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Howard Palay Obituary
(1938-2013)
Howard was born in Milwaukee, Wis., to Sylvia Kuritz and Nathan Naimon. His parents divorced when he was 4. Sylvia later married Meyer Palay who legally adopted him. Howard, his brother Alan, and the male cousins grew up helping in Meyer's men's clothing store. Howard went to Whitefish Bay High School and then to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduation, he returned to Milwaukee, to attend medical school at Marquette University School of Medicine (MCOW), receiving a research fellowship in cardiology from the American Heart Association, Wisconsin chapter.
After finishing medical school and completing his Cardiology fellowship in Salt Lake City, Howard served at the Great Lakes Naval Base Medical Center. Upon leaving the service he moved to Green Bay and established the first cardiology practice there, Cardiology Associates. Today Cardiology Associates of Green Bay is the largest group of cardiovascular specialists in the region. He had a distinguished medical career, serving as the head of the Wisconsin chapter of the American Heart Association, establishing the EMS program in Northeastern Wisconsin, and mentoring many physicians. He was also very active in the local community, serving as president of Congregation Cnesses Israel. He was a JNF honoree and a lifetime associate member of Hadassah.
He retired in 1999 and moved to Naples, Fla. He served on his condo association board and was the current president. Howard also served as docent at the Holocaust Museum in Naples, and was an active volunteer with SHINE. Additionally, Howard adored his Wednesday afternoon movie group.
He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Judith Schwartzman Palay; children, Shirah Rachel, David, Michelle, Lori, Daniel Keller, Daniel Jay, and Jeremy; 15 grandchildren, brother, Alan Palay; and three Naimon half-siblings.
Though never an incredibly religious person, Howard was very spiritual and understood what really matters in life. He practiced "Tikkun Olam', the betterment of the world. He further understood that his legacy was really his children and grandchildren who will miss him more than words can say.
Services were held in Naples, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 13.
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Memories and Condolences
for Howard Palay
Margaret Alk
October 12, 2015
Dr. Palay was a special man and a wonderful doctor. I remember he cared for my mother and helped me, too, when I was falling apart as she was near the end. A great man. I know he is very missed by his family and all those he touched with his skills, heart and spirit. Our world would be so much better if there were more people like him. My thoughts are with you, Judy, and your family.
Jill Burrows
October 29, 2013
Sorry for your loss... I hope you find joy where he has left his footprints on your soul. Much love, Jill
Marge Lisiecki
October 22, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I only knew Howard when he visited the Palay family in Milwaukee, but a very special man and I am proud to have known him. Take care Judi, all my love.
October 22, 2013
Judi,
How very sad I was to learn of Howard's passing. I only knew Howard during his last several years, yet I came to appreciate his quietly, powerful presence. He will be sadly missed and I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this difficult time. My love and sincere sympathy, Nan Bush
Lori Palay McRoy
October 21, 2013
My father truly embodied what it means to be a physician. He healed with his skills and with his heart. He never turned a patient away, regardless of whether there was payment or not. Sometimes he was paid in produce, and he accepted these edibles as if they were gold. He made every patient feel like they mattered... And they did. He sacrificed many things to be the kind of doctor he was. Sometimes as a child we did not understand; now as adults we do. Dad - I am so proud of you. I miss you terribly. I love you.
October 19, 2013
I had the privilege of knowing Howard as a fellow physician, mentor, colleague and a friend. Howard's impact on Green bay Heart care will never be forgotten. From the inception Howard never compromised on quality and compassion even at the risk of sounding like a tough task master. All of us who worked with him will miss him . My condolences to the entire Palay family. Howard's was a life well lived and may the pleasant memories give you strength to bear your loss. - Bharat Pathakjee
holly marold
October 19, 2013
judy, howard was a wonderful person, I will always remember his dry sense of humor,i am thinking of you.
American Heart Association
October 17, 2013
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Timothy Duffy
October 17, 2013
Dr. Palay was my Mother's (Tink) cardiologist in Green Bay back in 1973. He was a great Dr. and did a great job with her as she was one of the earliest recipients of bypass surgery in this area. I gave his daughter a ride back to UW_Madison and he commented to my Mother that I came to the door instead of beeping for her. The Duffy Clan and the Greater Green Bay area is grateful for all the fine work he did here. The Palay family has my deepest sympathies.
Robin Dittberner
October 17, 2013
Shirah, what a wonderful blessing you had in your life, keep the memories close to your heart. God Bless
Cartina Austin
October 17, 2013
So sorry for your loss. May God continue to keep you and your family in his loving arms in your time of bereavement.
Jim Harrison
October 17, 2013
Judy & Family, I always admired Dr. Palay as a devoted man to his practice and to his family.
Jim Harrison, former AHA REP.
Sharon and Karen and pups
October 17, 2013
Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Judi, and your family. Howard was a friendly neighbor always with a smile when we met usually walking the dogs on Roselawn Blvd. When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. With love and sympathy
Janet Bradley
October 17, 2013
Dr. Palay was a wonderful cardiologist and helped countless people to live well with their heart disease. He was also a great teacher; appreciated by the nursing staff at St. Vincent CCU.
Deepest sympathy to the Palay family on this loss.
Judy
October 17, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. He was the first Dr. that interviewed me after graduation and had me come on board at Cardiology Associates. He was a very good teacher and mentor. He will be missed very much.
Earlene and Peter Ronk
October 17, 2013
We loved his sparkling eyes, sweet smile and wonderful sense of humor. He left a great legacy to the Green Bay community. Judi and family: we are so very sorry for your loss of this dear man.
October 17, 2013
Dr. Palay was one of the best doctors I ever had the pleasure to worked with in my 35 yrs. of cardiac and intensive care nursing. he was greatly missed when he retired and moved to Florida. My heart felt condolences his family.
Judy Sievert
October 17, 2013
I'll never forget his comforting Bear Hug when I was going through ACLS, (when it was really hard), and I was having a melt down! Dr. Palay was a joy to work with - I am honored to have had that experience from my ER/CCU days. Such a wonderful man he was. Sending prayers of peace for family/friends.
Michael Frohna
October 17, 2013
Judi and family: My heart aches this morning as I learn of Howard's passing. I remember how intimidated I was by Howard for the first few years I knew him. He was a man of few words. Over the years, I "relaxed" and saw a man of genuine compassion, brilliance and concern for his fellow beings. I loved his laugh and his reassuring smile, especially the few times he flashed it when, you, Judi, were "helping him" see things from your perspective. I will also remember him and your home on Roselawn because it was in your pool there that my daughter learned to swim. She still proclaims when we pass that house, as she did that summer day, "That's were I learned how to swim with nothing on!" (meaning NO floatation device!!). I will cherish the memories of our simple, but insightful conversations. Judi, I will hold you and your family in prayer.
Sending abundant peace and comfort,
Sapphira Fein Edgarde
October 16, 2013
May his memory be a blessing, and may his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion.
I did not know Howard, but I'll always appreciate him bringing Shirah Rachel into the world.
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