Auburn, NY. He was a member of the Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital since 1972. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Jane Elizabeth Brayton. He is predeceased by his parents, James Francis Marshall and Harriett Lucile Smith, his infant son, Nelson Charles Marshall and his sister, Patricia Porter Cairns. Also surviving are his six children; Anne (Elgene) Ward, Faith (Doug) Marshall-Bockoven, Naomi (Chuck) Zuckerman, Allison (Andrew) Hermann, Jamie (Nathan) Cooper and Matthew (Leticia) Marshall (Class of '90), and his eleven grandchildren; Sam and Emily Hoffman, Molly, Dan and Julia Zuckerman, Jonas and Lukas Hermann, Liberty and Kate Cooper, and Isabel and Liliana Marshall and many close cousins. Inspired by a great-uncle who was a country doctor, Jim knew early on that he wanted to become a doctor, too. Jim graduated from The Hill School in Pottstown, PA in 1952, Cornell University in Ithaca, NY in 1956 (majoring in zoology), and Cornell Medical School in NYC in 1960. In 1962 he joined the US Army in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX and there joined the 7th Special Forces as a Lieutenant. From Fort Bragg, NC he was sent to Ethiopia with the 6th Special Forces to train medical soldiers of Emperor Haile Selassie and was honored for his service by the Emperor himself. He left the army in 1964 as a Captain. That year he entered his second year of residency at Kings County Hospital, NY and in 1968 he became Chief Resident in Plastic Surgery and completed the program in both general and plastic-surgeries. He joined the Long Island Plastic Surgery Group in 1970 and left in 1972 to open his own practice, Southern· Tier Plastic' Surgery Associates, in Elmira, NY on the first day of The Agnes flood of/n. Instead of seeing patients in his office, he was in a boat helping to rescue trapped residents. Jim was always learning new techniques and procedures to improve his ability to provide the best possible outcome for his patients. He did this by studying surgical procedures, attending seminars all over the world, and even consulting other surgeons to discuss specific techniques. In 1980 he traveled to Royal Victoria Hospital in Melbourne, Australia and The Tokyo Metropolitan Hospital in Japan to enhance his skills in reconstructive microsurgery. Jim was a constant student; he always wanted to improve. In that same decade, Jim founded the Burn Unit at St. Joseph's Hospital with his partner, Dr. James Sonsire. He specialized in hand surgeries, deft palates, birth and maxillofacial defects, burns, finger reattachments and cosmetic surgeries. By using his education and training to improve the life of every person he treated, Jim gave meaning and purpose to his own life. In the operating room, Jim cultivated an environment of respect and camaraderie. His repertoire of jokes was legendary. He depended on the abilities and skills of the nurses with whom he worked. This mutual respect also included his loyal office staff. While earning the Eagle Scout badge, Jim deepened his love of the outdoors. The Marshall family vacations were spent camping and hiking in the Catskills. He became a member of the Catskill 3500 Club where he climbed all 35 mountain peaks. He assisted his father-in-law, the late Charlie Brayton, in Charlie's quest to complete the 46 peaks in the Adirondacks and the 100 highest in New England. And, a major accomplishment was his hike up to the base camp of Mt. Everest in the Himalayas. In 1999, after 27 years of practice, Jim retired to his cherished farm in Alpine, NY where he began the next chapter of his life as a nurseryman. At his Alpine Acres Nursery, he specialized in ornamental conifers and other exotic varieties. Jim always said that if he had not become a doctor he would have been a forester. Up to the end, Jim remained a voracious reader of military histories, biographies, spy novels, the Middle Eastern conflicts, etc. He had such a brilliant, encyclopedic memory that he could discuss topics of any depth, with any person, at any time. His childhood interests in stamps inspired him to learn all he could about the world, its history and the people around him. But first, and foremost, Jim was deeply connected to his immediate and extended family. He was the core, the rock, the go-to guy; his family and friends knew they could always talk to Jim to get his thoughtful counsel. He could create a connection with anyone - he truly understood people because he understood human nature. He touched the lives of many people because he was a doctor who fully believed he should follow the Hippocratic Oath.

**DeVITO MILIO, Estelle, M.D.**

...93, died peacefully, on **February 10, 2014** in Baltimore, MD. Members of the Society of the Alumni of Bellevue Hospital mourn the passing of our esteemed colleague and 2001 Past President. She was a member of the Society since 1985. She is survived by three daughters from her marriage to the late A. Roger Milio: Dr. Lorraine (Rudy) Milio Marshall, of Columbia, MD; Diane (Tom) Milio Cocozza of Staten Island, NY; and Christine Milio of Wilton, CT, as well as five step-grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Estelle was a lifelong New Yorker, attending opera and Broadway shows regularly from a young age and determined to study medicine from childhood. She graduated from Barnard College in 1941 and NYU School of Medicine in 1944. She trained in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, practicing Pediatrics for 12 years. She then trained in Child Psychiatry, retiring at age 84, having trained many residents and Child Psychiatry fellows along the way. She maintained an affiliation with NYU School of Medicine throughout her career and was a seasoned world traveler and always loved adventure, near and far. She will be remembered as a devout Catholic, for her love of her daughters, her extended family and friends, and her dedication to medicine, especially all her child patients and her colleagues.

**RAUSEN, Aaron, M.D.**

... 80, died on **July 7, 2010** following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a member of the Society since 1972 and President in 2002. Dr. Rausen, M.D. was professor of pediatrics, founding director of the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, and former chief of pediatric oncology at NYU Langone Medical Center, During a 55-year career dedicated to treating leukemia and other blood disorders in children, Dr. Rausen helped transform his field from one in which, as he told The New York Times in 1991, “you…basically prepared families to grieve,” to one where the majority of patients now survive and go on to lead full lives. Along the way, he established a legacy as a brilliant and warm-hearted clinician who cared deeply about his young patients, including the many he treated pro bono. Wearing a doctor’s jacket with “What’s Up Doc?” emblazoned above the images of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dr. Rausen pioneered techniques that made children active participants in their own therapy. The son of Lithuanian immigrants, Dr. Rausen grew up in New York City and attended Dartmouth College and the State University of New York College of Medicine. After receiving his medical degree in 1954, he did his pediatric residency at Bellevue Hospital, followed by service in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He went on to hold numerous posts, including director of pediatrics at Beth Israel Medical Center, before becoming NYU’s chief of pediatric oncology in 1981. Named the first medical director of the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center in 1990, he guided its development into one of the nation’s leading outpatient facilities for the treatment of childhood cancers and blood diseases. He was a board member of the American Cancer Society, the National Childhood Cancer Foundation, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and the Ronald McDonald House, among other organizations. Dr. Rausen is survived by his wife, the former Emalou Watkins, his daughters Susan Drewes and Elisabeth Campo, and his son, David, and three grandchildren, Katherine, Alfred, and Annabelle. We will all miss his presence, compassion, dedication to his patients and friends. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family. Alan J. Friedman, M.D. President and Perry Berg, M.D. Treasurer.

**TRUBEK, Max, M.D.**

...The Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital mourns the passing of their esteemed member. Named in honor of one of the greatest bedside teaching clinicians in the history of the Department of Medicine, the Max Trubek Lectureship was established in 2002 by a generous contribution from the Society. Dr. Max Trubek received his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1922 and his M.D. degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1926. He completed his residency training in Medicine at Bellevue Hospital, followed by a fellowship in Pathology at Newark City Hospital under Dr. Harrison Martland, the eminent pathologist who established the link between radium painting of watch dials and malignancy. In the early 1930s Dr. Trubek joined the faculty of NYU School of Medicine, where he became Professor of Clinical Medicine. He maintained his private practice in Manhattan until well into his 90s, bringing his thoughtful, scholarly approach to the bedside of many patients, and teaching nearly three generations of medical students and house officers. Before there were CT scans, and even after they became available, the most effective technique for "visualizing" internal pathology was a consultation with Dr. Trubek. His incomparable eyes, ears, hands, and brain were combined with a humanistic attention to his patients' comprehensive needs. A master clinician in the truest sense, Dr. Trubek lives on in the many lives he touched- his patients, their families, and his students, residents, and colleagues. Our heartfelt condolences to his entire family. Estelle DeVito, M.D. President, C.J. Li, M.D. Secretary. 4/5/2001

**TESSLER, Arthur N., M.D.**

...The Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital is deeply saddened by the death of our member. An outstanding clinician, Dr. Tessler was an accomplished urologist. Throughout his long career as a physician, Dr. Tessler embodied the finest traditions of the medical profession. He will be greatly missed by us all. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his entire family. C.J. Li, M.D. President, Nicholas Tzimas, M.D. Vice President. 1/13/2003

**DOVE, David C., M.D.**

...The Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital records with profound sorrow the death of its esteemed fellow member. John A. Provet, M.D. President, Aaron R. Rausen, M.D. Secretary. 12/29/2000

**REISNER, Edward H., Jr., M.D.**

...The Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital records with profound sorrow the death of its honored member and Past President. Edward H. Reisner, Jr., retired physician and medical researcher, Allendale, N.J., died on **December 16, 1999**. A native of Manhattan, Kan., Reisner received his medical degree from Columbia P&S in 1939. During World War II, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star after suffering a bullet wound during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he began a private medical practice specializing in internal medicine and hematology in New York, where he was affiliated with St. Luke's Hospital. A widely respected cancer specialist and diagnostician, Reisner published over 85 papers relating to his research into nutrition and cancer. In the 1950s, after Reisner and a colleague, Dr. Randolf West, showed that vitamin B12 was the element missing from the blood of patients afflicted with the often-fatal disease of pernicious anemia, a treatment was developed. Reisner was an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the NYU School of Medicine and was a past president of the New York Society for the Study of Blood. Ariel Distenfeld, M.D. President, and Estelle DeVito, M.D. Secretary. 12/31/1999

**BERNTSEN, Carl A., Jr., M.D.**

...The Society of Alumni of Bellevue Hospital records with profound sorrow the death of its Honored Member and Past President on **September 9, 1997**. Dr. Berntsen died after a short illness, and is survived by his widow the former Anne Rice, two sons Carl, III and Thomas S., a daughter Elise B. Stanbury and 4 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Douglas E., Professor Emeritus in Medicine, Cornell Medical Center, New York Hospital and Physician Emeritus in Medicine at Hospital for Special Surgery. He was on the staff of the Hospital for Special Surgery for over 40 years. Dr. Berntsen's work in rheumatology contributed greatly to the progress made in that field. He was a compassionate, caring physician deeply devoted to the well-being of the many hundreds of patients for whom he cared during his long and illustrious career. David S. Weiss, M.D., President; Ariel Distenfeld, M.D., Secretary