Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Wolffe Nadoolman Obituary
March 8, 1957 - April 28, 2017
Emeryville
Wolffe Jay Nadoolman M.B.A., M.D., beloved pediatrician in Berkeley, CA died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, April 28. He was 60 years old.
Wolffe grew up in Washington Heights, NYC, son of Laura Kessler Nadoolman and Milton Nadoolman. He credited much of his success in life to the education he received as a preschooler at PS189 & PS129 in Manhattan. His summers were spent as camper and then as a counselor at Camp Laughton his parent's camp for the deaf in Grahamsville, New York. He finished high school at Horace Mann School in Riverdale and attended Cornell University where he graduated with a triple major in Astrophysics, Math and Art History. Wolffe continued his education at Harvard Business School, graduating in 1981. He worked for a number of investment banking firms, settling on Salomon Brothers where he was promoted to Vice President in Charge of Options and Mortgage Securities Trading. His departure from the firm was rendered in dramatic detail in Michael Lewis' memoir of Wall Street, Liar's Poker. Wolffe joked that, "names were changed to protect the innocent." Starting a completely new career and path for life, Wolffe went on to fulfill a lifelong dream to become a pediatrician and to care for children. He received his MD from the Yale School of Medicine in 1996 and after completing his training in Salt Lake City, Utah, opened his successful practice Private Pediatrics in Berkeley, California. Despite this magnificent education, on his office wall hangs only one diploma from PS 189, where it all started.
Dr. Wolffe (as he was called by his patients and their parents) was a practicing pediatrician for nearly two decades. His practice was hands on, personal, and very up close. He scheduled appointments generously giving patients and families all the time that they needed. He was only a phone call away 24/7 and he regularly made house calls long before it became commonplace in medical practice again. He had a gift for communicating with kids even before they could talk and after they wouldn't. He was happy to inhabit their space; to speak their language, to hear what they had to say. His genius was in discovering the safe place where he and his patients could talk. They could feel his interest, his intelligence, his wisdom, and his playful style of caring. One patient described him as having the intelligence and knowledge of Dr. House in the loving and eccentric persona of Mr. Rogers. He was an extraordinary physician who eagerly gave his time, his skill and his heart to all the children and families in his practice.
Wolffe was a man of many talents. His remarkable math skills were instrumental in developing the financial instruments that would eventually be known as derivatives. In medical school he developed a caramel candy with capsaicin (the heating element in chili peppers) to treat burning mouth syndrome an annoying and debilitating side effect of chemotherapy. After publishing a paper that showed its effectiveness he obtained a patent but then published the patented recipe so that all patients could make it for themselves. He helped start a business, RapidTrials, that helps research sites and biopharmaceutical companies efficiently implement clinical trials.
Wolffe was a collector with an eye for beauty and value. While working on Wall Street he put together a large and remarkable movie poster collection. Selling that collection at auction funded a large part of his medical school education. Collecting was a lifelong passion. From vintage posters, rare photographic masterpieces and museum quality 18th and 19th century American and English samplers, his collections survive as a testimony to Wolffe's intelligence and taste.
Wolffe also had a genius for taking in information and seeing contradictions or logical flaws that were unnoticed by others. This was a gift on Wall Street where he used it in developing new financial instruments for mortgages and other investments. In medicine, Wolffe frequently asked the tough questions of accepted dogma and science. He had several letters published in the New England Journal of Medicine on a variety of topics and the unifying characteristic was his recognition of an underlying logical flaw or contradiction, which had never been recognized or acknowledged. As a pediatrician he exercised this talent in two blogs that he wrote for many years: The Ethical Pediatrician where he took on the important issues of the day and The Empathic Pediatrician where he expressed his thoughts on caring for children.
Wolffe is survived by his sister, Deborah Nadoolman Landis, her husband John, their two children Max Landis and Rachel Landis Rosen and her husband Jared Rosen. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on May 28 in Paramus, New Jersey and on June 4 in Berkeley, California. Please give generously to the Dr. Wolffe Nadoolman Scholarship Fund at the Mentoring Academy, 5951-B College Avenue, Oakland, CA94618, (510)-400-7696, http://www.mentoringacademy.org/.
View the online memorial for Dr. Wolffe Nadoolman
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wolffe Nadoolman
Sponsored by Deborah Nadoolman Landis.
Bruce Quackenbush
December 29, 2024
Apologies for a submission that may appear way past its due date, but my admiration for Wolffe motivated my sending this in nevertheless. I was at Harvard Business School with Wolffe (1979-1981), and on learning of his passing over 7 years ago sent this extended collection of remembrances in to our HBS Alumni Bulletin's Class Correspondence section. At the time, I somehow missed the link to this legacy.com obituary, but in coming across these words again recently I thought preserving them here, for perhaps others to still share, was worth the small effort.
A few remembrances of Wolffe:
There were lots of great people at HBS, and particularly in Section D; Wolffe was one of my favorites. He was someone I would think of when asked who I thought was the smartest person I had ever met. I think he had double 800s on his college SATs, back in the years when that really meant something. But more impressive were Wolffe´s diverse interests and abilities, reflected, for starters, with his blend of majors at Cornell of math, astrophysics and art history. He came to HBS straight from college and so was one of the youngest in our class, but he did not need work experience to manage class discussions. Or, in other words, to "B.S." his way, as needed, through most situations. I got the impression that reading cases was not high on his priority list. He was brilliant, personable (in his own way) and a good sport. He helped me out in a Management Communications presentation (remember MC?) by donning royal robes for the runway of a fashion show that I organized to analyze a coal miners´ strike. On another occasion he stepped up (literally) to help me recreate a lip-synching, Motown dance act for a section party, along with Rei Diaz and Mary Toman. He really showed his creative talent in the school musical second year, authoring the Bet and the Brightest; a brilliant adaptation of the concept behind "My Fair Lady" to a business school setting, with a story line focused on the trials of an ordinary guy plucked from the street to attend and try to graduate from HBS. I still have the libretto from the show, with every song and lyric that Wolffe, and a few others, wrote. Curiously, it had echoes of a real film he appeared in briefly a couple years later - Trading Places (1983) - where the same nature versus nurture theme, with the side bet, was played out between stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. I have always suspected some possible connection between this film´s screenplay and Wolffe´s earlier HBS work, as his sister Deborah was costume designer for "Trading Places" and her husband, John Landis, was the director. Despite his writing talent, Wolffe seemed intent upon heading to Wall Street to start his career, but not without speaking to a few alternative employers. One memorable meeting he had was an on-campus interview with a consulting firm specializing in personnel and organizational management - might have been the Hay Group. Wolffe sat down with the CEO, I believe, and regaled him with how he (Wolffe) had no real ability, or interest, in dealing with people and in fact thought little of the whole fluffy business of organizational and people management. He got the job offer. As for Wall Street, I recall hearing him recount how he obtained his initial summer job at Salomon Brothers, working for bond guru Martin Leibowitz. Marty needed some specialized quant skills for a summer project, and Wolffe, having none of the preferred skills, still convinced his new boss that he was the man for the job. And then he headed back to Salomon full-time after HBS, where he eventually landed in the booming mortgage department under Lew Ranieri. I got in touch with him during this period, mentioning that I´d heard he was focusing on the new mortgage options market. He corrected me slightly, pointing out that he WAS the mortgage options market. After Wolffe left Salomon in 1988 (an event covered by author Michael Lewis in his book "Liar´s Poker"), we spoke one more time during his brief tenure at Dillon Read, but then lost touch. What a surprise (though I suppose it should not have been, really) to learn later that he had left the Street to return to med school in his 30´s, and then become a pediatrician. How "Wolffian", if I may coin a term. I always looked forward to reconnecting with him, at a reunion, or somewhere, but never got the chance. He left us way too soon, but not without having an impact.
Rajeev Agarwal
April 30, 2023
Emma is now almost 13. We have moved a 1000 miles
but you continue to be with us and we continue miss you -- one of the most incredible human beings it has been our privilege to know.
Rajeev Agarwal
May 2, 2019
Wolffe,
Emma is now 9 and at least once a week we talk about what an amazing human being you were and how much we loved having you in our life.
To us, around our dinner table, you are often present. We miss you.
Deborah Nadoolman
April 30, 2019
Wolfie, I cannot believe you are gone. It seems impossible that you are not on the planet. Everyday your loss is a surprise and a puzzle. I wonder where you went and why? And I remember the day you were born. Too short my brother. with love, Deborah
Frank Signorelli
April 13, 2018
I was so sorry to hear of Wolffe's untimely passing. I had been a Kappa Alpha society "brother" of his at Cornell. I remember his wit, humor and intelligence. What an amazing individual, who made my college experience a better one. I remember our "Animal House" movie poster we were all so proud of. I also remember him being so deservedly excited about his beautiful Sister and Brother-in-law , John. I was thinking of Wolffe, the other day and I wondered where his trajectory had taken such genuine and intelligent individual. Blessings to all his family, sorry for such a late post.
Marc Berg
December 29, 2017
What a remarkable gentleman and renaissance man. I had the privilege of knowing him during his training in Utah. I won't forget him, I'm sure his patients won't either.
Heather
July 9, 2017
This obituary is a beautiful and eloquent tribute to someone who clearly was a remarkable man and exceptional physician. To the writer, thank you for bringing your loved one to such vivid life for those of us who did not know him.
Lois Harford
July 8, 2017
I only just learned of Wolffe's passing last night. I am so saddened by his untimely death. He was such a dear kid, and brilliant person. It's clear that he impacted so many people, in so many ways, and with such generosity of spirit. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy. Hugs to you, Lois (Greenberg)
Kristi Brown-Montesano
July 7, 2017
I am not sure what led me today to try to look up Dr. Wolffe; maybe it was remembering the care he gave to my children while watching my oldest child pack to move into her own apartment. Dr. Wolffe was an extraordinary pediatrician and very helpful to me as a mother of three. He was my youngest son's first pediatrician, before we moved to Los Angeles. It is with an extra degree of sadness and poignancy that I see he died on that same son's 15th birthday.
May he rest in peace and with the blessings of all who loved you and the many, many families that benefitted from your care. Kristi Brown-Montesano
Megan Zetik
July 7, 2017
Dear Deborah,
I was so deeply moved and saddened to hear of Wolffe's passing. We only recently received notice from a friend who had also been in residency in Utah with my husband and Wolffe. Wolffe was such a good friend to us, introducing us to fine wines, movie paraphernalia, JAZZ basketball games and being a regular dinner companion in our home or out. We even were once treated to the Rolling Stones concert. Now, that was a one-of-a-kind memory. In addition to being a good friend, his ability to be relate-able to kids was remarkable and certainly a key to his huge success with his patients. My husband greatly appreciated Wolffe's humor while they worked side-by-side & enduring the hardships of the peds residency program in an all-spanish clinic of Utah with very little direction. I was moved by Wolffe's sense of kindness and generosity even more than his breadth of knowledge in so many aspects of life. He has accomplished so much, too. I regret on our one trip to the San Fran area we did not get to visit with Wolffe as he was on his own trip in New York at the time and he wasn't much for the idea of visiting us in Tulsa, OK. May his memory be blessed and your family be comforted in every way knowing how many lives he touched and made better. Our family is personally appreciative of his capsaicin caramel recipe which he graciously made for my mother in law while she endured breast cancer treatments, for my father in law while he underwent treatment for Multiple Myeloma and most recently, my 17 year old cousin being treated for Burkitts Lymphoma (Wolffe sent us the recipe only 2 weeks before his death via text). I wish now we had had that recipe in his own hand. What a compassionate friend we had in Wolffe. Much love.
July 7, 2017
I just came across Dr Wolffe Nadoolman in an article in the NYT & immediately felt compelled to look up who he was and why he died so suddenly.
Our son too was fortunate to have a pediatrician like Dr Wolffe, and we always knew he was a gift to us as parents.
We know too what a huge loss this man is to so many and that the world was such a better place with him in it.
Remember that his light will continue to shine in so many, for generations to come will know of his legacy.
May he rest in peace.
In sympathy,
The Woll's
July 6, 2017
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/06/magazine/why-couldnt-the-young-boy-walk.html
Don Zetik
June 16, 2017
I was lucky to spend 3 years of pediatric residency "Dr Noodleman". What a kind, fascinating and enigmatic character he was! I will be forever inspired by Wolffe's example. Rest in peace friend. You are missed.
Judith Harris
June 15, 2017
We spent Comic Con together and celebrated the opening of Hollywood Costumes together at the Phoenix Art Museum.
He was divinely off kilter yet perfectly real. We loved his company and strongly felt his "Separateness" with deep appreciation.
That he seemed to like us and felt comfortable being around us was a source of magical joy.
Rest well you Wizard.
Fondly, Judith Harris and Robert Singer
Janice R
June 8, 2017
I just heard this news today, from the Nurse Practitioner who introduced my son and I to Dr Wolffe 2 years ago. I am so sad to learn of this loss to all of us. We went to see Wolffe initially for advice on dealing with my teenager's ability to focus. Dr. Wolffe treated us both really-befriending my son and patiently explaining the reality of teenage development to me. How many doctors spend 3 hours with a new patient??? And then come to their play performance shortly thereafter?? He was one of a kind, and will be missed. Our sincere condolences to his family. I wish we had known him much longer...
Joan Bachenheimer
June 4, 2017
So sorry to hear this. I also have many enduring childhood memories of Wolfee. His accomplishments are truly amazing. My condolences to Deborah and the rest of the family.
Sincerely,
Joan Bachenheimer
Julie Greenberg
June 4, 2017
Deborah - I have many wonderful memories of playing with Wolffe as kids on Laurel Hill Terrace. I am heartbroken that you lost him so young.
Rajeev Agarwal
June 4, 2017
Wolffe was a friend, a dinner companion, a recipe critic, a frequent presence at our dinner table, an occasional fellow meditator and, of course, our daughter's physician.
He loved our daughter, Emma, played Uno with her, brought her toys and introduced us to "Dr. Wolffe cheese" -- as aged cheddar is known in our house. His Mac and Cheese was to die for.
My heart is full of loss and grief. My condolences to his family, Tammy and all who knew him. I miss you Wolffe.
Annette Goodfriend
May 25, 2017
Truly extraordinary and beloved. Dr. Nadoolman made a house call on his day off for my son's ear infection. He apologized that it would take him 45 minutes to arrive! He then called the pharmacy and demanded that they fill the Rx immediately... "this child is in pain. His mother will pick it up in 30 minutes." Every appointment was thorough, thoughtful, and relaxed. There just aren't doctors like him anymore. A true loss. Deepest condolences to Tammy, his wonderful assistant, and to his family.
May 22, 2017
What an amazing inspiration this man is. May those that are closest to him draw strength from each other and from God during this difficult time.
Mitzi Dooley
May 11, 2017
I called him the crazy doc. Who spends an hour with patients, makes house calls, and knows how to calm new moms with a single 'look'? My son still says Dr. Nadoolman doesn't know how many fingers or how to count them as he made my son laugh out loud at the silly way he counted fingers. I suppose you don't really know what you have until it is gone, and I can truly say this about Dr. Nadoolman. He cannot be replaced and my heart is sad for his family, all the other patients and mostly to the world who has lost more than they know.
A recent photo of my beloved brother!
Wolffe Nadoolman
May 10, 2017
James Harmon
May 10, 2017
I haven't seen Wolffe in a while, I'm surprised he was so young. Wolffe was a great man, and a legacy to urban glass.
Many good conversations, I'll miss him.
Marni, Jon and Meredith Weinstock
May 9, 2017
More than a doctor, more than a friend. There's no one who can fill his shoes. We loved him deeply.
Todd Staub
May 9, 2017
From dreams of being an astrophysicist to this incredibly rich career and life. Glad that he found deep meaning and purpose in medicine as a pediatrician serving people. An amazing journey. Deepest sympathy and condolences.
Alma Pineda
May 8, 2017
He was and is forever a friend to my son Erick and I over so many years. With his passing, a light so bright has been dimmed leaving us all longing for him. We will miss him so much beyond what words can express. Thank you Dr. Wolffe for being the best doctor and friend.
Dr. Robert Bolte
May 8, 2017
Wolffe was one of the most interesting persons I have ever met. His kindness, intelligence, and sense of humor were apparent to all. I am glad that our paths crossed during his pediatric training here in Utah.
Linda Bartoshuk
May 8, 2017
Wolffe did research with me and with Dr. Ann Berger (chief of the Pain and Palliative Care consultation service at NIH) when he was a medical student at Yale. The capsaicin candy developed was initially used to treat the oral pain of mucositis in cancer patients. The recipe is published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (1995, vol 10, pp 243-248). We loved working with Wolffe. He was one of the most creative medical students in my lab.
Melinda De La Torre
May 7, 2017
Dr Wolffe was much more than just our twin daughters doctor, he was family. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts.
Barry Cohen
May 7, 2017
I just remember Wolffe as a nice kid at HM. Condolences to his family, friends and patients
Alec Griffin
May 4, 2017
I'll miss this man so much! He has been more than a doctor to my kid. He has been my friend and advisor.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in Wolffe Nadoolman's name
Memorial Events
for Wolffe Nadoolman
How to support Wolffe's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Wolffe Nadoolman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
