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Melvyn Ravitz Obituary

Melvyn "Mel" Jay Ravitz

Point Pleasant - Dr. Melvyn "Mel" Jay Ravitz passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, surrounded by loving family and special friends.

Mel was born in Montclair, New Jersey on October 24, 1943 to Dr. Israel and Katherine Ravitz. He was the middle child in his family, born between Dr. Gerald Ravitz and Larry Ravitz, and happily made trouble for both brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years Lori and his children; Nikki Ravitz, Jill Ravitz, Nathan Ravitz and his wife Andrea, Natalie Ravitz, and Lauren Naperski and her husband Nick.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Mel pursued a career in medicine, earning his bachelor's degree at the University of Vermont and his MD from West Virginia University. Over the course of his long and distinguished career in obstetrics and gynecology, Mel delivered more than 4,000 babies. When he announced his retirement in 2007 after 32 years in practice, patients sent him letters thanking him for his compassion, knowledge and expertise, through happy and sad times, surgeries and annual check-ups. But it was bringing babies into the world that he loved the most.

When not practicing medicine or spending time with his family, Mel could be found on his beloved and immaculately clean boat, Spring Fever, which he would take 40-to-100 miles offshore to fish for marlin, tuna, shark or whatever was biting. In 1983, he won Hoffman's Anchorage and Point Pleasant Borough Rotary Club's Mako Shark tournament by bringing in a 396-pound mako shark, which he named "Fred" and mounted on the wall of his office at Brielle Obstetrics.

Mel took up golf later in life, becoming a member of Eagle Oaks Golf Club, which he enjoyed greatly in his retirement years, even on days he "couldn't hit 'em straight." He also found one of the greatest joys in his life in being a grandparent -- to Hudson, Hannah, Daniella and Luke. To his grandchildren, he was just Pop-Pop: giver of sweet kisses and too-tight hugs, fishing instructor and ice-cream sharer.

He loved to travel; whether out west to Vail, Colorado where he taught his children to ski, to the Caribbean with Lori, their children and friends, or on his last big adventure to Australia and New Zealand with his daughter Natalie, where he insisted on joining her in sky-diving over a glacier.

Mel lived a full and happy life, even after his diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease, which he fought courageously for more than a decade. He will be remembered for his quick wit, mischievous sense of humor, generosity, loyalty and determination to live life to its fullest. And above all for the love of his family, who will miss him forever.

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

Published by Asbury Park Press on Aug. 4, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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Michael and Robin O’Neill

February 21, 2021

Dear Mrs. Ravitz, hoping you accept our much belated condolences on the passing of your husband. We were celebrating our son’s 27th birthday and were reminded of the very difficult delivery he was for my wife Robin and he Michael O’Neill on 2/24/94. We were inquiring, and were saddened to hear of his passing. We owe a debt of gratitude to his care and skills, more than you can know, even visiting our home to care for them, after the delivery. Condolences, Michael and Robin ONeill

Elisabeth Coviello

April 9, 2020

I just came across this in April 2020. Dr. Ravitz delivered me in 1981 and went on to become my doctor for many years as an adult. Sorry to see his passing.

Barbara Lewandowski

October 24, 2019

Dr. Ravitz was a great physician and human being. I was his patient for many years before relocating to Cherry Hill, NJ. Even then, I continued to drive to his office for my check ups for two years. To this day, I still have not found a gynecologist that compares to the expertise, knowledge, and human compassion as that of Dr. Ravitz. I am sad we have lost him. God Bless Dr. Ravitz and the Ravitz family.
Sincerely,
Barbara (Benson) Lewandowski, Gibbstown, NJ

Penni Reid

August 31, 2019

I worked with Dr. Ravitz for many years at Point Pleasant Hospital as a nurse in Labor and Delivery. They are memories I enjoy and think about often.

Ryan Wasielewski

August 23, 2019

Dr. Ravitz is an amazing man. My family and i have had the pleasure of having the Ravitz family as clients of ours since my grandfather opened our insurance agency almost 30 years ago. Our deepest condolences. - Wasielewski Family and staff at Wasielewski Financial Services.

Maureen Strittmatter

August 5, 2019

Dr. Ravitz delivered both of my children. Now 37 and 31. I once had to go to the Point Pleasant hospital because I cut my hand and I needed stitches. Dr Ravitz saw me sitting in the waiting room. He asked why I was there. I said stitches. He said follow me. And he proceeded to stitch me up, saving me from waiting any longer in the waiting room. Great doctor! My condolences to Lori and his family.

Patty Hurley

August 5, 2019

Dr. Ravitz was the best physician in his field. He was my doctor for my one and only child, Michael Melvin!!

His greatness went way beyond his medical skills and training. He had empathy, compassion, and understanding for his patients. He was a wonderful man...a giving man!

My condolences to all who loved him.

Helen-Jane Abrecht

August 5, 2019

Mel was such a good man. I am glad he delivered two of my children and we became friends. May his memory be eternal!

Christine Bourke

August 4, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. Dr Ravitz delivered three of my four children at Pt Pleasant Hospital many years ago. He was a great doctor who felt more like a friend, so knowledgeable too. Always one step ahead of the next medical advice. A kind and gentle man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. My sincere Sympathies to his family and friends.

Betty Torode

August 4, 2019

He was an exacting OB when it came to his patients and as a new nurse on the Post Partum unit, I learned a lot from him. A chance meeting at a BSA event, long after I had left my nursing position, let me get to experience his wit and humor and become an admirer of his courage in the face of Parkinsonism. When he learned of my stillbirths, he had compassionate words to share which meant much to me. We have truly loss an impressive soul from this world and his presence will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family and all who loved him.

August 4, 2019

Dr. Ravitz delivered both of my children (ages 43 and 39) by C-section. It's a long story,but I am so grateful to him as my first born son probably would of been stillborn if it wasnt for his coming into the group practice I was going to at the time. May his love,and memories of great times together give you peace and comfort during this time.

Sandy. Bill Henneberry

August 3, 2019

Billy and Maureen Stavola introduced us to Mel. Bill and I always looked forward to seeing Mel. He was warm, friendly every person's person. I think he enjoyed life to the fullest. Prayers for his family and friends. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Mel. Sandy and Bill Henneberry

Marivic Mapoy

August 2, 2019

It was a pleasure of knowing Dr. Ravitz when he was still practicing as an OB GYN. He was a great doctor. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his whole family. May his soul Rest In Peace.

DENNIS MCMANUS

August 2, 2019

Our family always thought he was a great doctor. He delivered both of our children and was the assisting surgeon when my wife had her appendix out while she was carrying our son. My deepest sympathy to his family

Pieter Ketelaar md

August 2, 2019

We were saddened to hear of his passing.

August 2, 2019

Dr. Ravitz saved my life in 1986.I am very sorry for his family.

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