Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
KURT ISSELBACHER Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KURT ISSELBACHER
Hazel Dickerson
July 12, 2020
We Miss You Dr Isslebacher
Max Hughey
July 25, 2019
I was so sorry to hear that this great physician-scientist had passed away. He was the best employer: demanding, fair, and very generous.
My favorite memories of Dr. Isselbacher were watching his interaction among his family. He always seemed to be the kind of father we would all like. I especially admired his relationship with his wife, Rhoda. They were the very model of a loving, devoted, and committed couple.
Hans-Christian Reinecker
July 23, 2019
It is with great sadness that I learned today of Kurt Isselbacher's passing. His charisma and leadership was truely remarkable and formed generations of physicians and scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Kurt's tireless work ensured our success in advancing scientific progress and medical care. I am deeply grateful for the scinetific environment he helped create. He was an inspiartion to us all.
Hazel Dickerson
July 22, 2019
I had the pleasure of working for Dr Isslelbacher and Bubbie for many years I cared for his wife,the first time meeting them both I asked Rhoda what i should call and she said just call me Bubbie.
I loved working fot the family and was very sad when Jody got in touch and told me of his passing, he was a loving,caring,gentle man and loved to chat loved his coffee and cherry pies he always asked about my family and offer his advice to me if I had a problem.
I will miss you Dr Isselbacher I dont there will ever be another person like you but your name name will alwsys live on in your lovely family,as I always would say to you there what they are because of you.I will never forget you.R I P.
Joel Levine
July 21, 2019
It is with great sadness that i have read of the passing of Dr. Isselbacher. He was as all have described, a humane and deeply scholarly physician, a gentle and unfailingly kind man , a devoted family man and his family included so many of his trainees, and the purest form of intellectual in medicine,
He as very kind to me and those memories have shaped the way I have conducted by professional life.
It was a privilege to be trained by him.
Joel Levine.
Joel Levine
July 21, 2019
This is a sad day for many. For those of us who trained , as residents and fellows , under Dr. Isselbacher , his passing pulls us back to specific memories of his kindness and humanity to colleagues and patients. In my particular case, i will never forget the knock on my door at Zero Emerson Place on the day of the bris of my son. I opened it to find Kurt and other colleagues who came to participate and celebrate. His generosity stays with me to today.
After i left the GI Unit to lead a Division at the University of Connecticut , i spoke of him and of those days often. I spoke of the love of rigor, of original thought, of the humility to serve patients no matter how esteemed and admired. I recall a day when Tom LaMont and I listened to the speeches of those who had trained in the Unit. We marveled at the number of Professors of GI and Medicine, of heads of Divisions or Departments , of honors for research , both clinical and basic. If there is but one overarching legacy, it is the totality of the impact of those who passed through the GI Unit. It is a monument to excellence, service and civility.
He was a great and good human being.
Joel Levine
Robert Glickman
July 20, 2019
I trained in GI with Kurt and carried out research in his laboratory for many years at the MGH. We cared for patients together. He was a friend and the major mentor to me at every stage in my career. I could always count on him for wise advice and I asked him his advice before making any major career decision. He was my role model for what an academic physician should be. What a loss for us all. I am greatly saddened by his loss but his memory will be with me. With great sadness. Bob Glickman
Irwin (Win)Arias Arias
July 19, 2019
Sad news indeed. Kurt and I were friends and colleagues since we met at Harvard in 1946. Like others, I admired his brilliance, leadership and interest. We shared many meetings, social events and, in later years, reflections on the past, present and future. Kurt was the leader in bringing modern biochemistry into the field of gastroenterology and, in the process, trained innumerable leaders in medicine and basic science. Somehow he overcame the tragedies in his life and everyone admired his ability to to do so and continue in helping others. We will miss Kurt who was one of those "giants" whom is said that we stand on the shoulders of. Our condolence to all family members, friends and colleagues.
Win Arias
Senior Scientist Emeritus NIH
July 19, 2019
Sad news about the passing of a friend and colleague since 1946 when we were at Harvard together. Kurtwas a role model and we shared many conversations, social events, research projects and, as time went on, reflections about the past, present and future. Kurt broke the "sound barrier" in becoming perhaps the first leading academic gastroenterologist in the then-emerging era of biochemistry. He played a major role in bridging basic science and medicine and, in the process, trained brilliant younger colleagues who continue the activity. I will miss my old friend and send condolences to all members of his personal and professional family.
Win Arias
Senior Scientist Emeritus NIH
Robert Strauss
July 19, 2019
You shall forever remain in our hearts Forever! You leave an immense void that can not be filled. You are already missed by the scientific, and medical community. Rest in peace!
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in KURT ISSELBACHER's name
Memorial Events
for KURT ISSELBACHER
How to support KURT'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 KURT ISSELBACHER'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
