STERN, Donald M.D. Passed away peacefully in his home in Brookline, MA, on January 23, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on July 15th, 1942, and raised in Shaker Heights, OH. He graduated from Harvard in 1964 and went on to earn his M.D. from Columbia University in 1968. After completing his residency at the University of California, San Francisco, he worked for the CDC in Atlanta, and then studied malaria in India. He was part of both private and group practices with a focus on gastroenterology and internal medicine affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. As a member of the clinical faculty of Harvard Medical School, Don imparted his patient-centered values to the next generation of medical students. He was a highly respected and beloved physician for over 40 years. After retiring from medicine in 2012, Don dedicated himself to his other true calling, doting on his family. In addition, he loved taking long bike trips across Europe and spending summers at Massachusetts beaches with his family. A lifelong student of the world, he read and re-read classic and contemporary literature and historical works, and he loved art and theater. Don treated everyone he met with his trademark and inimitable sincerity, kindness, humility, and compassion. He was deeply curious and open-minded, a true mensch. He will be remembered as a generous, devoted, and cherished father, grandfather, husband, and trusted friend and confidante to many. Don is survived by his wife, Louise; his daughters, Hilary Crane-Stern (Meg) and Erika Houghtlin (Jamie); and his grandchildren, Max, Gus, and Ella, and Louise's two daughters and their husbands and children whom he treated as his own. Don was predeceased by his parents, Nelson Stern and Shirley Whitman Bernstein; and his brother, Bill Stern, of Cleveland, OH. Memorial contributions may be made in Don's name to the BIDMC Healthcare Heroes Fund. The family is having a private service in Boston on February 1st.

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Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for DONALD STERN

12 Entries

melissa I serwacki

July 27, 2023

Dr Stern was my favorite client when his office had an account with Quest Diagnostics - a medical testing lab that was originally in Cambrige MA.- Dr Stern would call to Quest early every morning and say "Hello, this is Don Stern". I knew it was Dr Don Stern and always called him "Dr Stern" out of respect. There was a time I working on a Sunday and had laryngitis. Dr Stern called in and asked "Is this the Melissa I talk to during the week "? I said yes it is. Dr asked me what happened. I told him that I had laryngitis and my throat Dr didn't know why. Dr Stern said if my throat Dr couldn't fix the laryngitis then to come and see him. I told Dr Stern that I definately would. Dr Stern was very nice and kind. I really enjoyed our interactions.
Rest in Peace Dr Don Stern.
Melissa Serwacki

Andy Joakim

February 8, 2023

years ago i lived in boston and had terrible stomach issues. i had seen many doctors before doctor stern but the problem persisted. i was in discomfort for years. he fixed me up in no time. i was so excited i remember i got him a gift certificate to the capital grill!! we are going back 30 years. i was curious about him lately, not sure why, and then i saw the sad news on google. i only knew him briefly but he was a total gentleman. i´m sorry for your loss. i will always remember him. Andy Joakim

Jack Wolf Spitzberg M.D.

February 3, 2023

I was so saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was one of my best friends both at Harvard University and Columbia med. He was at my wedding. He was a smart and caring person with a great sense of humor. We will all miss him.

Robert Hanson

February 3, 2023

Dr Stern was my personal physician for almost 20 years. His kind and understanding manner made visits to his office a pleasure, rather than something to dread. When he retired, he was particular helpful in finding someone to replace him, as though that were possible. He will be remembered fondly, and missed.

Judith Wolff

February 1, 2023

Another admirer here. Dr. Stern was my doctor when I was a teenager in Brookline a million years ago, and into my thirties, even after I lived out of state. He was the best; kind, curious, and thoughtful. He had a wonderfully friendly voice, full of interest and compassion. I haven't had a doctor since Don who made me feel as valued or respected as he had a way of doing with his patients. What a mensch. May his memory be a blessing.

annette pringle

January 31, 2023

Dr Donald Stern was simply the best doctor we ever had! Apart from his superb knowledge as a doctor he cared as a human being like no one else. Every time one of us had to go into hospital, he would appear at the bottom of your bed the next day to make sure that you were in good hands! And that is what our whole family felt: we were in good hands with Donald Stern!
Sadly, we were unable to follow him into the Concierge practice, but we wished him all the best!
I am sure he will be sadly missed by thousands! They don´t make them like that anymore!!
Our condolences to the family!
Annette and Michael Pringle

Nancy and Jim Blum

January 30, 2023

Dr. Stern was my mother and father´s doctor, and then became mine and my husband´s, too. We started going to him when my mother was first a patient of Dr. Ben Banks.
Dr. Stern was so kind, so thorough, and always took as much time as you needed to sit across from him at his desk to talk about whatever you needed him to. In the 15 years or so since he was no longer our doctor, we have many times said that there is no other doctor like him.
May his memory be for a blessing.
Nancy and Jim Blum

Alisa & Glenn Levine

January 29, 2023

Don Stern was our primary care physician for many years. He had the unique gift employing comic relief at just the right moments. He taught us so many lessons that we often recall with fondness, gratitude, and love. We wish all of his families much comfort. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Alisa & Glenn Levine

Edythe Harkins

January 29, 2023

Dr. Stern was my primary care doctor for many years. He was exceptionally skilled, kind, compassionate.....and funny. I always felt better after seeing him. After he retired I saw him at a craft show in Jamaica Plain. He was there to support his daughter who was exhibiting and he just glowed with pride telling me about her. He was truly special.

Fred Chanowski

January 29, 2023

We were extremely saddened to hear of Don´s passing. We could not have respected and adored him any more than we did for the nearly 40 years he cared for us. We hope his memory brings you many blessings.
Fred & Linda Chanowski

Jay and Françoise Theise

January 28, 2023

A great physician who sincerely cared for his patients as a consummate healer and friend.

Donald Roskoph

January 27, 2023

To the STERN family
I offer you all my sincere condolences. Although you do not know me, I have known the Stern family in Cleveland for well over 50 years. I provided Nelson professional and personal insurance advice for many years. And then provided the same for Bill when he returned to Cleveland to take over and grow STERN ADV. Nelson´s brothers Sterling and Bruce also were valued clients
In later years Nelson became a neighbor of my mother-in-law at ACACIA Condo, while MARJORIE became a neighbor of mine at FAIRMOUNT COURTS. The intertwining of lives in the Cleveland Jewish community is amazing
I recall how proud Nelson was of both of Bill and Don´s accomplishments. It was a tragedy that the world lost them both in a 12 month period

It was an honor for me to know all the Stern family

Don Roskoph

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