LESTER J. KARAFIN

1926 - 2014

BORN

1926

DIED

2014

LESTER KARAFIN Obituary

KARAFIN
LESTER J., MD, September 26, 1926-2014. Husband of Sheila Judge, MD; father of Brian and Karen; grandfather of Emma Sky. Former Professor and Chief, Division of Urology, MCP, and Professor Emeritus, Temple University. No services at Dr. Karafin's request. Arr. by FRANK M. REGAN FUNERAL HOME, 715 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510.

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Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on Sep. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for LESTER KARAFIN

16 Entries

Allen Chiura

August 30, 2018

I am preparing to give a talk on mentoring in surgery and went on line to find a picture of the man who was my mentor, Lester Karafin. In so doing I was saddened to hear of his passing.
I first met him when he was assigned to me as my advisor in my first year of medical school at MCP in 1988. We met irregularly during the first two years but he was always warm and encouraging. I was really taken by his demeanor such that when it came time for discussing our futures I'd always say I wanted to be a urologist, not because I knew what they did, but just because I wanted to be like Dr Karafin. I had never encountered a doctor who seemed so content with his life. He seemed to be enjoying every minute of it. I wanted to do the same.
I eventually did a rotation with him and that sealed the deal. So off I began on my journey to becoming a urologist. On the journey I'd call him from time to time and he'd always have encouraging words despite the fact that he knew my chosen path as a foreign student was nearly impossible.
I now am back home in Zimbabwe, teaching medical students and urology residents and continuously try to emulate that great man.
Rest In Peace my mentor
Dr. Allen Chiura

Shahab Minassian, M. D.

August 31, 2015

Dear Dr. Judge:

I had the honor of working with Les as an MCP faculty member during the pre-bankruptcy years starting from 1986. As the Division Director of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility I collaborated with him on countless infertile couples. He approached his work, his patients and colleagues with grace, caring, skill and honor. These qualities come from a phenomenal background and an enduring faith. I just discovered Les' obituary by chance today. While I am greatly saddened for the loss of a wonderful native son, I hope that my prayer today will be heard and for that I am grateful. God bless you and your family.

October 2, 2014

I met Les and Sheila through our mutual friends, Bob and Laurel Lipshutz, and although we lived miles apart and only saw each other during holidays at the Lipshutz home, I found Les to be a fascinating conversationalist and a wonderful gentle man. My heart goes out to you, Sheila. I have walked this road myself, and although it is very difficult, I hope you are sustained by many wonderful memories of your life together. --Maureen Hart, Scranton, PA

Carol Love MD

October 1, 2014

As a family physician in Germantown I had the privilege of sending many difficult patients to Dr Karafin with complete confidence in his knowledgeable and caring attention to their needs. We see so few such dedicated physicians these days - he will be sorely missed.

Robert Schnall

September 30, 2014

Dear Shiela,

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't tell you how much I loved Lester, he was the best. Not only was he a great urologist and teacher, but a TRUE friend and confidant. Whenever I would call him for advice or just to chat his voice always was so uplifting and reassuring. I will truly miss him, what a kind and gentle soul.

Rob Schnall

Susan McLeer

September 29, 2014

Dear Sheila,

I am so sorry. Losing Les must really be so difficult. You have had such a wonderful life together. My condolences to you. Time heals, but it is so difficult in the meantime. Warm Regards, Sue

Sharon Reber

September 29, 2014

Dear Sheila,
My heart and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sadness.
Love, Sharon

Robert Lipshutz

September 29, 2014

I had the pleasure of knowing Les for over 30 years. I met Les when he was dating Sheila. My wife supervised Sheila at Pennsylvania during the first year of her residency in psychiatry. By the time Sheila and Les married, my wife and I were their friends.

In addition to socializing, Les became my urologist. He was a calm, skilled and reassuring clinician—and I have no doubt I taxed those qualities in him to the limit.

For most of the time I knew him, I was chagrined that, although he was over twenty years older than I was, he was clearly in better shape than I would ever be. Les continued to run marathons for many years after I met him. He never lost the desire to travel and to try new things-and encouraged the same qualities in me. I will never forget the glider flight he purchased for me for my 50th birthday.

Les had an amazing range of interests. One of the aspects of his life and character I liked so much is that he knew so many Philadelphia people involved in law and politics. He could tell wonderful stories about them for hours—but I know he probably couldn't tell the best ones!

Most of all, I and everyone who knew him will miss the truly caring, decent compassionate friend he was not only to me but also to almost everyone he met. Our hearts go out to Sheila and to Les's entire family.

mike samaha

September 28, 2014

Very sorry for your loss. Les meant so much to me on both a professional and personal level. He taught me the principles of surgery and I apply them everyday in my practice. Especially teaching residents. He was a very humble but tremendously gifted surgeon. He also started my running career and I still cherish our Philly half marathon runs and runs to wings field. I will keep him and you shiela in my prayers.

September 28, 2014

David A. Burgoyne, RNC, MNN

September 28, 2014

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. Karafin.

He was a gentleman and a friend.

My sincere condolences to all who love him!

I graduated from MCPH School of Nursing in 1980.

Cathie Mayer McGeehan

September 28, 2014

So very sorry for your loss, Sheila. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family. Cathie Mayer McGeehan

Maryellen Morgan

September 28, 2014

Dr. Karafin was a kind man, great physician and wonderful teacher. He always had a smile for everyone. My condolences to Dr. Karafin's family, friends and colleagues.