Search by Name

Search by Name

HOWARD ROTNER Obituary

ROTNER, Howard E. MD Of Swampscott, MA, passed away on January 3, 2024, at the age of 88. Married to Sandy Rotner for 62 years who predeceased him; he leaves behind Pamela Rotner Sakamoto, Philip Rotner (Kim) and Beth Davis (Chip); as well as his seven grandchildren, Ben, Brad, Masa, Sam, Brian, Anna and Zach. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Judy Leeder; and beloved nieces and nephews. Howard courageously battled multiple cancers for 45 years. He was born in Yonkers, New York on December 27, 1935, the youngest of three sons of Philip and Minna Rotner. Howard attended Yonkers public schools and Amherst College. He graduated from Harvard Medical School and conducted his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of North Carolina and Mary Hitchcock at Dartmouth. Howard fulfilled his endocrinology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. After two years in the army at Fort Benning, Georgia, Howard joined the North Shore Medical Group in Lynn, where he spent decades on patient care. Howard subsequently became the medical director of Atlanticare in Lynn, while still practicing medicine. He ultimately ended his career in endocrinology at the Lahey Clinic in Peabody and volunteered at the Lynn Community Health Center, where he conducted medical histories and care in multiple languages. Howard possessed an uncanny ability to diagnose baffling medical cases, a skill that many remember for its lifesaving outcomes. Every time Howard made a career move, he weighed what would be best for his family. Howard was a devoted husband and father, usually returning from the office and hospital for dinner, only to head back to the hospital for evening rounds. He possessed a sterling work ethic while never letting work get in the way of his attentiveness towards his family. He was also civic-minded, serving on the Swampscott Board of Health and other committees. Always astute and patient, he never seemed to tire. Intellectually brilliant, Howard early on showed a knack for numbers, instantly memorizing every phone number from his childhood home onward. He aced every standardized test. School was easy, fascinating and fun. Later, Howard never missed a parent or grandparent weekend at family members' respective schools. His children and grandchildren always adored him, even when he raised his hand to answer questions in their classes. Howard possessed numerous hobbies that he pursued with determination. A superb athlete since high school when he captained the basketball team, Howard competed on the ski and basketball teams in college. He relished sports, rising early to play tennis before work. In winter, he skied and in summer he sailed. Howard took up golf and cycling. He rode for the Pan Mass Challenge for years and volunteered in the medical tent for even longer. Howard nurtured his friendships. His longest friendship dated more than eighty years with his best friend from elementary school, with whom he lived in medical school. He cherished his Amherst friends, and they remain ever-loyal buddies today. His former medical partners were not only colleagues, but also close friends. He enjoyed meeting new people right up until the end. He wanted to know who and how everyone was, making them feel as if they were the only people who mattered. Meanwhile, Howard kept his medical expertise relevant up until the last week of his life, reading his favorite New England Journal of Medicine. He participated as an active member of his medical care team. Impressed by how complicated his own case was, he never hesitated to engage with his physicians, who valued his analysis. When his wife, Sandy, suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, Howard took loving care of her for four years before she succumbed. Despite a number of challenging years with his own health, he remained resilient, funny and determined to live a happy, full life, setting an example for all. His family and friends miss him immensely. A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pan Mass Challenge, which supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The family would be honored if you would make a donation and designate Philip Rotner, Ben Rotner and Chip Davis, who will ride in Howard's memory.

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

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for HOWARD ROTNER

Not sure what to say?





Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Carole & Andrew Riddell

Planted Trees

Andy Riddell

January 18, 2024

Howard was my go-to guy whenever I needed advice as the CEO of Atanticare.
He was the first person I interviewed with for the job. We immediately "hit it off" and found we had many things in common. Always looked @ situations in a positive light. We were going to have lunch in December but couldn't because he tested positive for Covid. He'll always be one of my heros.

Lenora Salvucci

January 16, 2024

Dr Rotner oversaw the functions of the Medical Staff Office at Lynn and Union hospitals where I worked for many years. He was so easy to talk to about anything that came up and he really listened. Those were the best working days of my hospital career and he was big part of it. My sincere condolences to his family. Lenora Salvucci

Susan Beevers

January 15, 2024

Dr Rotner was so very kind to everyone. I worked at Lynn Hospital and Union Hospital a was always happy to see him come on the floor and make rounds. Always professional and kind. May he rest in God´s love and peace.
Susan (LeBlanc) Beevers

Peggy belanger

January 12, 2024

So devastating to hear of the passing of your dad. He was the best boss I ever had. I think about him often.
Peggy Belanger

Kim Werner Mckenney

January 12, 2024

To the entire family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Speaking with your Dad a few weeks ago,fighting covid. I am forever grateful for what your parents did for me as a young very scared 16 year old.
My visit this summer had been on my list for to many years.
Ringing his doorbell was so important for me to let him know how Sandy and Howard impacted my life .A young couple with their own family and helping me through a nightmare.
I will forever hold a special place for your parents as they were never forgotten
My love to u all
You were blessed to have had sensational parents who were so charming and loving
May Dad rest in Peace
Kim Werner Mckenney

Tenley E. Albright

January 12, 2024

I shall think of Howard as the wonderful classmate he was to us at Harvard Medical School. And I send deepest sympathy and affection to his family and friends. Tenley Albright HMS"61

Peggy belanger

January 12, 2024

I am devastated to hear of your dads passing. He was without a doubt the best boss I ever had. I think about him often.

Laurie (Lorraine E.) Curran

January 11, 2024

I was in my early 20´s when Doctor Rotner (a young physician) entered his medical practice in Lynn. I was one fortunate enough to have had him for my personal physician for over 20 years, after which he became Medical Director for Atlanticare. He was not just my doctor, but seemed like a dear friend. I´m sure so many of his patients felt that way. When medical concerns occurred in later years, he always made himself available for a quick consult with profound compassion and Grace. I feel that we have lost a close, lifelong Friend. I would he honored to attend any future celebration held in his honor.
In Loving Memory
Laurie Curran

Nancy Hurley

January 11, 2024

I worked with Dr Rotner during my career at Union . He was a wonderful person and a great doctor. May he RIP

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in HOWARD ROTNER's name

Memorial Events
for HOWARD ROTNER

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support HOWARD's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor HOWARD ROTNER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more