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Arnold Goldschlager Obituary
December 8, 1938 - August 13, 2020
Arnold W. Goldschlager, M.D., died on Thursday, August 13, 2020, at the age of 81.
Arnold Goldschlager was born in New York City on December 8, 1938. He was educated at Stuyvesant High School and Union College, where he achieved high honors and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He attended medical school at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. His postgraduate medical training was at Albert Einstein, Mount Sinai Hospital, Columbia University, and UCSF. He served in the US Air Force, active duty, from 1967 to 1969, and was chief of medicine at Selfridge Airforce Base Hospital in Michigan. He practiced medicine and cardiology in San Mateo County for 50 years and taught at UCSF for 40 years, achieving the rank of Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine. In addition, Dr. Goldschlager was a pioneer in civilian aeromedical transport and helped found and establish Air Ambulance in California and Hawaii.
An avid outdoorsman and active hunter/conservationist, he had a leadership role in organizations that foster hunting education and conservation, including the Mzuri Safari Club and the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation, where he was honored with the Sportsman of the Year award. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association, the California Waterfowl Association, and Safari Club International. He was a Knight Officer in the International Order of Saint Hubertus, an organization that promotes hunting ethics and conservation. Dr. Goldschlager was also an avid yachtsman and a member of the St. Francis Yacht Club.
Well-loved by all who knew him, he is survived by his wife, Nora Goldschlager, M.D.; his daughter Hilary Goldschlager and her husband, Ben Fletcher; and his daughter Nina Goldschlager Perry and her husband, Frederick Perry.
Donations in his honor may be made to Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) or to the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arnold Goldschlager
Sanjeev Saksena
August 17, 2023
My last memory of Arnie was a wonderful lunch with him and Nora at the Yacht Club. We had a wonderful old friends meet, reminisced, and shared the wonderful view of the Bay. Full of enthusiasm that day, he presented me with a hat with their emblem. A man of great courage, never backed down from a challenge..I will always miss my friend.
irwin
August 17, 2023
Arnie remains with me as i so often recall the precious moments during those memorable times with my dear friend. With respect, admiration, and loving warmth I remember my special friend.
Steve Nelson
August 2, 2022
Just found out about Dr. Goldschlager´s passing. He was my dad´s cardiologist and primary care physician from the time my dad was diagnosed with multiple blockages in 1984 until he passed away in 2011. After my mom passed away in 2010, I went with my dad to his appointments with Dr Goldschlager. I found him to be not only a remarkable doctor, but a remarkable person. He will be sorely missed.
Tony Llanos
February 9, 2021
Dr. Goldschlager was my family's physician for 40+ years and all of us loved him. He saved my grandfather and my mother years ago and gave them a few more years. Dr. Goldschlager was a kind and caring doctor and we will certainly miss him. Condolences to his wife and family. May he rest in peace.
Sanjeev SAKSENA
December 6, 2020
I just became aware of this great loss. I remember Arnie most of all for his love of his profession, his patients and his passion for his outdoor activities and this nation. His anecdotes about challenges in caring for patients well were always part of our conversations .
He loved being a caring physician and his patients gave great meaning to his existence.
A true patriot and true friend, who served his patients till the last..
May God bless his soul and keep him in his arms
My deep and heartfelt condolences to Nora. Hilary, nina and their families.
Ross Schiveley
September 25, 2020
I just wanted to say how sorry I am at the passing of Mr. Goldschlager or better known as Arnie. He was an awesome guy that was always willing to help. His guidance on Tinsley Island in the area of first aid, medical response and in general anything and everything if he knew it could help. I loved his humor, subtle and a little dry. He never let the grass grow under his feet and always shared his stories about his life and love for hunting. He will be missed very much. I will always remember him, he was one of my very favorite’s.
Carol Toomey
September 21, 2020
I had been a patient of Dr. Goldschlager for 40 years which is half my life. He was a very compassionate man and was always willing to listen to me and he helped me through some very hard times. He was our family doctor. He took care of my husband before he passed away and also my oldest son who passed away. I will never find another doctor like him who was so understanding. My sympathy goes to his wife and family. RIP
mark hudson
September 10, 2020
I worked as a nurse at Seton Med Center (33 yrs) in critical care so Arnie and my paths crossed frequently . We shared some common interests and I never tired of listening to his take on almost any subject you could come up with. He was truly an exceptional physician and taught me a lot.
My favorite Arnieism was when he told me he moved from New York to San Francisco “so he could be a country doctor “ . We’ll all miss you Arnie
Mark Hudson
Hilary Sellars
September 8, 2020
I am sorry to hearing of the passing of Dr. G. I met him in the early 1990’s when I worked for Key Pharmaceuticals. He was a delight to visit. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Warmly, Hilary Sellars
Marie Cox
September 1, 2020
I’ve been a patient of Dr Goldschlager for at least 30 years and enjoyed every visit with him. He had the gift of making one feel relaxed, similar to sitting with a friend discussing aches and pains while discussing the latest best seller book. Dr Goldschlager was a true Renaissance Man and will be sorely missed.
Assal Yavari
September 1, 2020
We are devastated to hear of Dr. Goldschlager's passing. He was our family doctor for many years and a true legend. We will miss him dearly and our thoughts and prayers are with him, daughters and staff who worked with him over the many years.
- The Yavari Family
Nancy and Jim Campanile
August 27, 2020
I just found out about the passing of Dr Goldschlager. He was such a great doctor, and A wonderful man. He will be missed . Our sincere condolences to his wife Nora, and family.
August 27, 2020
dr. Arnold Goldschlager
1938 - 2020
Dr. Arnold Goldschlager was our family physician and cardiologist for several decades. His impeccable professionalism cultivated by years of experience, his kind demeanor, a keen eye and concern for his patients inevitably saved countless lives, (certainly many in our own family!) not only by addressing existing conditions, but effectively endorsing prevention where needed (including the serious case of this grateful patient).
Over the years, dr. Goldschlager became dr. Arnie, a loved and admired physician who was an unending source of knowledge, wisdom, understanding and action always focusing on the patient-person. But, he was also a loving family man, a principled man with defined, enviable philosophy of life, and a man who simply loved life: on a safari, on a range, on the ocean, in the classroom, in the examining room....He was, indeed, one of a kind!
We are left with a deep feeling of sorrow and loss which will be with us for a long time, but which will eventually evolve into a permanent memory of a noble man who was at peace with himself and who made his mark with honor in all of our lives. He will, indeed, be missed!
We extend our condolences to dr. Nora Goldschlager and to the Goldschlager family. Our thoughts and prayers are, and will be, with you.
Dan Rados, Burlingame
Nurses of H32/38 (old 5E/5R) @SFGH
August 27, 2020
We, the staff of the cardio-pulmonary ICU @San Francisco General Hospital extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Dr. Nora Goldschlager, & his children. Dr. Nora Goldschlager was our well loved & respected colleague for many years & our thoughts are with her at this time.
Richard Holober
August 27, 2020
I was Dr. Goldschlager's patient for over seven years. He was a remarkable physician who was extremely knowledgeable about medicine, and had a genuine interested in his patients as human beings. He always took the time to explain his diagnosis and answer my many questions regarding my health status. I always looked forward to my appointments because of his engaging conversations and his breadth of understanding of so many subject areas. I learned to schedule appointments early in the day and arrive late to appointments since he ran late, and I'm sure I made his later patients have to wait even longer since we talked and talked. We had great conversations about our shared love of history, New York, and Yiddishkeit. His guidance and empathy when I was in mourning helped me a great deal. He made himself available by phone to give me confidence in the medical treatment I received when I was critically ill during a trip to Mexico. I have had good doctors in the past, but none of the good ones came close to Dr. Goldschlager. I will miss him dearly.
Gina yip
August 26, 2020
I’m so lucky to working with Dr. Goldschlager over 20 years , I learned so much from him he’s the best doctor ever.
Ron
August 26, 2020
Dr. Goldschlager saved my life In more ways than one. He was the finest doctor you could ever have. You will truly be missed by your patients.
Mayra Cerdan
August 26, 2020
Our hearts are heavy and sad.
Dr. Goldschlager was our doctor for many years.
He was very thorough, proactive and caring. We were in good hands
under his truly preventive medicine approach.
We will deeply miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Goldschlager and family.
The Cerdan family
Larry Tweed
August 26, 2020
Doctor Goldschlager was my doctor for 40 years. I met him in the emergency room at Seton when I was barely an adult. In addition to caring for me, Dr G loved to talk about technology and computers with me, and about our families. I considered him a friend. I owe him my life, and I will miss him very much.
RIP Dr G
Patricia Staples
August 26, 2020
He was my doctor for more than twenty years he was the most loving compassionate doctor and I loved him
Rest In Peace Dr Goldschlager
Patricia Staples
sylvia Martinez
August 26, 2020
RIp, Dr. Goldschlager, you were our Dr. for over 30 yrs , you were a great man and a wonderful human being we will never forget you, my prayers and thoughts to the family
PauCarmen SALAI
a Gue
Raymond Grinsell
August 25, 2020
Dr. Goldschlager was and still is one of my personal heroes. He saved my life at least a few times, but that may have been the least of it. He was always there for me, whether or not I was down or in trouble. He was loyal. He took care of his extended family and friends.
He took care of me. I was his cardiac patient and his friend. I could talk to him about anything. I was in awe of his stoicism. When he had cancer, he would have the treatments at 8:00 in the morning so he could
still be ready to see his patients at 9:00.
I told him once that he was delightfully human. He didn't have a filter. What he felt or thought was all over his face. He could get irritated by stupid things. All of this made him even more approachable.
When I had issues with the Justice System, he helped me survive. He documented my medical issues, went out on al limb for me, and, again, saved my life. Today is my 78th birthday. I wouldn't be celebrating it without him.
I never called him "Arnie". I had too much respect for him to do that. It was always "Dr. Goldschlager", even when we went out to dinner a couple of times.
A real, genuine Mensch. He was an original. He saved so many of his
patients lives. He took better care of his patients that he did himself.
I aspire to attempt to live up to the values he projected and lived up to.
I miss him a great deal. It was a privilege and an honor to know him.
Rest in Peace, Dr. Goldschlager.
Irwin Shelub
August 25, 2020
A WORLD WITHOUT ARNIE
A World without my special friend and esteemed colleague Arnie
is less of a world. His fervent zest for life with an ardent sense of commitment were
underscored by steadfast energy. This led him to an insatiable appetite to Do and an unquenchable thirst to Know. Such a remarkable set of attributes were offered
by a one-of-a-kind blend of man named Arnold Goldschlager.
His dent in the world created a gravitational force that made
the realm of his company a drawing pull for me and so many others.
He shared vigorous and exuberant Being.
Therein will live the memorable Joy of spending time with Arnie.
The Spirit of this man made him a favorite for those who knew his
earnest heart. Accomplished thru his own indefatigable efforts he was the epitome
of an industrious individual with genuinely strong convictions. On occasion he might be
in violation as the rude but would so much more often capture our endearment.
In awe we watched as he carried on a lifelong scrum with a reality he incessantly challenged.
As a fellow physician it was Dr. Arnold Goldschlager that i trusted in my time of need to be my physician and unrelenting advocate; that which he would be and nothing less.
In life there are those with whom one shares a deep seated sympathy that contextualizes experience and supersedes difference to create unique meaningfulness.
Friendship with such a man is a real treasure.
Arnold Goldschlager shall always be that REAL Treasure.
Arnie shall always be My Special Friend.
irv
Bill Rosenberger
August 25, 2020
Billy and I were so great full too have Doctor Goldschlager.
Doctor Goldschlager was a great doctor and a strong man
I am glad I told Doctor Goldschlager that you’re the best when I
seen him back in February. My condolences too the family.
Barbara & Billy Rosenberger
Catherine Fraley
August 24, 2020
Over 20 years ago, my boyfriend met Arnie when he sold him the first of several cars, and they bonded over their passion for duck hunting. Bob was welcomed into Arnie’s weekend circle of friends who would practice shooting quail at the ranch in Pescadero, and when I joined him I met Nora, who is the great love match and lifelong partner to Arnie’s larger-than-life personality. We all became great friends and socialized and attended the theatre together on a number of occasions.
One of the great moments of our friendship was when Bob and I were engaged and we went up to see his new boat in the Delta after having dinner nearby. As soon as we stepped on the boat, Arnie took our hands and clasped them together with his while saying that as captain of the vessel Avenue A, he hearby pronounced us man and wife as per the laws when at sea. He then produced a lovely certificate that was witnessed and signed by “Nora Goldschager, “Ablebodied Seawoman.” This beat the later on-land ceremony in so many ways!
Arnie was a man of great passion, intellect and generosity who gave so much to us all. His passing is a loss for everyone whose lives he touched, even if briefly.
Until we see you again, dear Arnie, we will miss you every day.
Catherine and Bob Fraley
John Petino
August 24, 2020
Arnold Goldschlager MD
In the fall of 1986 I had a heart attack at my home in Moss Beach. The Cardiologist who saved my life that day was Arnold Goldschlager. He, until his retirement a few months ago was not only my Cardiologist but my primary physician as well. Over those years I had been under his care through 2 other heart attacks and various other illnesses.
Arnold died on the 21st. I considered him a friend. We spoke of many things like the 49ers, hunting, vacations, religion and politics - some times making him run late with other patient office appointments.
He was a good man. I shall miss him for the rest of my life for more reasons than medicine.
Rest In Peace Arni.
Stan and Pamela Atwood
August 24, 2020
We will miss Arnie. Our condolences and love to Nora, Hillary and Nina.
Igor Berman
August 24, 2020
I am thankful for a chance to know Dr.Arnold Goldschlager and be his patient for many years .
He was the greatest, real doctor, mentor and friend .
Condolences to Dr.Nora Goldschlager, Hillary and Nina , also to the Staff of Dr.Goldschlager’s medical office .
Francis Chang
August 24, 2020
I was a patient of Dr Goldschlager for the last 3 years but I felt he was the BEST doctor I have known. I wished I had seen him much sooner. I will miss him very much and he will be remembered in my heart forever. My condolences to his family.
Francis Chang
Jeff Downs
August 23, 2020
I will miss Arnie. He was a genuinely great person and friend. I am honored to have known him. My condolences to you all!
Cathy Chimenti
August 23, 2020
The one and only Arnie! He was teacher, mentor, friend, and colleague. I had the privilege to practice cardiology with him, and to learn from him for 32 years where he was the exemplary compassionate doctor and sage clinician. He was a very learned man with diverse interests, a historian, an advisor, a man of wit, and a great story -teller, who loved life and all its adventures. It was an honor to work so closely with him and to know him. Many memories in our hearts . Condolences to his family of whom he was so proud.
Ellen killebrew
August 23, 2020
Arnie was a wonderful friend, caring physician, humanitarian, loving father and husband and I was proud to have known home for 51 years
August 23, 2020
He was our doctor for decades. Truly, one of a kind. A great man as well as a great doctor. We will miss him immensely. Frank Harrington and Karen Petromilli
Janelle Dutto
August 23, 2020
I am honored to have spent 22 years of my career working for Dr. Goldschlager. He had a larger than life presence and was truly one of a kind. He was my boss, mentor, father figure and my friend. He taught me so much about medicine and about life in general. We will all deeply miss him. My sincerest condolences to his wonderful wife Dr. Nora Goldschlager and his daughters Hilary and Nina.
Steve Franco
August 23, 2020
My doctor and my pal We go back over 40 years. Gonna miss the stories about his adventures. A great friend to Israel.
Karen Tunnell
August 22, 2020
I was a patient for over &0 years and had great respect for his medical expertise. He was notorious for running behind in his schedule because he spent so much time with his patients. He will be sorely missed.
Angela Giomi
August 22, 2020
Dr. Goldschlager left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. I feel utterly honored to have had him in my life for the last 22 years. I am so fortunate to have heard first hand of his many accomplishments, experiences, and adventures. I will miss him more then words can express. My sincere condolences to his equally wonder wife, Nora and daughters.
Gail Dutto
August 22, 2020
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Goldschlager. He was a wonderful employer to our daughter and doctor to her father. Our condolences to his family.
Helen Arana
August 22, 2020
Dr Goldschlager was a wonderful man. He was a great physician. I enjoyed conversing with him. I will miss him and will remember him.
John Scarpace & Joanne Scarpace
August 22, 2020
We will miss Dr. Goldschlager. He was our wonderful and caring Dr.
We enjoyed working with him and having him take care of us and our family. It will be hard to replace you.
Geraldine Hanna Lara
August 22, 2020
Dr. Goldschlager thank you for all you did for my family. You will be forever in my heart. My Condolences to your family.
Paul Feldman
August 22, 2020
A wonderful doctor and a wonderful man....
Judy mckinney
August 21, 2020
Dr.Goldschlager,was a true gentleman I had the privilege of working for him,he was a kind and generous man.He was a character when he would receive new duck whistles many memories that make me smile. My prayers to his family
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