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BORN
1936
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
GEORGE BLACKBURN Obituary
Dr. Blackburn had a direct and major impact across multiple disciplines as a surgeon, clinician, teacher/mentor, researcher, author, and colleague. An innovator and visionary, Dr. Blackburn made countless contributions in the fields nutrition medicine, hyperalimentation, weight loss, and obesity surgery. A revered figure in the worlds of weight loss surgery, scientific research, medical education and mentorship, and clinical practice, Dr. Blackburn's research led to advances in treatment and patient care. His many academic leadership roles included: the S. Daniel Abraham Chair, Professor of Nutrition Medicine and Associate Director of the Division of Nutrition at Harvard Medical School, the Scientific Director and founder of the Center for the Study of Nutrition Medicine (CSNM) in the Department of Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and Associate Director of the Boston Nutrition Obesity Research Center (BNORC), an NIH-funded research organization that conducts clinical trials in the areas of obesity and nutrition. Over the course of his prolific research career, Dr. Blackburn received eight major grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He was recognized and honored by numerous medical associations, colleges and universities for his life's work as an author, dedicated teacher and mentor, and tireless public health advocate,
In his personal time at his beloved Racing Beach in Falmouth, Massachusetts, Dr. Blackburn loved his many moments surrounded by members of his immediate and extended family, especially the children. Dr. George Blackburn will be remembered with love and admiration by his family, and also by hundreds of friends, colleagues, and doctors and scientists he mentored.
A memorial service will be held at the First Parish Church in Brookline at 10:00am on Thursday, February 23. A burial service will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts at 2:15 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George Blackburn's name to The Obesity Society.
Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home
617-323-5600
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Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE BLACKBURN
CW Kaiser MD
February 14, 2025
George was such an exceptionally bright and creative surgeon,always looking for ways to improve patient care. During our time together on the Harvard Surgical Service, he provided surgical residents wirh inspirational guidance and developed new, revolutionary patient nutrition plans of management.
It was a privilege and honor to work with him
c.william kaiser MD
November 14, 2018
I had the pleasure of working with George at the Boston City Hosptal and New England Deaconess Hospital back in the 1970s and 80s. He was a brilliant clinician and incisive researcher, who was always thinking of better solutions to countless surgical problems. He will be deeply missed.
Al Higdon
May 23, 2017
To all members of the George Blackburn family:
George and I were fraternity brothers at the University of Kansas in the mid-late 1950s. He was a respected leader and one of our most popular members. While we were not in touch after those years, from time to time I would read about an accomplishment of his, and not be surprised.
I was very sorry to read of his death in the KU alumni magazine. Please accept my heartfelt sorrow for your loss.
Nelson Wood
April 25, 2017
My deepest sympathies go out to the whole Blackburn family. Dr Blackburn was always very helpful snd kind to me and that is something I will never forget.
Dr. Nelson Wood
Steven Ferguson
April 13, 2017
Met him in 1974 at MIT weighed 345 lbs. and totally depressed ...9 months later I was 206 lbs and finally began living a normal happy life. Thank you Dr. Blackburn, for saving my life and giving me the opportunity to marry and raise a family. Rest in peace, I'll always have a place in my heart for you.
Tom Oden
March 13, 2017
I knew George as a shipmate on the USS Toledo (CA133), 1958-60 home port in Long Beach, CA. At the time I was engaged to Barbara Curley, my wife of 57 years. We had many good times with George and Donna. George was a no-nonsense naval officer who excelled in his gunnery assignments and as an OOD underway. I visited George in Boston in the late 1960s when he was just getting started in his phenomenal career. it is no surprise to anyone who knew him that he would achieve world renown success. Barbara and I send our condolences to George's family and extended family.
M Boyle
March 8, 2017
When I was new in Boston in 1982 as a Beth Israel dietetic intern, I became very aware of Dr. Blackburn and was in awe of meeting him and learning from him as he taught at some of our internship classes. I never forgot what he taught us and over the following years jumped at the chance to attend anything at which he was speaking. Thank you to his families for sharing him with us. I imagine there was much sacrifice of time with him while he made his prolific impact on the world of Nutrition. You certainly impacted my world Dr. Blackburn, and I thank you.
Amy Peterson Campbell
February 26, 2017
Thank you, Dr. Blackburn, for all of your tireless contributions to the field of nutrition and weight management. And thank you for your encouragement and your confidence in me. You will be missed!
February 26, 2017
Susie, Vali, and the entire Blackburn Family. We were so sorry to hear about George's passing. We were lucky to have spent time with Susie, Vali, and George, along with our friends Diane and Steve Kelly, at their beautiful home in Falmouth. We didn't spend a lot of time with George, but the time that we did, he seemed to care about our lives and would take the time to listen. You new he was a brilliant man but never made you feel like he was any better or smarter than you. He made you feel welcome in his home and we believe he enjoyed sharing that home with others. We will treasure those memories forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and know he will be missed greatly.
The Mike Lingenfelter Family
February 24, 2017
George, in life you were a force of nature; brilliant, a scholar, a quick wit, a quick smile, seemingly limitless energy, with a unique ability to weave people, organizations, scientific disciplines, and out-of-the-box thinking to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Your light shines on in your beloved family, friends, and legions of Mentees, me included. I look back with great fondness on 30 years of learning from you. So many memories! I feel blessed to have been in your orbit. Your many friends at Lindora, and the Stamper family, will miss you.
Our condolences to the Blackburn family.
With love,
Cynthia Stamper Graff
February 24, 2017
We in the nutrition community feel the loss of Dr. George Blackburn. Even though I only worked at the NEDH for 3 years, I felt his influence prior to and following that time. His collaborations and work influenced many of us over many years and in many settings in Massachusetts and in the country. As a Registered Dietitian (RDN), I was impressed by George's collaborative and inclusive approach to research, education and patient care, where he mentored and hired many RNDs on his team over his career.
As a RND in MA, I was thrilled when my professional association, The American Dietetic Association (ADA) induced George into its hall of Honorary Members in 1992. Dr. Blackburn generously shared his knowledge and mentored many ADA and Massachusetts Dietetic Association members(MDA),which has helped to elevate the role of RDNs and NDTRs on the national and state levels.
Thank you George and my condolence to your family.
Cynthia Taft Bayerl
Sheldon Randall
February 23, 2017
My heart felt condolences to Susan, David and the entire Blackburn family.
George was a giant among those who knew him.
His guidance and mentoring reached hundreds.
Myself included. He was always there as a friend and brought joy , happiness and an intelligence that will never be forgotten.
The sky will be forever bright when I think of him.
G-d bless.
Sheldon Randall MD
Andrew Knoch
February 23, 2017
Rest in peace. Enjoyed his expertise in Nutrition Support
February 23, 2017
Be Peaceful Dr. Blackburn. You and your colleagues in the early 80's- Drs. Bistrian, Benoti and Issie Greenberg, saved my mother's life. My family is forever grateful! I am sorry for your family's loss.
Denise Gaita Nietzel
Walpole, MA
February 23, 2017
So sorry to hear about the passing of
Dr. Blackburn. Dr. Blackburn's office brought together so many people from every walk of life. He had many great people working for him and with him. He was so passionate about his work in Nutrition and Obesity. He was very kind to myself and my family. RIP GLB
Tracey Doyle
Linda Reid
February 22, 2017
Rest in peace Dr Blackburn.
February 22, 2017
I will miss your quiet encouragement, strong support and understanding.
Sachiko St. Jeor, Reno, NV.
Laura Murphy-Bevis
February 22, 2017
George was an outstanding professor and doctor. My most precious memories though are of his kindness, support, direction in life challenges and an outstanding mentor. I am proud to have called him a friend, mentor, boss, colleague, and teacher. Love you Susan and hugs to you and his children- lots of great memories. i wish i could be there.
Jim Hill
February 22, 2017
The world is less fun without George. He was a friend and colleague and someone who made a difference with his life. I have so many memories of my time with him. We always had fun and laughed a lot. I learned so much from him. My condolences to his family. He touched so many lives and he will be missed.
Miguel Alonso
February 22, 2017
In this life one meets good colleagues, friends, advisors, co-workers... And then, perhaps once or very few times in a life's journey, one may have the privilege to meet legends like George. George was a champion, an extraordinary individual whose wisdom and pioneering cross-disciplinary vision were coupled with tireless enthusiasm, perseverance, inspiring work ethics and a genuine big heart. He was an exceptional mentor. No matter where you came from, George would welcome you equally, always with a big smile, and would inspire you to become the best version of yourself. Soon you would feel part of his extended family. George, you will be very much missed. My sincere condolences to Susan and all the Blackburn family.
Ann Yelmokas McDermott
February 22, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Blackburn family. George was a wonderful role model and mentor. I always looked forward to tracking him down at a conference and checking in with him to find out what he was up to. He always greeted me with a big hug, made time in his busy schedule and wanted me to fill him in on my recent escapades. I will miss his warm smile, wit and great wisdom and insight.
Myra & Arnold Gans
February 22, 2017
Dearest George,
We will always remember your generosity of spirit, your kindness and the pride you instilled into us. Arnold and I will treasure the memories. Thank you for all you taught us. We will not forget.
Myra & Arnold Gans
Arnold Gans
February 22, 2017
IN OUR BUSY WORLD, THERE IS LITTLE TIME LEFT TO REFLECT ON THE BIG SCENE.I WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SAY THANK YOU GEORGE BLACKBURN FOR TEACHING & MENTORING ME IN THE FIELD OF NUTRITION MEDICINE. YOU HAVE WOVEN YOURSELF INTO MY HEART FOREVER. MYRA JOINS ME IN EXTENDING CONDOLENCES, WE WILL MISS YOU.
Igor & Alexandra Rabkin
February 22, 2017
R.I.P. Dear George.
Nancy Sheard
February 22, 2017
George was an early mentor for both my husband and me. Over the ensuing 35 years, he never ceased to treat us with warmth, kindness and respect. He taught us how to mentor our own students and young, professional colleagues. Thank you, George, for making us us a part of your professional family. Your legacy in clinical nutrition and obesity will be an enduring one. Rest In Peace.
February 22, 2017
My Condolence to the Blackburn Family
George will be missed very much I will miss
him walking around the Jamaica Pond and meeting him at Dunkin Donuts early in the morning most of all I will miss his smile
May you rest in peace
From Doris Williams
Robert Simari
February 22, 2017
Dr. Blackburn was one of our most distinguished alumni and the University of Kansas School of Medicine community will miss him greatly.
Carol Mason
February 22, 2017
He was my first and greatest boss..went to work with him at the Deaconess Hospital and Boston City Hospital in 1967. He was the greatest boss anyone could have! Worked with him for 10 years, a truly dedicated and caring physician and scientist! Carol M. Mason, ARNP
February 22, 2017
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Susan. We only have fond memories and deepest respect for George. May he rest in peace with the Architect of the universe. Love, Joanne & Steve Camer
Jean Davis-Putney
February 22, 2017
He was a wonderful man....so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you
Nick Finer
February 22, 2017
George was a colossus at the vanguard of recognising the transition of nutritional diseases from under- to over-nutrition. Despite at the time we first met my being a junior UK clinician, George then and throughout my career always had time to speak with me and discuss what I was doing, and as such was a key person who encouraged me to continue developing my interests and skills in the filed of obesity. I owe him a lot for this support and will miss him.
Jennifer Wan
February 22, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to Susan and George's beloved family and friends.
Sorry I cannot come from Hong Kong to attend his memorial service. My tears smoke out for me how I miss George!
Ptofessor Blackburn was not only my postdoctoral boss but also my mentor who transferred me skills and passion in clinical nutrition research.
George will be always remembered by me as a humane scientist with high expectation, a man with an up-lifted spirit, charismatic and inspiring personality....sometimes he could be a bit demanding, with fire and expectations, but then my image of him has been and will always be - a man with a "compassionate smile."
I will always miss professor Blackburn's sense of humour, scientific dreams and actions. May he rest in peace now.
Jennifer Wan
Associate professor
The School of Biological Sciences
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Judy Stern
February 21, 2017
I miss George already. The Obesity Meeting will not be the same without him.
February 21, 2017
Dear Susan and family,
I will be forever grateful for the nutrition training I received at the Deaconess. George had a fierce loyalty to all of us who trained there in nutrition. I have always appreciated his support of my career that continued over the years. Not only did George advance the spectrum of nutrition but he brought a joy and passion to life and all he did.
With gratefulness and with prayers,
Molly McMahon, MD
Rochester, MN
Rosalie Killion
February 21, 2017
So sorry to learn of Dr. Blackman' passing.
He was a friendly neighbor who I enjoyed
In Racing Beach. My best to all his family.
Love,
Rosalie Killion
Robert Lim
February 21, 2017
I am very honored to have worked with him during my time in Boston. He was a giant in medicine and his legacy will live on for a long time. I'll not soon forget the lessons I learned from him I'm very sorry for your family's loss.
Sincerely,
COL Robert Lim, MD
US Army
Kelly Brownell
February 21, 2017
George was a giant of a scholar, and a giant of a person. He made so many professional contributions that affected the shape of the field and the professional lives of so many, including me. He was brilliant, insightful, and prescient, and had an eye for where the field needed to go, and then he took us all there through research, speaking, teaching, and mentoring. But beyond this, George was a kind and caring man whose friendship was deeply touching. I smile and cry looking at the photo of George. It reminds me of always being happy to see him, knowing I would both learn something and feel blessed by being friends with this very special person. I miss him a lot already
Ed Hatchigian, MD
February 21, 2017
George will be sorely missed. A wonderful person, great teacher and a compassionate surgeon/physician. Learned so much under his guidance as a Fellow, co-worker and throughout the years with the Weight Loss Surgery Program at BIDMC that he was instrumental in starting. My health felt condolences to Susan, David and the Blackburn family.
richard oconnor
February 21, 2017
Susan I am very sorry about your loss. George was a person I always enjoyed and will be missed. I will keep you and him in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard O'Connor
richard oconnor
February 21, 2017
David:
I am very sorry about the loss of your Dad. I always enjoyed working with him and his great sense of purpose to his work. I will miss him.
Richard O'Connor
David Katz
February 21, 2017
The entire Lifestyle Medicine family shares a deep sense of loss with Dr. Blackburn's family, conveys deepest respects and heartfelt condolences.
Diana Cullum-Dugan
February 21, 2017
I'm so sorry to learn that George has passed. His creative spirit and love for all will forever be imprinted in my heart. He worked tirelessly and diligently for others. I wish the Blackburn family the comfort they need to process this immense loss and will hold them in my heart during this sad time.
February 21, 2017
George was my closest collaborator and friend. We worked together for 45 years. He made major contributions to nutritional metabolism, and along the way established clinical nutrition as an important discipline in modern surgery and medicine. His prescient knowledge and wise counsel will be greatly missed. He leaves a loving family and a legion of dedicated disciples who will carry on his important work.
Bruce R. Bistrian MD, PhD
February 21, 2017
What an inspiring and charismatic leader we just lost! George will forever remain a dear friend and kind, guiding hand, like I'm sure for all individuals blessed for having known him.
My sincere condolences to the Blackburn family,
Warmest wishes,
Laurent Adamowicz
Barbara Corkey
February 21, 2017
He was beloved by many and a very special scientist-physician and friend.
Fabiola Framondi
February 21, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the Blackburn family. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Blackburn on his Obesity Course. He was so dedicated and passionate about his work. RIP...
Shelly Dobson
February 21, 2017
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
-Metabolic Research Institute-
a loved one
Sent Flowers
Rita Buckley
February 21, 2017
For George L. Blackburn, MD, PhD, my beloved friend and mentor. You will be missed, GLB.
Rita Buckley
February 21, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Blackburn's wife, Dr. Susan Kelly, and his entire family. A great man has died, and the world is a darker place without him in it.
John Wesley
February 20, 2017
George: We are in the midst of the 22nd annual meeting of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and you have been very much in the thoughts of our Board of Advisors during these past 3 days, and ever since we learned of your illness over the December holidays. We will continue to honor your leadership and financial support of our Society, especially the Rhoads Research Foundation which you helper found, fund, and mentor. Your loss is deeply felt. Our heart goes out to Susan and your family. Thank you for your friendship, exemplary scientific discipline, and mentorship of young investigators as they have developed their interests in nutrition support.
Prayerfully,
John
John R Wesley MD
Adjunct Professor of Surgery
Feinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern University
Van and Linda Hubbard
February 20, 2017
My wife and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to George's extended family. George made many contributions over his career and was always dedicated in doing what he felt was the right thing to help others. He was both a colleague and a friend. He will be missed.
Van and Linda Hubbard
Bethesda, MD
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Memorial Events
for GEORGE BLACKBURN
Feb
23
Memorial service
10:00 a.m.
First Parish Church
Brookline, MA
Feb
23
Burial
2:15 p.m.
Massachusetts National Cemetery
Bourne, MA
Funeral services provided by:
Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home1803 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
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