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Michael Ergin Obituary

ERGIN, Michael T., MD Michael T. Ergin MD, physician, of West Hartford, passed away on Wednesday, (December 21, 2005) at Hartford Hospital. Born February 22, 1927 in Istanbul, Turkey, Dr. Ergin attended Trabzon College followed by medical school at the University of Istanbul, graduating cum laude in 1950. He served as a lieutenant in the Turkish Air Force from 1950 to 1952. Dr. Ergin came to the United States in December 1954 to attend internship and residency in surgery at J. J. McCook Memorial Hospital followed by surgical residency at Hartford Hospital. Following residency he joined the medical staff at Hartford Hospital, where he practiced General Surgery and Surgical Oncology until his retirement in December, 2001. Dr. Ergin served as an instructor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, becoming a full clinical professor of surgery in 1992. He was a member of numerous medical societies and organizations, including Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons in 1965, the New England Cancer Society in 1971 and the American Cancer Society in 1974. He served on the Board of Directors of the Hartford Chapter of the ACS from 1974 to 1982, and on the ACS Commission on Cancer from 1979 until his retirement. He chaired the Tumor Registry at Hartford Hospital from 1979 until 1987. Dr. Ergin received numerous awards related to his work in cancer management and research, including the St. George National Medal from the American Cancer Society. He was an active participant throughout his career in cancer- related research and focused his later research on immunotherapy, working with Dr. Bijay Mukherji at the University of Connecticut. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Florence Roman Ergin; his daughter Melia Niemann and her family, husband William and children Lucas, Will, Allyson and Amanda of Marshfield, MA; his son Tahsin Ergin, MD and his family, wife Colleen and children Casey, Bridget and Riley of Windham, NH; his son Tarik Ergin of North Hollywood, CA. He is also survived by his sister, Sahika Yurdesin along with two nieces and two nephews, of Istanbul, Turkey; his sister-in-law Zana Assenza and niece Jana Sullivan with husband Daniel and their children Jason and Jeffrey, all of Hingham, MA; his nephew Jeffrey with wife Lisa and children Elise, John and Dean, of Syracuse, NY. On December 21, 1988 his youngest son Turhan Ergin was killed in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Dr. Ergin joins his son in death on the 17th anniversary of that tragedy. Dr. Ergin will be sadly missed by his many close friends and colleagues. Relatives and friends are invited to call at Sheehan Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, TODAY, from 4-8 p.m. A private burial is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Syracuse University Remembrance Endowed Scholarship Fund in memory of Turhan M. Ergin, at Remembrance Scholars at Syracuse University, 304 Steele Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244-4100, to the Turhan Ergin Memorial Fund at Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, or to the Turhan Michael Ergin Award Fund at The Kingswood-Oxford School, 170 Kingswood Road, West Hartford, CT 06119-1496.

Published by Hartford Courant from Dec. 22 to Dec. 23, 2005.
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Not a week goes by, especially at this time, that i think about Mike & Flo. Melia Blessed them with Luke!! What joy to see him come into the office!! Melia so kind an humorous!! An beautiful also!! Mikes little guy!! ? 1994 when Lukas was born, an Luke losing his Mom!! Shocked me!! We don't know our what life holds for us! An to Flo I still wear the bracelet you gave me at Christmas time, I never have taken it off!! So much I would like to say, Stay Safe, Hope this New Year we will find some closure on this horrific pandemic!! Nite Mike, Turhan, & Melia!! Your just a Whisper Away!! Forever in my Heart. Love Pat Howard

Patricia Howard

Coworker

December 16, 2020

On December 20, 2012 I found this website and just had to write to say I was in Turhan's class at Kingswood, but left Junior year for Loomis. We both were at Syracuse, and I did the DIPA foreign studies program the year before him. My heart aches every year at this time because of all the memories we shared right up until Pam Am 103, especially a SU porch party the spring of the year he went aborad -where he was so alive, funny and just radiated that joy Turhan had and we all loved. I've never attended a memorial service like his since and sincerely hope he and his Father are at peace together. It's 24 years ago that horrific event occurred and I am now almost 47 years old. Amazingly, Turhan's ultimate gift to me was teaching me to live each day to the absolute fullest, to be passionate in my pursuits and to not live in regret. To Dr. Ergin, I commend you for the amazing job you did raising your youngest son - his and your memory live on in countless individuals.
Merry Christmas.

M. Roberts

December 20, 2012

On this 5th anniversary, Mike will always be in our Hearts. With fond memories, Ray just said what a guy! I say what a Doctor. Forever Ray & Pat Howard

Pat & Ray Howard

December 21, 2010

To the Ergin Family, with the news today of the possible release of the Pan Am 103 terrorist, I was reminded of a great young man in your son. I do not believe I met Mr. Ergin but my heart and prayers go out to you. I came to marry the freshman, Peter Kelts, who lived across the hall from Turhan. We were together throughout SU and married 17+ years before he, sadly, passed from leukemia on 5/24/07 at 40. Peter and I remember Turhan fondly and I am sure he is at peace with his father. God Bless. Trisha (Gillespie) Kelts -

Trisha Kelts

August 19, 2009

There is not a day that goes by that i don't think of Mike and Flo...How i loved them both very much...laughter out weighed the any bickering in the office...laugh so hard tears would be flowing...Flo ripping of Mike white coat..what a chore that was...And than there were the days of sadness....Mike a heavy thinker..and Flo thinking and would just start to cry (Turhan). and nothing you could do....I would see Mike walking through the halls at Htfd Hos...always in thought...that i would have to nudge him o hi Pat have a good lunch...He was the best doctor didn't give 100%,,it was 150 or nothing....I do go to Turhan's grave once a year..to help get closure...but...Flo and to the family...I felt like family...why now? I hurt and heart aches for Flo..Sincerly Pat Howard. [email protected]

Pat Howard

June 5, 2009

My heartfelt condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Timothy Rowe

January 3, 2006

Dr. Ergin is a saint in our family because of his thoughtful, caring and successful treatment of my mother-in-law. He treated her recurring mouth and throat cancer for well over a deciade until his retirement in 2001. Even in retirement, he periodically called her and her current doctors to assess her situation and participate in related medical discussions. Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss, and know how deeply grateful our entire family is for Dr. Ergin's devoted life of service to humanity through his medical practice.

Jim Sime

January 1, 2006

To the Ergin Family:



Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband, father, and friend.



We think of all Pan Am 103 victims on the 21st of each year and keep them in our hearts. My sister Paula Alderman Bouckley (American) and husband Glenn John Bouckley (English) were passengers, along with Turhan.



Martha Alderman Boyer and Family

Martha Alderman Boyer

January 1, 2006

To The Ergin Family,



We are deeply saddend to learn of Mike's recent death. Our family so admired him and mourned deeply with all of you when Turhan died so tragically. We were visiting Dean on the 21st and didn't hear about Mike until last night. Every single year our family remembers Turhan, and we raised our glasses to him that night. It's incredible that Mike died on that date.



We will always have fond memories of the Ergin family and the swim meets so many years ago with Mike encouraging his children and ours on techniques of various swim strokes. He also took care of us surgically a few times, and it was very comforting to be in his hands.



To all of you, we send our love and sympathy for the loss of a wonderful man.



Dorothy and Gerry Graham

Dorothy graham

January 1, 2006

To the Ergin family -

I was saddened to hear of Dr.Ergin's passing. Not a year goes by that I don't think of your family on December 21st. From now on, I will remember Dr. Ergin as well as, Turhan, my dear friend and classmate at Syracuse University. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Maura McDevitt Alt

December 27, 2005

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Ergin family. I was deeply saddened after reading the news of Dr. Ergin's passing. I was a friend, teammate, and competitor with his son Turhan growing up in CT, which eventually led us both to pursue our college education at Syracuse University where we remained friends. I was happy to reunite with Dr. Ergin and wife Florence during Remembrance Week at Syracuse University this past November. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

David Sargalski

December 27, 2005

To the Ergin Family:



I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Ergin's passing, and on the anniversary of Turhan's death. I remember what a playful and friendly "Dad" he was, a good friend of my parents. I remember his great energy playing with all of us kids at the Fourth of July pool parties. He was a wonderful man.



Jane Marsh Laco

Jane Laco

December 24, 2005

He will greatly missed.

Helen Martinez

December 23, 2005

Dr. Ergin, We sit and reflect on the 20 years that we have known and loved you. You saved our daughter, Cherinne's, life when we had no hope that she would live. You gave us reason to live on. We shared your grief when you lost your own son and in an ever so feeble way, we tried to give you hope. Together, we made it through those dark days and life continued. Now, in your death, we honor your life and the gift of hope that you gave the world. Our deepest sympathies to your beloved wife and family.

Daryl and Norma Luginbuhl

Daryl Luginbuhl

December 23, 2005

How sad your family has to go through this anniversary with double grief, knowing that both father and son were taken on this day. But maybe you were called home on this day on purpose.

May your family take solace in knowing your suffering his over and you are back with your son. May you and your son be shining stars on the rest your family and may they know you are guiding them all home.

Grief is not an end, its merely a journey to a destination.

Rosanna

December 23, 2005

We go way back to 4th,fl.surgical McCook when you first arrived from Turkey. We trained you or did you train us? Our condolances to your family .

Lucy Lemanski

December 23, 2005

Dr. Ergin was an extremely interesting gentleman. We feel honored to have been extended family members. He was a giant professionally and a loving, gentle husband, father & especially grandfather. We will all miss him. We are blessed with memories of him that we will cherish forever.

Gene & Kathy Brady

December 23, 2005

We send our heartfelt condolences to the Ergin family during this time of sadness and loss. My memories of Dr. Ergin are of a kind and gentle man that radiated pride and love for his family. To my friend, Tahsin, to his Mom, his sister Melia and his brother Tarik, I send thoughts and prayers, and ask for God's blessings and strength during this difficult time.

Chris McAuliffe

December 22, 2005

My heartfelt condolences on the passing of a wonderful gentleman, a dedicated teaching colleague, and a compassionate physician. His contributions to our teaching program at UCHC were greatly appreciated by faculty and students. His warm friendship and compassion for students and faculty colleagues have been sorely missed since his retirement. It was a great privilege to have known him and worked with him.

Joseph A Grasso

December 22, 2005

I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Ergin's passing. He was a great man and a wonderful doctor. He treated my late husband for a rare type of skin cancer, and I will always remember that my husband and I felt a little better with each vist to his office and his wife's friendly and caring attitude. I'm sure God will be with you all

Patricia Collins

December 22, 2005

It was with great sorrow that I read of Dr. Ergin's passing. I worked with him at Hartford Hospital and with Florence at the University of Conn. To Florence and children I extend my sympathy.

Mary Jean Smith Pelham

December 22, 2005

Dr. Ergin was a delightful person. It was always a pleasure being in his company.

Our time spent with him was short but are fond memories will be forever.

May he rest in peace!

Maureen & John Seitz

December 22, 2005

I was sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad. I remember him as always having a smile and a kind word to say during the Kingswood and Cornell days. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jon Graham

Jon Graham

December 22, 2005

Dr. Ergin was such a wonderful man and talented doctor. I am so grateful that his skill gave me an extra 14 years with my husband, Asa,after his surgery for a melanoma. Dr. Ergin saved so many lives and I feel blessed to have known him.

Sharon Hall

December 22, 2005

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