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ANTHONY DONN Obituary
Died April 22nd in East Burke, VT. He was 90. A Veteran of World War II, Dr. Donn went on to study at Yale and Columbia, where he later served as the Harkness Professor of Ophthalmology, Department Chairman and Director of the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute. In 1955, he travelled to England for postgraduate work in corneal physiology at the Institute of Ophthalmology, London, as assistant to the Queen's Ophthalmologist, Sir Stewart Duke-Elder. Specializing in diseases of the cornea, Dr. Donn pioneered the development of now routine techniques, including intraocular lens implantation following cataract surgery and specular microscopy to monitor the endothelial cells lining the back of the cornea with David Maurice, Ph.D. He earned international recognition for Columbia's corneal research program, leading to major funding from the National Institutes for Health in 1964 for a Corneal Center. After his retirement, the Anthony Donn Professorship in Ophthalmic Science was endowed in his honor to recognize his half century of contributions to Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is survived by his wife Linda, children Michael and his wife Gulbahar, son Alex and his wife Anat and daughter Cassin and her husband Geoffrey and grandchildren Aliya, Ashraf, Phoebe, Amos and Barnaby. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Northeast Vermont Regional Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ANTHONY DONN
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
Steven Michielli
January 23, 2024
My name is Steven Michielli & I was fortunate that my parents brought me to Dr. Donn at the Harkness Pavilion when I was 3 (approximately 1961) for corrective surgery for a lazy eye. It was always magical visiting Dr. Donn in his office with his gentle demeanor. In 1993 I brought my son Ralph there for a similar affliction. When Dr. Donn realized it was me his words were..."it's time to retire", with a laugh. Although he wasn't performing that type of surgery anymore it was wonderful to see him, which was the last time I saw him. My memories of him are magical. My deepest condolences to the Donn family.
Stuart Kuby
November 29, 2023
Thank you forever for saving my vision
Stuart Kuby
April 26, 2020
APOLOGIES FOR NOT FOLLOWING THROUGH ON THE DIALOGUE WITH PETER'S FAMILY.
I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IN TOUCH (978-491-9003).
SENDING HEALING ENERGY, AKA PEACE/LOVE/BLESSINGS.
Mary Elizabeth Gray
April 25, 2020
I recall Tony telling me that he read Marcel Proust's "Remembrance of Things Past" twice! Proust had very special meaning for him. Tony was an avid reader and was often seen taking long walks from his 5th Avenue apt. to the Century Association and back again...he also loved taking very long country walks during his stay in Vermont. He was the consummate host to Dr. David Maurice and his gaggle of Columbia post docs (and me) when we descended on him in Vermont for a long weekend. I still have the fragrant walking stick I picked up along the road during that memorable and idyllic stay. Such a lovely, gentle, quiet man! I will always miss him and think of him with heartfelt thoughts. Mary Elizabeth Gray
Michael Blumenfeld
August 29, 2019
Tony was probably the most illustrious member of his extended family, and certainly one of the nicest human beings. Too many years ago,he was my cousin and (very) occasional tennis partner. Today -- in 2019 --I wondered if he was still alive, and saddened when I found the answer.
Michael Sperber
April 25, 2019
Dear Michael, Gullu, Ashraf, Aliya.
My mother played bridge with Alice; my father was friends with Louis; my brother roomed with Tony and I admired him for his incisive intellect, great sense of humor; and abundant joie de vivre.
I have never met anyone who could get at the heart of a problem better than Tony.
I loved him and would welcome a phone call from anyone in the family who would like to learn more about this amazing person.
Love,
Mike Soerber
(978) 491-9003
Bruce Friedricks
August 1, 2017
Just now learned of Anthony's passing. "Dr. Tony" as I used to call him as a child, performed eye surgery on me at the Eye Institute for strabismus in 1971 when I was 12 years old. He was my opthamologist for 30 years until I moved to California in 1990. His comforting voice and thoughtful demeanor always made me feel at ease and well cared for. So grateful to have known him. My sympathies go out to his family. May Anthony's memory forever be a blessing. Sincerely, Bruce
May 7, 2017
I take this opportunity to share my enthusiasm for a remarkable human being.
Tony shone like a star. It was a gift to know him and discover what we are capable of accomplishing--on and off the tennis court.
With love,
Mike
May 6, 2017
Tony was a dear friend back in the 1970's. I think of him often; He was a wonderful man. I will miss him.
Charlie Hayes..
Mary Elizabeth Gray
February 3, 2017
Dear Linda and Donn family,
I met Tony through David Maurice after David moved to NY to do research at Columbia University. I am very sad to learn that Tony passed away. I thought of him recently when I visited the FIT museum show entitled, "Proust's Muse" and was about to mail him the exhibition flyer since I knew he read Proust extensively and would have enjoyed seeing it. How sad to lose such a wonderful friend and physician. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless you,Tony. May you rest in peace throughout eternity.
Sincerely, Mary Elizabeth Gray
Michael Sperber
July 29, 2016
Dear Friends,
I knew Tony growing up in Westport, Conn. His mother, Alice, and his father, Louis, were friend of his parents and the built identical homes in a community called Stonybrook.
I remember his agility and enthusiasm as a tennis player and his deft wit.
With love to you all, Mike Sperber
July 24, 2016
Very sorry to her of Dr Donn's death- he was a very kind gentleman- we enjoyed conversations with him here in Burke- our deep sympathy, Ed & Marti Palank
ALKA Goyal
May 7, 2016
Dear Michael and Gulbahar,
Our sincere and deep condolences to both of you and the rest of the family.
Alka and Rahul Goyal
May 5, 2016
Dear Mike and Gulbahar
Our condolences to you and the entire family.
Your dad was truly a remarkable man and doctor from what I have read.
Sunil,Usha Trisha and Nikhil and Rhea
Padmaja Nair
May 3, 2016
Dear Michael, Gullu, Ashraf, Aliya,
Please accept our heartfelt, sincere condolences,
Padmaja, Hari, Meenakshi and Gayathri
May 3, 2016
Dear Linda,Cassie,Alex and entire Donn family, I am so saddened to learn of Tony's passsing. He was my "friend in The White House" during our shared years at The Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute. He was adored by his patients and collegues alike.May his warm memories be a source of comfort to you and other loved ones. May he rest in peace. Martin L. Leib, M.D.
John Pastore
May 2, 2016
Marilyn and I send our heartfelt sympathy to Linda and to Tony's entire family. From my front porch on Darling Hill Road in East Burke, Vermont I would often see Tony take his car down from his beautiful residence near us, then get out and take his constitutional walk for exercise, right up to this year, his 90th. I would go out to meet him and he would be both warm and gracious in our conversations, often giving me, a fellow physician, cogent advice on post-medical practice life. I shall miss him and those wonderful moments but am grateful to have shared them with him.
Luann Hastie
May 2, 2016
I got to know Dr. Donn many, many years ago when I worked at Bailey's Country Store in East Burke village. I also worked with his daughter there. He was a very kind and quiet man...but easy to get to know. I'm glad I had that opportunity.
Cathi Feeley
May 2, 2016
Dear Donn Family,
Tony was a very special man and I will miss him, I loved to see him out walking on Darling Hill and hanging out at the East Burke Market. I appreciate all the support he gave to the Burke Mountain Club and lots of other local organizations. He was a true Vermonter and he will be missed by many.
Jim Auran
May 1, 2016
Tony
You were a leader, a mentor, and a friend. I am forever grateful for all that you dod for me and for countless others (patients ad colleagues.
Barbara Fight
May 1, 2016
To my dear friend Cassie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad's legacy is rich and he' will live on in the memory of the countless lives he touched, I wish you peace in this time of grief. My condolences to your entire family. I love you.
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