Dr. Paul Niloff

Paul Niloff Obituary

Remembering Dr. Paul Niloff
Dr. Paul Niloff passed away on December 3, 2020 after 99 years filled with love and accomplishment. To most, Paul was known as a gifted physician. To the three generations he leaves behind, including six great-grandchildren, he'll be remembered as a role model for how life should be lived. Paul's constant optimism and good cheer filled the room. He saw the best in everything - and everyone. Fairness was more important than winning. Every joke deserved a laugh. Everyone he met was treated with respect. Paul knew how lucky he was in life, never took anything for granted, and was a force for good in all things.
A child of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Paul graduated McGill University Medical School at the age of 22. After graduation, Paul served as a Captain in the Canadian Army Medical Corps in active duty in World War II. After the war, Paul finished his education, and eventually became an Associate Professor of Surgery at McGill. Paul's career saw him quickly become a leader, first as Chief of Surgery at Reddy Memorial Hospital in Montreal, and later as Chief of Staff at Palm Beach Regional Hospital in Florida. A true renaissance man, one day Paul might be found doing house calls, and the next he'd be in the lab doing cutting edge research. He wrote dozens of renowned research papers, and the development of the Niloff Bile Duct Tube helped countless patients. Paul retained his brilliant medical mind to the end; he published his last paper at the age of 91.
Paul's generosity of spirit, and deep faith, led him to always give back what he could. The causes he supported are too numerous to list, but he took special pride in his work for the Combined Jewish Appeal in Montreal.
A life this full is rarely accomplished alone, and Paul was no exception. His wife, Petty, was his match in every way, and his fierce protector at all times. Petty will miss Paul dearly, as will all who had the privilege of knowing him - especially his family. Paul was the loving father and father-in-law of the late Dr. Jonathan Niloff and Rebecca, Donna Hirschfeld and Jack, Susan Weisz and Daniel - the proud grandfather "Papa" of Lauren (Matt), Samantha (Dale), Eric (Jennifer), Stephanie (Gerold), David (Ashley), and Julie - great-grandfather to Liam, Max, Hannah, April, Dana and Joanna - and brother of the late Joseph Niloff.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service was held on December 4.
Donations in Dr. Paul Niloff's honor can be made to Temple Emanu-el, 190 N County Road, Palm Beach, Florida 33480, (561) 832-0804.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Niloff

7 Entries

Albert Ray

January 17, 2021

Dr Paul Niloff and family treated me so nicely when I was an American Extern in General Surgery at the Reddy Memorial Hospital and later as a Resident in Family Medicine at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. I was so sorry to hear of his death and the untimely passing of his son as well. They were both very kind, loving people who had a lasting effect on my medical career. Wonderful memories remain and I send sincere condolences to the entire family.

Doug Yarnold

December 28, 2020

As a CRNA, I shared the operating room with Dr nyloff on many many occasions. a very gifted surgeon and an absolute pleasure to work with in the operating room. His smile, his demeanor, his bedside manner, as well as his skill as a surgeon should be a model for all who go into medicine/surgery as a career.

Bob Rajcoomar, MD

December 8, 2020

I was very sad to read about the passing of Dr. Niloff. I met Dr. Niloff when I joined the medical staff at Doctor's Hospital. He was very happy to learn that I attended medical school in Saskatchewan, Canada where he served as a medical officer in the Canadian Armed forces. He introduced me to other Canadian physicians and his friends on the hospital staff. He served as my mentor and advisor. He was also my reference when I attended graduate school at the University of Miami. He was an excellent surgeon and my patients loved him. It was an honor and a privilege to know and work with Dr. Niloff. He will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Niloff and the rest of the Niloff family.

Joan Lupovich

December 7, 2020

Dear Petty and family, I am sorry to hear of the sad loss of Paul.We went back in time for so many years. Aside from being a wonderful doctor, he was a true friend and great story teller.We spent time in Florida together on your honeymoon where Petty and I chose a winner at the race track, and Paul picked Jack up on the way to shul Saturday mornings.I hope the happy moments you all shared will give you comfort at this sad time. Joan

Pamela & Harold Garfinkle

December 6, 2020

Dear Mrs Niloff, Donna & Jack, Susan & Danny, Rebecca and family:
Our sincerest sympathy to all of you on your great loss. We are certain that your wonderful memories of this great man will stay with you forever and he will always serve as a model on how a life should be lived to its fullest. We wish we could be with you to give you our condolences in person, instead we send you our virtual hugs. We wish you many simchot in the future.
Love, Harold & Pam Garfinkle

Lee Fischer MD

December 6, 2020

I was extremely saddened to learn of Paul’s death. I was looking forward to speaking with him July 1 on his 100th birthday. I treasure the many years we shared as colleagues at Doctor’s Hospital/Palm Beach Regional Hospital/JFK caring for patients and in hospital governance. But my fondest memories are the four years we played golf nearly every Sunday. In addition, we often went out on Friday afternoon to play nine holes and always had a wonderful time. He shared many stories about his education and years spent practicing medicine.
Paul was born 6 months after my dad who also loved golf. As he was gone, Paul became something of a father figure for me when it came to sharing the love of golf. When I moved to Indianapolis in 2006, playing golf and spending time with Paul was at the top of the list of things I missed most about the move.
I send my condolences to his family and his passing has left a void in my life. I will always remember the time we spent together.

Elaine Miller Matthews

December 5, 2020

Dear Donna , Jack and Susan, so very sad to hear about your Dad! He was a giant in every way. Such a brilliant man. But what stands out in my mind was his sweet smile and genuine warmth. You guys have wonderful memories to cling on to. My thoughts are with you! Love Elaine M ❤❤❤

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