Tom J. Wachtel

Dr. Tom J. Wachtel, 61, of Pineledge Rd, Greenville, died Monday, June 8, 2009, at home. He was the beloved husband of Lynn Wachtel; beloved father of Emilie, Nicole, and Gregory; beloved son of Erika Wachtel and the late Jean Louis Wachtel; and beloved brother of Dany Wachtel, Irene Wachtel, and Susan Erny.

    Dr. Wachtel was born in New York City, New York, and raised in France, where he received a Baccalaureat in Mathematics (1966) from the Lycee de Selestat, France, and the degree of Doctor of Medicine (1973) from the Faculte de Medecine de Strasbourg, France. After graduation, he moved to the United States, serving first as a surgical resident at Genesee Hospital, Rochester, NY, then as a medical resident at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI.

    Dr. Wachtel joined the faculty of Brown University’s (then) program in Medicine (now the Warren Alpert Medical School) as an Instructor in 1978, advancing to the rank of Professor of Medicine in 1995. Dr. Wachtel was known for his love of teaching and research, and leaves behind him many students and colleagues enriched by his keen intellect, his dry wit, and his compassionate concern for all those around him.

    Throughout his career, Dr. Wachtel maintained a busy medical practice, with special emphasis both on the elderly and the disabled. He was passionate about his patients, and they were equally passionate about their good doctor. He will be sadly missed by the many he served.

    Dr. Wachtel had a lifelong love of art and collecting. He was passionate about hiking, spending many peaceful hours walking through the woods of Rhode Island. He travelled extensively with his family. National Parks and the desert were among his favorite places to hike with his wife and children.

    Funeral arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the DaVinci Center for Community Progress, 470 Charles St., Providence, RI 02904 in Dr. Wachtel’s memory would be appreciated.