Robert S. Abernethy M.D. III

Caroline and family, So very sorry to learn of Rob's passing. He was a wonderful boss, a strong leader, a great listener and a kind, generous man. Rest in peace, Rob.

Rob Abernethy was just a wonderful human being. He was a gifted clinician, a generous and supportive supervisor to me and many other residents and trainees, and a kind and supportive mentor who helped point me in important career directions. He was a true Southern gentleman with an abundance of warmth. I know he loved his family very much, and I am very grateful to have known him. My deepest condolences to Caroline, Franny, and the rest of the family.

I got was so lucky to spend time with Rob during one of the hardest times of my life. Because I was running a company at the time, I could only meet with him at 7 in the morning, which I assumed might be difficult for him, but he was kind to be there waiting for me in his red chair. His voice was powerfully calming, his questions brilliant, his sense of humor invaluable, and his wisdom remarkable. Rob remains one of the most wonderful people I've met in my life's journey. Chris Burr

I missed Rob's presence at MGH since the day he left. As one of my first supervisors and role models as community psychiatrist, he was so patient, warm, and good-natured about all that he did for trainees and patients. He was an important influence in my professional identity as a psychiatrist and, perhaps more importantly, how to be a good person. My sympathies to Caroline and all who loved him.

I was fortunate to have Rob as a therapy supervisor during psychiatry residency and will be forever grateful to him for sharing his wisdom about caring for patients and about life in general. Please accept my sincerest condolences on his passing and I do hope you are comforted in knowing that his legacy of caring continues in all of us that were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher and mentor.

Dr. Rob Abernethy was a true giant of grace, compassion and dignity. He cared for patients from all walks of life and illness with a depth of understanding and commitment that is rarely seen today. Rob was an inspiring mentor for all of us who were lucky to serve as his Chief Residents at Mass. General Hospital. He helped us develop as clinicians and human beings by his example of patience, temperance, and compassion. We will all deeply miss him as a mentor and a dear friend. Sincerely, Helen...

Dearest Mrs. A./Caroline, my heart goes out to you and your family. May all the good, warm, funny and happy memories start filling the void Rob has left behind. Your love for him and his for you lives on. Wishing I were closer to give you hugs of condolence, Beth Hucker

To the Abernethy family - My condolences to you all - Dr. Abernethy was my mom's psychiatrist from the mid-1970's until his retirement, and she always sang his praises. He was the one who was able to diagnose her bipoloar disorder, which had confounded other doctors. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008, and I met Dr. Abernethy many times at appointments when I would accompany my mom (she died in 2017). My heart goes out to you in this time, as I know the complicated pain, loss,...

Dear Caroline, We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Robert possessed a rare combination of intelligence and charm that will be truly missed by all of us who were privileged to know him. Your family is in our prayers. With sympathy, Everyone at Nicholas Christies