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BORN
1937
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
ELIOT BERSON Obituary
617-277-8300
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Memories and Condolences
for ELIOT BERSON
Calvin Grant
April 7, 2020
We were the first to deliver AAV to the retina in the world and I published my results at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Medical Forum. I thank Eliot for his guidance there the years.
Cantor Stephen & Adrienne Chaiet
March 14, 2019
Dr. Berson would be amazed today, to see just how close we are to finding cures for RP and AMD, utilizing both stem cell, CRISPR, and other genetic protocols. His own life work inspired and continues to encourage those researching for the potential cures. The cures as we approack "2020" are in sight. Again to the Berson family: HaMakom yenachem etchem betoch shar avalay Tzion viYerushalayim. May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Dr. Eliot Berson's memory will be a blessing to all who cherished and loved his presence. zikhrono livrakha Cantor Stephen & Adrienne Chaiet and Family
Karen (Everett) Lewis
November 27, 2018
I am grateful for the research done by Dr. Berson and the longevity with which he followed my father and brother, from NIH to Boston, and the frequency with which he cited them in his research.
Cantor S. Chaiet
December 31, 2017
Truly a great MD. and a pioneer. He would be intrigued at the arrival of LUXTRNIA for RP (which arrived in the last week of 2017). Perhaps before "2020" the cure(s) will be found. Rest in peace friend.
Chet Hughes
December 30, 2017
Dr. Bergson was the first doctor I had to examine me for my retinal condition.. I appreciated his knowledge and guidance
Cami Klein
September 15, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of my cousin Kyra's husband. My heart goes out to Kyra and the entire Berson family. Eliot contributed so much to the world of eye health. How wonderful that he also shared his life with Kyra for several decades.
Joella Werlin
June 25, 2017
Eliot was a friend from our camp years in Maine, a college era friend, and then a classmate of my former husband at Harvard Medical School. He was a man of highest integrity, a serious researcher, dedicated to his patients and others suffering from deteriorating eyesight and blindness. In his youth, he was an outstanding tennis player. A gentle man, it was surprising to witness how competitive Eliot became on the court. He moved with grace and strategic insight. Truly an honor to have known him.
Joel Mack MD
April 21, 2017
Eliot was a classmate of mine at HMS.I remember him fondly.Rest in peace,my old friend.
Joel Mack MD
Sharen Rumberger
April 20, 2017
Dr. Berson gave my family hope when my daughter was diagnosed with RP during her completion of her doctorate of audiology at Vanderbilt University. As a mother, I researched the best physician possible for this condition. Dr. Berson was kind enough to call me and speak to me for an hour during the time that my daughter was terribly distraught about her diagnosis. She is following his advice given to her in Boston. She cried when she heard about his death. He will be greatly missed . The Rumberger Family, Florida
March 24, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss I was a patient of dr. Berson's for over 20 years. He was such a kind and caring man and so devoted to retinal research .
I was seven years old the first time I came For an appointment and I will never forget how he reassured me and made me feel comfortable.
He felt sunlight increased the progression of retinitis Pigmentosa and for years I wore dark sunglasses and I believe I am still able to see today because of him.
Much Love,
Karen Hamill
P. NIna Livingstone
March 23, 2017
Dr. Berson was a very loving and devoted opthamologist. I have known him for 45 years, after he diagnosed me with retinitis pigmentosa at a young age.
I will miss him and never forget what he provided me and his other patients. I will always remember him for his care and compassion. He made each of us feel special.
Walter Zimmerman
March 23, 2017
Kyra - I am so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Cathy Padyk
March 23, 2017
Kyra....so sorry to hear of your beloved Elior's passing
Jacqueline Fauteux Silva
March 23, 2017
Our Deepest Sympathy To The Berson Family;What a great man & doctor he was; our Family owes everything to him, he was the only doctor that diagnosed our 3 brothers correctly as choroideremia. Our brother Raymond Fauteux was one of his long term patient for many many years.He will be greatly missed.with much respect Jackie Fauteux Silva & Fauteux Family
Carol & Joe DiFranco
March 23, 2017
Dr. Berson will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and patients.
It was a privilege to work with him and a joy to know both he and Kyra.
Sending prayers, good thoughts and much love.
Melissa Chaikof
March 23, 2017
When my daughters were first diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, we reached out to Dr. Berson. We weren't even his patients at that point, and yet he spoke to my husband on the phone for an hour and told him to have me call him that evening. He then spent an hour on the phone with me, reassuring me that my girls would be fine, that they still had many years left of usable vision. He was the first professional who gave us reason for hope. He was always so caring and kind to my daughters and incredibly giving of his time. We will miss him greatly.
March 23, 2017
It's hard to read these encomia to a world -class miracle worker without thinking of him as a young camper many decades ago at the still world class boys camp where he spent many smiling summers, Camp Wigwam in South Waterford Maine. His unique tennis game, his happy mien, his leadership qualities even then, made him stand out in a sea of future standouts in every field of life. Many of us still smile at fond memories of "the Bers!" And we were not surprised to find that he became a leader in a challenging and vital field, just as he had been a leader in the midst of our Red & Gray summer heaven. Warm wishes to his family, especially to his talented and friendly kid brother Frank, who obviously learned a lot from his fraternal path breaker.
As we used to shout about those we admired: Bear, Bear Lake!! Yow! Wild cats!
Jim Flug, CW '45- '60 ++, "Camp DC" '63-'20??
March 22, 2017
My Great Uncle Eliot was a big positive influence to my mother RuthAnn Schlesinger, and the times I met him he was a kind, humble, accomplished person. I know he will be greatly missed. David Schlesinger
Bethany Biron
March 22, 2017
I worked for Dr. Berson for 16 years and in that time was privileged enough to receive his guidance and wisdom in caring for people with retinal degenerations. His dedication, caring and firm belief that the patient comes first will forever leave an imprint on me and the thousands of patients he has helped over the years. I feel I am a better person because of his influence and he will be greatly missed.
Ruth Ann (Carp) Schlesinger
March 22, 2017
My Dearest Cousin Eliot was a beautiful man. Kind, Gentle -Brilliant..He was totally dedicated to his profession and made a profound difference in his patients' lives because he cared.
I will miss him always and will keep his memory alive in my mind and heart to the end of my life. I loved him deeply.
Richard Merrett
March 22, 2017
Dr. Berson touched the lives of so many and gave of himself to help save many people from blindness by understanding the disease better. God bless.
Dr. Carol Ann Ling
March 22, 2017
I had the honor and privilege of training under Dr. Eliot Berson, the Co-Director of my Fellowship in Retinal Degeneration and Retina Vitreous Surgery at MEEI.
Through the years of my practice from MA to CA, my personal patients with Retinal Degeneration were sent to him to benefit from his expertise and treatment; He always gave them hope when they had lost all hope.
My fondest memories would be him quickly getting on the phone exclaiming: "Carol, is that you?! How are you doing? Thank you for sending me your patients and thinking of us!"
Dr. Berson was tough with us students (rightfully so), but extremely kind with all the patients. Such a brilliant mind will be missed by all. Fondly, Carol Ann
Donna Lee ad Steven Lam
March 22, 2017
My husband and I were sadden by the passing of Dr. Berson. I used to work for ERG department, I recall those working days with warm memory. Dr. Berson was truly a caring and respected leader who will be missed forever.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
March 22, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family,
I met Dr Berson back in 2000 as I was picked to be in one of his studies for RP, he was a very pleasant and encouraging man about the research they were doing for RP. So sorry for your loss. Take care, peace, Barb Haise
March 22, 2017
Dear Kyra and family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Dr. Berson
will be greatly missed and never forgotten!
Artie and Cathy Lonergan
March 22, 2017
Myrna and I send our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Kyra and the entire Berson family. As one of Eliot's friends and classmates at Harvard Medical School, and as one of his long-lasting admirers, I recall my unlimited respect for his seriousness of purpose in learning as much as possible about all aspects of modern medicine. His total dedication to original medical research was also apparent at an early age in the 1960's. Because of his pioneering success in tackling important and previously unsolved research problems in ophthalmology, he became justifiably famous throughout the world (first, for his work at NIH on fungal infections of the eye; and then, during most of his adult life at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, for his prolific and highly important discoveries in retinitis pigmentosa and its retinue of related retinal dystrophies). His innovative and path-breaking contributions paved the way for much of our contemporary knowledge of inherited retinal diseases,. Eliot was personally committed to the well-being of his patients and to their families, and---not surprisingly to any of us---he continued that devotion to the very last days of his life.
Morton F. Goldberg, M.D.
Director Emeritus
The Wilmer Eye Institute
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Hospital
Baltimore, Marylaand
Heather Mack
March 22, 2017
With sympathy to Kyra on the passing of Eliot, a leader in his field and my mentor as his Fellow 1995-1997.
Mary Leach
March 21, 2017
I had the honor of writing about Dr. Berson's research. He was an amazing man and helped so many. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He gave so much but I am confident he would have had much more to give. My thoughts and prayers are with Kyra and his brother Frank. I will never forget Eliot.
John` Patten
March 21, 2017
It was 1984, my daughter, 9 years old at the time, had just been diagnosed with RP. We were able to make contact with Dr. Berson at Mass Eye & Ear, and he willingly agreed to see her, confirm the diagnosis and provide his expert knowledge. That visit to his office in 1984 provided confirmation of the sad news that our daughter did have RP but he was so reassuring. His advice, "Let your daughter live a normal life." And we did. His dedication to working on solutions and a cure for RP are a testament to his profession; however, the kindness that he showed to my family during our times together were a testament to Dr. Berson as a kind, empathetic human being who cared deeply about his patients. We are saddened at his passing but feel enriched for the experience of having known him and been under his advice and care.
March 21, 2017
Dear Kyra and family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Scientifically, Eliot almost single-handedly started the RP research and clinical fields. His brilliance, foresight and dogged persistence has now resulted in not only RP clinical trials but treatments and cures on the horizon. Personally, he was a lovely person, kind and generous with his time to both his scientific and clinical colleagues as well as his patients.
He will be greatly missed and not forgotten, leaving a wonderful legacy.
Carla and Jerry Chader
March 21, 2017
dr berson-you were a kind person. you were a talented scientist. you helped jump start the understanding and treatment of retinal disorders with a commitment hard to match. your passion for helping others will be sorely missed. peter c
James and Lauribeth Quinlivan
March 21, 2017
To Kyra, Frank, and the family and friends of Dr. Berson, I send my sincere condolences and this Irish blessing: "Death is a heartache no one can heal, love is a memory no one can steal." Keep Eliot close to your heart and he will always be by your side. Dr. Berson was an integral part of my return to civilian life after retiring from the Navy and I will always be thankful for all that he has done for me over the years. His research will always go forward and he has made this earth a better place for so many people, afflicted by RP and other retinal degenerations or not. God bless Kyra, Frank, and the rest of the family with comfort, peace, friendship, and love during this most difficult time. Sincerely, James B. Quinlivan, USN(Ret)
March 21, 2017
Kyra. My deepest sympathies. Best, Jean Hackett
Coleen REILLY
March 21, 2017
You were my Great Dr I did studies for my RP for many years May God Bless you you will be missed
March 21, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Berson family for the loss of their loved one, may God strengthen you all during this difficult time and may you find comfort through his son Jesus Christ's words found in John 6:40.
March 20, 2017
Now this news really saddened me... I did not directly train with him, and yet with his work, Dr. Berson impacted dramatically the field of RP over the decades. And when, about a week out of residency at the end of July 1993 from the University La Sapienza in Rome, Italy, I was fortunate enough to be invited by Dr. Berson to present at his Berman-Gund Lab at Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary the work I had been doing on RP when I was resident, it impacted tremendously and directly my own life and career. Regarded as the leader in the field of hereditary retinal diseases and a very "tough cookie", I was both pumped up with the invitation and anxious to go give such talk "in the lion's den"... At least 35-40 people packed the small conference room inside the Berman-Gund Lab for this lunch presentation. Expecting to "be the meal" and be eaten up, Dr. Berson was very gracious instead, and I left with a most inspiring experience that gave me significant motivation to persevere in the field of RP...
Talking about lunch, one special thing that Dr. Berson did that I still remember vividly and that meant a lot to me is that, alongside Dr. Alex Gaudio, he waited for me to be done with my talk before having his lunch. Call it foolishly romantic, but coming from an environment where I could hardly shake the hand of my own Chairman unless he offered first, seeing such a guru in the field and one of my idols be so humble and caring to a foreign, young doctor to whom he owed absolutely nothing, made a heck of an impression on me at the human level...
Farewell, and thanks for everything, dear Eliot...
Alex Iannaccone, MD, MS, FARVO
Professor of Ophthalmology
Director, Duke Center for Retinal Degenerations and Ophthalmic Genetic Diseases
Jose-Alain Sahel
March 20, 2017
Sincere sympathy. In memory of one of the main founders of clinical research on retinal degenerations, a caring physician, a leader and..a mentsch
Merrick Cohen
March 20, 2017
I have known Dr.Berson for over 30 years. He was a giant in his profession as a clinical ophthalmologist and a gifted researcher dedicated to curing retinitis pigmentosa. Dr. Berson holds a special place in my heart because he was so atypical of most physician practices mirroring assembly lines - he was a humanist and deeply cared for the welfare of his patients. Dr. Berson gave all of his patients the time they needed to understand the nature of the retinal disease, the treatment programs and he provided hope for total cure. We will all miss Dr. Berson dearly.
Henry Apfelbaum
March 20, 2017
I met Dr. Berson in 1983, when he diagnosed my retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetic disease that slowly robs a person of peripheral vision, causes night blindness, and eventual total functional blindness, with no known cure or treatment. The prognosis at that time was grim. Based on his extensive patient records, I would likely be functionally totally blind within within 20 years. Shortly afterward, he enrolled me in his landmark study of vitamin A to slow the progression of the disease. Although I was in a cohort that did not receive a beneficial dose, when the study ended several years later his recommendation was clear. Daily megadoses of vitamin A did slow the disease, and I have followed that regimen faithfully.
I was able to keep in touch with him for followup assessments, and as of my last visit two years ago, my central vision was still performing well and his measurements indication that I will likely be able to read well into my 90's (a decade and a half from now, although he could only provide a vision prognosis, not that the rest of me would last that long). The vitamin A has cut the rate of progression in half, likely not just for me but for the countless thousands of others affected by RP who have adopted the regimen, still the only treatment shown to have a long-term effect for all of the many forms of RP.
I'm honored to have collaborated with him on our recent paper in the Journal of Vision. While the paper focused on the use of prisms to help cope with RP, the analysis of his data provided interesting insights into the nature of the disease progression that may spark further fundamental research. Not having hum for that pursuit adds to our sorrow.
Chris Mehmel
March 20, 2017
Both of my children have been patients of Dr. Berson's since 2001. He was very generous with his time, to the point of calling me once to allay my fears of having two kids with Retinitis Pigmentosa.
In the exam room, he was very straightforward but also very kind with all of us. He did so much to prolong the eyesight of so many people. For this, I will be forever grateful.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Joanne Kini
March 20, 2017
Dear Kyra and family of Eliot,
My late husband Mohandas and I knew you both in your early married years. We always enjoyed social occasions when we laughed and shared.
My husband so admired Eliot's extensive knowledge and clinical skills and all the many patients with RD who he helped.
What a great loss for all of us. I have a memory from 2016 of a lovely dinner that my daughter Larissa and I attended with Eliot and Kyra and Alex and Chris Gaudio. I will treasure that memory of genuine friendship for years.
God Bless You as you navigate this sudden loss and profound grief.
Love , Joanne and Larissa
Michael Wagoner
March 20, 2017
My sincere sympathy to the entire Berson family. I will always fondly remember the opportunity I had to share a frequent early morning breakfast conversation with Dr. Berson on the 7th floor of the Infirmary back in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a great pioneer in the field of inherited retinal disease, a compassionate physician, and the quintessential academic role model. It was a wonderful privilege to have had the opportunity to work with him. His memory and contributions will always be with us.
March 20, 2017
Eliot..you will always be part of our lives...with loving, beautiful memories..
Kyra ...our love and friendship to you always..
Agie and Marc
Emorfily Potsidis
March 20, 2017
It has been a privilege and honor to have worked with you, Dr. Eliot Berson. I will never forget how much you truly cared about our patients & your passion for your work. You are a true inspiration. You have accomplished so much and yet treated us all with equal respect. I have the greatest respect for you and you will always be in my heart. I have learned so much from you and I am so thankful to have had you in my life. We will miss you always.
To the Berson family please know you have my deepest sympathy. To Kyra: I recall a day when the phone ranged at work around 5pm & Dr. Berson said "oh that's my Kyra." Those words melted my heart. You now have a gaurden angel watching over you. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Karen and Robert Patterson
March 20, 2017
My husband has been a patient of Dr. Berson's since 1993. The work that Dr. Berson did in RP research, and the supplement regimen that he developed has allowed my husband to retain 25% of his vision, for which we are profoundly grateful. We never felt rushed in our appointments and he always took the time to explain any changes in my husband's vision, handing out copies of his research studies as he talked. Thank you, Dr. Berson. May his memory be a blessing.
Deb Stepner(Koritz)
March 20, 2017
I worked for Dr. Berson for 13 years. You were a wonderful teacher and doctor. Patients had all your attention. You will be missed.
March 20, 2017
Cantor Stephen & Adrienne Chaiet and Family
Cantor Stephen & Adrienne Chaiet and Family To the Mishpacha Berson.- Ha makom yenachem etchem betoch she''ar avalei Tzion ViYerushalayim - To the Berson Family - May you be comforted with all of those who mourn in Zion and Jerusalem, never to know from such sadness for many years to come. May Dr. Berson's memory be a blessing to all of you who so greatly loved and cherished his presence . www.singersvoice.org "a cure for RP is in sight". Yehi Zichro Baruch. Cantor Stephen & Adrienne Chaiet
March 20, 2017
A sad loss. I remember Eliot as a great teacher who made the mysteries
of retinal degeneration comprehensible to all ophthalmic clinicians.
Richard Floyd, MD (Weston,MA)
Neena Haider
March 20, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Berson family. Eliot was a dear friend and colleague, a world respected leader who made seminal contributions to the understanding of retinal disease. He will be missed dearly and remembered fondly.
Demetrios Vavvas
March 20, 2017
A Caring physician and Professor that I learned much from. He cared deeply for our patients and contributed much. He will be missed.
March 20, 2017
To my mentor and friend, I will truly miss you!
BPawlyk, Boston, MA
March 20, 2017
Sorry for the post of your family. May the God of comfort help the family in these trying times.
March 20, 2017
To my mentor and friend, I will truly miss you!
BPawlyk
March 20, 2017
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain you during this difficult time. (Isaiah 61:1,2) With sincerest sympathy.
David Birch
March 20, 2017
To a great scientist, mentor and friend...I will always be thankful and will miss you deeply
Alison White
March 20, 2017
Prayers for the family. He was a wonderful doctor. He will be missed.
Steven Fliesler
March 20, 2017
Sincere condolences to the Berson family for this loss. May the memory of Eliot be a comfort and a blessing to those who knew and loved him. He was a great physician, scientist, teacher, leader, and friend.
Koji Nishiguchi
March 20, 2017
With all my respect to the caring ophthalmologist who devoted his career to the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. We respect you and will truly miss you.
Koji Nishiguchi
March 20, 2017
With the all my respect to the most caring ophthalmologist who devoted his career to the patients with retinitis pigmentosa. We will truly miss you.
March 20, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Marion McPhee (Channing Lab)
Emorfily Potsidis
March 20, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will miss you always. May God bless you and your family.
esther Ross
March 19, 2017
Sincerest sympathy to all...grew up in Chelsea near the family...Arthur took care of me...watched the sons grow, learn, study...dedicated, compassionate...Eliot made major contributions...may his memory and good deeds be a blessing...so sorry Esther (Pallin Gilman Ross)Nashua,NH
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