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BORN
1962
DIED
2021
Melanie Grossman Obituary
Melanie Grossman passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was loved and adored by her family and countless colleagues and friends who cherished her throughout the years. All will miss her warmth, kindness, and sparkling 1000-watt smile.
Melanie was born on May 20, 1962 to Harold and the late Rochelle Grossman, the oldest of three daughters. After spending her first few years in Brooklyn and Maryland, she grew up in Great Neck, NY. She earned her AB from Princeton University and her MD from New York University. She completed her residency in Dermatology at Columbia University and a fellowship in laser dermatology at Harvard. Melanie was a co-inventor and patent-holder of laser hair removal and was renowned globally as a pioneer of laser science. In 2017, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery granted her the Ellet Drake award for her outstanding contributions in the use of lasers and laser medicine. She opened her private practice in 2001 and used her skills to help people feel their best.
Despite all these accomplishments, it was Melanie's heart of gold that made her most special. Always understanding and supportive, Melanie took the time to get to know her patients, colleagues and friends and was loved by all. She was an amazing daughter, sister and wife.
In addition to her father, Melanie is survived by her husband David Worby, stepmother Donna Hirsch Grossman, loving sisters Gayle Grossman-Alweiss (Gary) and Elyn Grossman Levine (Adam), stepbrother Andrew Hirsch (Stefanie), stepchildren Jess (Merrill), Rebecca and Samuel Worby, adoring nephews Ryan and Max Alweiss, Jake Levine, nieces Sydney and Reece Levine, and Jordana and Skylar Hirsch.
Graveside funeral services are for immediate family only at 1PM, Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ. Those who wish to attend virtually may do so by going to the Robert Schoem Chapels website schoems.com
In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial donations be made to a jewish charity of your choice such as UJA or JNF.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melanie Grossman
Ann Marie Gray and Allison Gray
March 15, 2024
I was a patient of Melanie's some years ago. The time I spent in her company has stayed with me for years. I just learned of her passing and my heart is filled with grief. She was a beautiful woman. She was open and warm. She was intelligent, funny and had a big heart. My time with her was far more than skin care. It was sharing our views on motherhood and the bigger themes in life. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tam Abitante
January 29, 2023
Thinking of and missing Melanie today. I met Melanie many years ago when she opened her practice and hired my sister, Linda Walters, as her medical assistant and office manager. Over the years, I would occasionally meet both of them for dinner. I eventually became a patient and in most recent years, a confidant. She was truly an amazing person.
Freddy Jones
May 16, 2022
I was so saddened to learn of Melanie's passing. I knew that she was sick but was unaware that she had died last year. I met Melanie through a mutual friend and she became a customer of mine, and a friend. She never, ever, failed to try to help me with my business and was always happy to share her thoughts and ideas with me. She was an amazing person and I will really miss her.
Lori Setton
February 14, 2021
Melanie and I spent lots of hours together at Princeton as I typed up her senior thesis, on paper with a typewriter. She was always editing and we negotiated our way to her finish line with lots of laughter. That began a friendship that followed up to NY where I was a grad student at Columbia and we found time to talk about boys, clothes and our work. Mel could see to the heart of a dilemma and a person, remind you of your priorities and strengths and all that was good in the world. She was a passionate and committed friend, a vital force for good and a brilliant physician as well. Mel's being with us made a difference in our lives, and she will always be remembered with love.
Andrew M. Harrison
February 11, 2021
Dear David and Family:
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved Melanie. May her memory be for a blessing.
Sincerely,
Andrew M. (Andy) Harrison (AMH)
Christopher Breslin
February 4, 2021
Very few opportunities happen in life where you get the chance to meet and know someone that touches you deeply because you know that person is completely good, completely special, and only delivers happiness, joy, and goodness to the world around them. That is and will always be Melanie to me forever. Her insight to ask more how I was doing in my life while she battled her illness showed her unselfishness and gift to care about others. Melanie was beautiful inside and out and it is hard to believe she is not with us because I have never seen anyone fight like this in my life. She did it too with great class and dignity and I will always remember the last time I saw Melanie and she has her trademark smile. Heaven has just accepted a very honored guest. Chris Breslin.
yang yang
February 3, 2021
It was a privilege to spend time with Melanie over the past four years as a friend and t’ai chi and qigong teacher. She brought amazing vigor from her medical training to the study of that healing art, having the clear aim of using it to help other cancer patients and survivors. I was impressed by her amazing learning capacity. One of the topics we both liked in our meditations is a statement from Chinese philosophy: “While alive, I serve; when death comes, I rest.” She always served and extended her kindness to others. Shortly before her passing, she called my phone multiple times, leaving a message asking me to call back. When I reached her, I realized that her calls had nothing to do with her but instead was about helping someone else in need. I have saved her last message as a reminder. I will always treasure her kind nature. The
world lost an exceptional human being with her passing. Condolences to her family and the many her kindness has touched.
Alison Mars
February 2, 2021
We are so very saddened to learn of melanies untimely passing. So many memories of so long ago...her mother was a very special part of our lives. We think of her often through the years. We know her children had a strong base to grow from, because our dear friend Rochelle was a strong guiding hand for their future.
Sending a big healing hug to the Grossman family.
Our deepest condolence, Diane and Sandy Weinstein, Alison and Ricky Mars, Jamie and Bunnie Weinstein
Penney and Gerry Klingman
February 2, 2021
My husband, Gerry, and I and our entire family want to express our love and sympathy to Melanie’s family and her many friends. I met Mel in our first few days at Princeton when our fathers began talking while we waited in line to register for something when we were freshmen. So it was actually our fathers who introduced us—Mel and I always loved sharing that story. I’m so thankful to have known this beautiful, brilliant woman. She always wanted to know about my children and, down the road, my grandchildren. I know Mel cared deeply about me and my family, and I am so grateful for her influence on my life. Gerry and I extend our deepest sympathies to all who grieve her loss, and also celebrate her remarkable life.
SANFORD E WEINSTEIN
February 2, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Simone Taylor
February 1, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Please except my sincerest condolences to you & your family for the loss of your loved one.
Sheryl Miller, M.D.
February 1, 2021
My deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Melanie. I met Melanie when she a resident at Columbia and I had just finished my dermatology residency. Melanie was a warm, bubbly , brilliant young women. We had a friendship and deep respect for each other's accomplishments . Many years later I saw her on the corner of 72 and Lexington. We stopped and chatted. She told me that she had met a wonderful gentleman and recently married . I remember her face glowing with happiness , her eyes sparkling when she told me about her husband . Words cannot express the tragic loss of Melanie. May her memory be a blessing to her family and friends.
Gail Mautner
January 31, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person who always inspired me. Melanie guided me first as an NYU medical student and then as a dermatology resident at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. She was always so kind to me. She was beautiful and smart and always encouraged me. I’m so very sad to learn the news of her passing. My sincerest condolences to her entire family.
Brett Lev
January 30, 2021
My heart goes out to Melanie’s family, friends, colleagues and patients. I have so many fond memories of meeting Melanie in the Hamptons and forming a wonderful friendship that took us to Costa Rica, many nights out in NYC and a joint party we hosted in SoHo. I treasure those memories, and will always remember your grace, modesty, warm heart, inner and outer beauty, and calm presence. You will be missed but never forgotten, Melanie.
Robin Einbinder Milich
January 29, 2021
So saddened by the loss of Melanie. She was beautiful inside and out and had the best smile. She was such a caring special person who obviously touched so many lives. My sincere condolences to the Grossman family
Robin (Einbinder)
Patti Peterson
January 29, 2021
My deepest sympathy to her family. I am so sorry for your loss. I was a patient of hers for years. I looked forward to my appointments because I so enjoyed talking with her. She was kind and compassionate. Her death breaks my heart.
Tom Abinanti
January 29, 2021
David,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. To lose a partner in life is to lose part of you. May your memory of the good times you shared together help you through this difficult time. My condolences to you and your whole family.
Tom Abinanti
Kenneth J. Finger
January 29, 2021
David: A tragedy and we know there is nothing that one can say. We are truly sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt condolences from Dan, Carl, Dorothy and myself- Ken Finger
Janet Hill Prystowsky, MD, PhD
January 29, 2021
Melanie was an outstanding dermatology resident at Columbia when I was an Assistant Professor. It was clear she would do great things! Eventually I referred laser cases to her practice. What a lovely and brilliant woman! So sorry to learn of her passing.
Laurie Weisman
January 29, 2021
She was a very special physician who was warm, engaging and caring. You felt her full attention and depth of personality. My heart goes out to her family, friends, patients and staff. Laurie W.
Sandra Levin
January 28, 2021
I’ve always had a special love for you sisters because I so loved and respected your parents and especially your mom. She was kind and thoughtful so I guess this was passed on to you girls. Thinking of you all in this sad time.
Love Cousin Sandy Levin
Lee Einbinder
January 28, 2021
So deeply saddened to hear about Melanie. She will forever be part of my fond memories from Princeton, and for Lisa going back to Camp Starlight. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Melanie's family.
Lee and Lisa Einbinder
Joan Binstock Silvers and David Silvers
January 28, 2021
We loved Melanie from the moment we met her. She has been a good friend and a great colleague of David’s. She will not be forgotten.
Joan Binstock and David Silvers
Julie Krumholz Kalimian
January 28, 2021
Melanie was a truly special person. She was special for so many reasons. She was smart, kind, patient and caring. I came to her office as a patient and left as a lifelong friend. I will miss her and extend my deepest sympathies to the many whose lives she touched. This is a favorite photo of Melanie with my daughter right after she was born.
Ivy Kash Chasan
January 28, 2021
Melanie has been my dear friend and confidant for over 50 years. I loved her spirit, her intuition, and her intelligence. She lived as we all should live — fiercely, bravely, enthusiastically and like her life depended on it — long before it actually did. She will remain forever in my heart.
Roy Niederhoffer
January 28, 2021
Melanie was one of the most exceptional, wonderful and inspiring people I've ever met. I feel so lucky to have known her. What a beautiful life, and a beautiful person. Melanie was truly everything a woman could hope to be, and her life was a great gift to her family, her friends, and the world.
Wecker Irwin and Harriet
January 28, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Neil Sadick
January 27, 2021
Special person
Grace Zandarski
January 27, 2021
My brilliant friend Melanie was full of light, love, humor, and generosity. Truly beautiful inside and out, I will miss her deeply and always hold her in my heart. We met Freshman year at Princeton and her friendship is one of the treasures of my life. My deepest sympathy to all her family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I send love.
Myra Rappoport
January 27, 2021
Melanie never failed to greet me with her infectious smile and hearty hug. We got down to the business of life within moments of seeing one another. I always left Mel feeling heard and appreciated. You were a gift to all and you will be dearly missed.
Myra Rappoport
January 27, 2021
Melanie always welcomed me with an amazing hug and that contagious smile. We would get right to the heart of matters when we saw each other. And when I left I felt heard and appreciated. You were a gift to us for too short a time. Peace now to you.
Scott Scharfman
January 27, 2021
Melanie was a light in my life since high school. She was wise as well as smart, and good counsel to her friends through thick and thin. I miss her and express boundless sympathy to her family on their loss.
Jeff Wecker
January 27, 2021
To our dear friend Melanie, Rest In Peace. Wishing you an eternity of blessings and light. — With love and sincere condolences to your family, Celeste and Jeff Wecker
Nonnie Gerber
January 27, 2021
I remember us windsurfing at Napeague, running in Central Park, endless heart to hearts about boys and so many fun times and adventures in NYC and the Hamptons with my darling pal Melanie I adored. Inseparable for years when we lived one block from each other on the Upper East side.
I love and miss beautiful, brilliant, effervescent Mel. The world lost such a vibrant force when her flame was extinguished way too early.
She will always be remembered by me and everyone who was lucky enough to have had Melanie in their life.
Nonnie Gerber
January 27, 2021
I remember us windsurfing at Napeague, running in Central Park, endless heart to hearts about boys and so many fun times and adventures in NYC and the Hamptons with my darling pal Melanie. Inseparable for years when we lived one block from each other on the Upper East side.
I love and miss beautiful, brilliant, effervescent Mel. The world lost such a vibrant force when her flame was extinguished way too early.
She will always be remembered by me and everyone who was lucky enough to have had Melanie in their life.
Linda Walters
January 27, 2021
You were beautiful inside and out. It was my please to work with you for the past 20 years. You were not only my boss but a wonderful, kind, generous and loving friend. You will always be in my heart. Love you
Linda Walters
January 27, 2021
You were beautiful inside and out. It was my please to work with you for the past 20 years. You were not only my boss but a wonderful, kind, generous and loving friend. You will always be in my heart. Love you
Leslie Blake
January 27, 2021
So sorry to hear! Melanie and I were classmates at Princeton and I was lucky to get to know her well during our last 2 years three. She was smart, funny, kind and beautiful. She will be missed.
Jerome Potozkin
January 27, 2021
Melanie will be missed by all. I had the privilege of being a classmate of hers at NYU School of Medicine as well being a colleague in Dermatology. Melanie was a beautiful person inside and out. She was as smart as they come, kind, caring, and generous. So sad that she departed this planet much too soon.
Paula Markowitz Wittlin
January 27, 2021
What a kind, sensitive, tender and lovely soul! Melanie was also brilliant, loving and totally wonderful. A terrific friend, much loved. She will always be in my heart.
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