Deceased September 5, 2016
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In Memory
Born in New York City, Bob attended Hunter College Elementary School and Stuyvesant High School. When it came time for college, he wanted to leave the city and be exposed to different cultures and ideas. A family friend told him about Amherst.
The first year was full of difficult adjustments. He considered transferring but was grateful that he stayed. He found some friends, but Bob was never interested in sports or alcohol. He just craved ideas and the discussion of ideas. I think his favorite course was in American studies. After Amherst, Bob went to the NYU School of Medicine. We married in 1968, and we soon moved to Long Island.
Bob practiced tuberculosis medicine for the City of New York. He enjoyed working for the city, which he felt put him in a thoughtful, semi-academic atmosphere.
In the 1970s he contributed to the medical literature his concern that the new public policy favoring periodic medical checkups, which was then believed to detect illnesses in their early stages, was not supported by adequate evidence of improved outcomes and patient well-being. He followed this issue throughout his career.
Bob was a regular attender of reunions and a provocative and appreciated communicator with classmates on Amherst issues.
At 70 Bob retired and spent summer weekends in our cabin on the West Branch of the magnificent Delaware River. He loved the river, long walks and simple rural living. Back at home in Stony Brook, Long Island, he spent his days studying history and reading The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Newsday every day (and I think every page), and the Deposit Courier and Jewish Week every week.
There were no children, but there was always a beloved dog. Sadie the shelter mutt survived him and now brings me great comfort.
Kathleen Carlsson