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Eugene Gettelman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Gettelman
Sponsored by The Gettelman Family.
Mark Gold
August 5, 2024
My name is Mark Gold. My mother was Lois Gold and my grandmother was Delle Rodrick. We were all cousins of Rena and Gene. I had lost track of your family after my mom died in 1987. I met Alan and Micheal once or twice at your house in California. I remember both Gene and Rena with fond memories. My first memory of Gene was around 1964 when the family went to Palm Springs. I had stayed out in the sun too long and had sun stroke, I was about 10 years old. Gene checked on me at the hotel and when he woke me I didn't know who he was and I took a swing at him. That's one of those things I always felt so bad about. Later in life I was in Beverly Hills and was more than happy to take them to dinner at one of the great restaurants in BH. We had a long dinner and it was my one and only time to really get to know them as an adult. My mother was especially fond of them and I had a great respect for them as well. Rena and Gene were two of the kindest and most humble people I have ever known. May the rest in peace.
Michele Hart
August 23, 2023
A friend mentioned their shoulder was treated by a Dr. Gettleman and it reminded me that was my pediatrician´s name, many years ago in Encino. He was a nice man and took care of me well. Are any of his descendants in medicine?
Neil S Kluft
March 11, 2023
I will love his memory forever. I always felt better just to feel his positive kindly presence
Joy Chandler
March 11, 2023
The most wonderful man I ever met. He was my children´s doctor. His compassion and love of kids was real. I always looked forward to seeing him on their visits. He diagnosed my sons problem after several other doctors couldn´t. I miss him to this day. Rest in peace Dr Gettelman, you will never be forgotten!
Neil Kluft
October 14, 2022
Dr. Gettleman actually saved my life when i was a baby. I would give anything if i could spend just 1 minute in his wonderful healing presence, Neil Kluft (i´m 71 now)
Joy Chandler
October 12, 2022
The best Dr ever! He truly cared about the children. I still talk about him today with my kids. Ran into him at breakfast in Beverly Hills long after my kids grew up. He remembered me and was so very sweet. God bless his soul.
Brett
January 6, 2022
Dr Gettelman delivered me in March of 1962. my parents always told me he was a lovely man. I want to express my deepest sympathies to his family. God rest his soul.
Neil S Kluft
June 28, 2021
Your Father, grandfather and great grandfather saved my life as an infant in the 1950´s i was dying from severe colic. i came up under a extremely anxious and faithless mother. It wasn´t the medications that helped me the most. I´m 100% convinced that it was his faith in life and Godly presence - his wonderful energy that turned me around. I would like to ask you a favor. I would like it so much if someone could send me a picture of him from the 50´s or any picture. My email is [email protected] - What a lucky and proud family you must be to have had a human being of his quality as part of your family. With profound love and gratitude, Neil S Kluft
Art Schwartz
January 30, 2018
Dr. Gentleman was my pediatrician until he forced me to find a doctor more appropriate to my age. I guess I was about 17. I remember him making house calls for me and my two sisters. His appearance at the house made us feel better. It was a great privilege to have him as my pediatrician as well as for my two children. I'm so glad their early life was overseen by such a wonderful man.
March 28, 2017
8 years ago ... whew.
fondest memories of one of the most wonderful members of our family - on the levitt side :) loved this man - held in the highest esteem by all who knew him -
signed - the stephen (levitt) morse family, california -
shalom, shalom - l'hitra'ot -
harry avers
October 26, 2013
Dr. Gettelman....the Greatest Pediatrician ever. He saved my life. He used to call me, "Hot Shot Harry". I was a very sick little boy and almost died from a rare form of Anemia. Dr. Gettelman was my Doctor for so long. When i grew up and fell on hard times, He saw me Pro Bono. He always made me feel like his Favorite Patient. a truly lovely man.... this world is a Lesser place without him.
Cynthia Johnson
June 30, 2011
June 30,2011
I am most honored to have worked for Dr. Gettelman,Zukow,
and Keer, M.D.'s when I got out of Medical Assistant school in
1971, My name then was Cynthia Rurup, and all I knew at this time was that Dr. Gettelman, when my son, Cain was born in 1973, and I had no idea what being a paarents was about Dr. Gettelman came to Tarzaana Hospital, sat with me and told me what it was to be a parent, I adored him, all the years I worked with all these amazing doctors. My son now 37 is a better person because Dr. Gettelman had the presence of mind to care about me and caring for my son. I love YOU, Dr. Gettelman for your enduring Love of babies, children, young adults everywhere!! Bless YOU, I will misss You very much Cynthia L. Rurup/Johnson Seattle, Washington
Chris Lincoln
July 28, 2010
I just learned of Dr. Gettelman's passing. He was a rock star in our family! I can remember him making a house call when I was small and had been sick for a very long time. Both Dr. Gettelman and Dr. Zukow represented the ideal of what a doctor should strive to be. My sincerest sympathies.
Jayne Weiss
February 8, 2010
I just recently heard about Dr. Gettelman's passing. He was my doctor and I was vey ill with Rheumatic Fever at 8 yrs old. He also took care of my nephews and niece with Dr. Zukow. My brother Maurice used to visit him when he was living in Beverly Hills. He had run into him at a theater and couldn't believe it was him. He was 97 at the time. He said to Dr. G, "I thought you were dead." That's my brother. And they began to get together from time to time for lunch, and Dr. G. remembered all of us kids.
He was such a great doctor and will be missed.
Joanne Geller
September 4, 2009
Having the first baby and finding the
perfect Pediatrician was so important.
Everyone told my Husband and I to go to
Dr. Eugene Gettelman. He and his partner, Dr.Buddy Zukow were considered the best. Over the years and another baby we thought of them as family. That was 43 years ago.
My Daughter, Joanne still takes her two children to that office. I often go with her.
Occasionally, I'm lucky enough
to see Buddy and always ask about Gene.
We're very sad to hear of his passing.
However, what a wonderful life he had.
Hope he knew how very much he was loved.
Gene will always hold a special place in
our hearts.
Joanne Bertagna (Geller)
September 4, 2009
My brother and I grew up with Dr. Gettelman. We went to him for everything that accompanies childhood. I always felt comfortable in that office and with him as the all knowing Doctor. I loved his practice so much...that I now take my children to the office in Tarzana and my children see Dr. Keer. Dr. Gettelman was the Senior Doctor in the practice..and Dr. Keer was just starting out when I was a child. Although I live in Thousand Oaks, I cannot imagine taking my children anywhere else. I still feel like Dr. Gettelman is a part of the wonderful doctoring that surrounds that office..Dr. Buddy too. I am certain that Gene is felt strongly in those hallways by all who work there. Thank you for giving us such a sense of peace and security during times when our confidence was tested.
Susan Licht Salzman
August 17, 2009
Dr. Gettleman was very special to me. I was a very sick child (allergies, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitas, etc), therefore I was in his office, alot. I remember that office so well. The big long, upholstered bench that lined the interior wall. I remember the smell and little lollipops with the white loop handle. I remember him building a mock oxygen tent in my bedroom in Sherman Oaks. I felt safe when I was with him.
When I was 12, my lungs collapsed and he had my mom rush me to Cedars of Lebanon (the old cedars) with x-rays in hand. He was at the hospital shortly after that and each and every day of my 19 day stay at the hospital. I was very, very sick. And when he came into to the room, although I saw the worry in his eyes, his smile always comforted me. For the first 9 days of my hospital stay, I was under an oxygen tent. One night, they had to take blood from my arteries and I still feel the pain (labor was a breeze compared to this) and then they wheeled me off to surgery to put tubes down my throat. After that I started to feel better.
I didn't speak much during that first week. I was too weak to talk. The next day(after the procedure) he came into the room, bright and early as always and when I looked up at him, at his grin I said to him, "I love you". He smiled. And I said it again and this time I said, "I love you because you made me feel better". We hugged for a long time. After that, every time I saw him, we hugged. Our relationship changed. We had a special bond. I remember this as if it were yesterday. That was 36 years ago.
When my grandmother died in 1988, I was a wreck. The night she died I got a horrible flu and although I was 27 years old, I called Dr. Gettlemen to make me well. I told him that I had to get better because I wasn't going to miss my grandmothers funeral. She, like him, meant the world to me. Her funeral was on a Thursday morning. I was standing in the foyer of the mortuary and in walks this man, larger than life and when I saw him, I broke down, I ran to him and it was his shoulder that I cried on.
He was a great man. He was a big part of my life and our family. I will forever love and cherish him.
Myra Fisher
May 9, 2009
Dr.Eugene Gettelman came to us in the wee hours of the morning when I took my son Robert into Encino Hospital's Emergency Room. He was almost three years old and for the past two days had been developing a type of rash --first on his face and then in his mouth. On both days I took him in to see our family doctor who was also our children's doctor. I looked at Robert around 10 p.m. on the second night and then woke up around 2 a.m. When I saw him I told my husband that I had to rush Robert to the hospital. When the ER doctor saw him he asked me why I hadn't brought him in sooner. I told him that he had been seen by his doctor for the past two days and I had also called the doctor several times each day. The ER doctor called our family doctor who then wanted to speak to me. When we spoke he told me he was calling another doctor to go to the hospital to see Robert. It wasn't too much later when our "angel arrived and went into action. After examining Robert Dr. Gettelman called Cedars to see if there was a private room available. There wasn't one at that moment so he had Encino Hospital start to set up space for our little boy. About two hours later Cedars called t say there was a room and Dr. Gettelman sent us on our way to meet him there. The next ten days were like something in a movie, not in our lives. Robert had full time private nurses and several other doctors consulted with Doctor Gettelman. The diagnosis was that he had Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. On the 11th day Robert was released from the hospital still looking red and puffy, the latter caused by the medicines used to cure him. Later that year Time Magazine ran an article on the disease and that is when my husband and I found out that at that time, 1965, over 90 per cent of children who were diagnosed with SJS die. Death never crossed our minds the whole time Robert was in the hospital. We felt so confident in Dr. Gettelman that we never doubted for a minute that Robert wouldn't recover.
Dr. Gettelman immediately became our children's pediatrician. He always had time for them during their yearly examinations, soothing words when they were sick and steered us in the right direction to an excellent orthopedic doctor when I noticed our 11 year-old daughter
was slouching and was then diagnosed as having scoliosis.
Our children were quite tall when they went in for their pre college physicals and felt rather silly sitting in the waiting room. But, they didn't want to go to a "grown-ups" doctor as long as Dr. G would see them.
Dr.Gettelman will always be dear to our family. He was one of a kind and knew our names even when we bumped into him away from his office. It is certainly our privilege to have known him.
Barbara Kingston
May 3, 2009
Brilliant and compassionate, Dr. Eugene Gettelman, lovingly referred to as Dr. G, was an inspiration to all that had the privilege of knowing him. Having worked at the community where Dr. G resided, over a four year period, I was truly blessed to share many a meal discussing politics, religion and current events and was inspired by his life of purpose and life-long learning. We worshipped together at the community and at Leo Baeck Temple for the High Holy Days. Dr. G, a renowned pediatrician, continued to make hospital rounds and upon returning would stop by my office to visit, and would often encounter former patients and be lovingly remembered by those he cared for, making house calls and reassuring new moms. Dr. G was always a teacher and mentor and enjoyed engaging in medical discussions with my son Jonathan when he came to visit. Dr. G took great pride in his family and likewise would kvell over the accomplishments of my family. Having watched my sons finish college and medical school, Dr. G beamed in his final days to see my son the doctor doing an ER rotation at UCLA.
I will cherish the memory of Dr. Eugene Gettelman and celebrate a life well lived.
Cheryl Weinrieb
May 2, 2009
What's in a name? For Dr. EuGENE Gettelman it was his GENEral caring demeanor and GENErosity of heart GENErating love and compassion. It was in his GENEs to listen to others,and to be supportive in words and in deeds. How lucky I was to know my "neighbor Nancy's" father-in-law and friend.
Jeannette (Nette) Aldous
May 2, 2009
When I first got to know Dr. Gettelman, it was in his role as “Papa” to my dear friend, and his granddaughter, Rebecca. Over the years, I grew to appreciate him as “Dr. Gettelman” an inspiration and a mentor to young doctors like me. I remember when I was an Internal Medicine resident at UCLA; I would see him every week at Grand Rounds (and he and I laughed at the scandal we created when I jumped into the seat next to him and gave him a big kiss on the cheek!). I was amazed that at 95 years old, he continued to go to Pediatric AND Internal Medicine Grand Rounds, just for the love of medicine and the love of learning.
I never knew Dr. Gettelman as a practicing pediatrician, but I recall when I first got to introduce him to my daughter, when she was about 9 months old. Of course, he knew just the right thing to say to a new mom, commenting about how “bright” she was. Always a teacher, he even took the opportunity to comment to Rebecca (then pregnant) on the benefits of breastfeeding!
I will remember his laugh and his energetic mind- debating politics, and striking up conversations with Larry King over breakfast at Nate’n Al's. I will continue to be influenced by him as a physician, but most importantly, I will get to remember him often through my friendship with Rebecca, to whom he passed so many of his wonderful qualities.
Willa Chapman
May 1, 2009
I only met Eugene Gettelman two times, both at Westwood Horizons, in the dining room.I felt as if I knew him well, however, because he was my father, Dan Chapman's very dearest friend. For the past five years, I spoke to my father every evening. He struggled with the loss of both my mother and his wife of 60 years, and his oldest daughter Marian with in just a few years of each other. There was rarely a telephone call in which Dad did not have a "Dr. Gettelman" story, update or vignette. Dad often spoke of what a quality life 'the doctor' had: meaningful and purposeful career, loving children and grandchildren, and scores of loving friends and extended family. Dad was struck by how utterly welcoming the Gettelman family was, and how he was made to feel as if he were part of the family. Dad loved the vibrant political discussions he and Dr. Gettelman would often have. Loved how he and his dear friend shared the progressive political and social agenda which the Obama campaign seemed to embody. Dad and his treasured friend shared intellectual, cultural and political interests. They shared their Jewish roots, and the unique insights which those who live such long lives possess. Dad told me often what a loving and warm family Dr. Gettelman has--and how it was the measure of who Dr. Gettelman was and the life he led. The fact that both your beloved father and grandfather and my beloved father died, not just on the same day, but within hours of one another will remain one of the most poignant of my memories. Much love and thanks to your entire family for the warmth and love you unconditionally showed my father. I am touched and grateful.
Jacqueline Chen
May 1, 2009
Written on the occasion of Dr Gettelman's 100th birthday:
Dear Dr. Gettelman,
Even though you have been retired these fifteen years, not a day goes by when I do not see you. You are there with Douglas when he says, “Good morning”, and a truly fine one each is, for you gave the day back to us; when he speaks of his plans to use physics and chemistry in nanotechnology to help mankind, for you gave him back the mind to pursue these dreams; when he smiles at the dinner table because he is enjoying his meal, because you gave him back the sense and sensibilities to enjoy the good things in life; and most of all, on the rare occasions when he says “Mommy, I love you”, because you gave my son back to me.
I can never thank you enough for your dedication on all those mornings when you met me at 5 am at Cedars, pre-admission procedures completed; for giving me the privilege of a direct line to you, wherever you were, whenever Douglas was in trouble; for telling other doctors that “This is Jacqueline Chen, she probably know as much about Herpes than you do”; for teaching me to demand respect from my physicians and ask for knowledge to make educated choices, and for allowing me full participation in my son’s treatment.
You taught me that there are no moral judgments in medicine, that every patient deserves equal respect. You never shied away from telling us our son’s condition, but always reassured us that he would live to see a full and fruitful life. You showed me that life was full of infinite possibilities as long as one could see beyond today’s pain, and gave me the skills to demand the most of tomorrow.
Dr. Gettelman, my joys, achievements and hopes for the past eighteen years, and for many decades to come, have been and are gifts from you. When you saved Douglas, you gave me back my life. God smiled on all mothers and children when you were born, and the stars are out tonight because we are celebrating a century of Eugene Gettelman.
Edward McCabe, MD, PhD
April 28, 2009
Please accept our sincere condolences from all of us in the Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA. We are honored to have known Dr. Gettelman and to have shared a small portion of his life with him when he attended our weekly Grand Rounds on Friday mornings. He was able to ask some of the best questions and contributed to the education of everyone in attendance by his insigtful queries to the speaker.
When someone told me that Dr. Gettelman's 100th birthday was approacing, I did not believe it and asked them to check our records. They were correct, and we had the opportunity to celebrate it with him, some of his family, and all of the attendees at Grand Rounds.
Linda and I are very sorry that we will be in Baltimore attending the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting and will not be able to attend the Memorial Service.
Ellen Safir
April 27, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to the Gettleman family. Gene was a treasured cousin of my mother, Dorothy Levitt Beskind, who is in her 90s. She loved her visits with him and he was especially welcoming and caring about the family connection which had lasted so many years, despite the fact that they lived on different coasts. I look forward to continuing the family connection with Mike, as we share a love of the Wyoming, Montana area, and fly fishing.
Sue Kaufman
April 27, 2009
How do we pay tribute to this incredible person who played such a part in our lives? Dr. Eugene Gettelman, as we are sure he did for many of his patients, became “family”.
The first recollection we have of him was when he came over to our respective homes. I remember being sick and having the privilege of being able to be in Mom’s bed and my husband remembers being down with double pneumonia and having Dr. Gettelman visit. The next time he came by my house, it was simply to tell me to go down the block and play with Anita. As was his custom he was making another house call and she had the measles. He remembered that I had never had them and wanted me to contract them. This was well over fifty years ago!
There were the usual visits to the doctor and then many years later my mother had breast cancer. She was in surgery at Balboa Hospital. Dr. Gettelman’s practice had moved into the adjacent medical building. I was a young adult alone during the surgery and went to speak to him about it. He was with patients and I returned to the waiting room of the hospital. All of a sudden, Dr. Gettelman appeared and explained exactly what they were doing in the surgical room. The comfort he brought me at that time will never be forgotten.
Of course, our children were taken to Dr. Gettelman. He was always able to diagnose what they had. Many times he simply looked at them and then said to us, Sue you had this and Jim you had that so of course your child is sick with ____. One of our kids had been quite sick during the night and we took him in the next morning. After examining him, Dr. Gettelman said that if Josh had a night like the one before to make sure and bring him to the hospital and he would meet us there. As he spoke, one of his young associates said very softly behind him, “Eugene, are you the one on call tonight??!!!
After “retirement” from his practice, we did not see him too often. However, we did correspond. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren.
There will never be another “Dr. Eugene Gettelman” and we will miss him greatly!
Sue and Jim Kaufman and all the Kaufman Kids (Josh, Seth, Asher, Noah, and Daniella)
Aviva Biederman
April 26, 2009
I remember Dr. Gettelman as one of the nicest, most considerate physicians I know. When I was a Pediatric Resident at Cedars, he took me by the hand and showed me how to diagnose an ear infection. That was only the beginning of his mentoring countless others and me. I remember so clearly his horse voice, his ample smile and the dedication to everything he under took.
He will always remain in my heart and memory for as long as I live.
May his memory be also for a blessing to his family.
Dr. Aviva Biederman
P.S. I will be out of town in an AIPAC meeting. I am so sorry that I am not able to attend the Memorial.
April 26, 2009
Dear Gettelman Family:
I am very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. He was my pediatician in during the late 1960's through his retirement. Thereafter, I maintained a close relationship with him speaking to him every few months. He also came to my graduation in May 2002 were I graduated from the University of Southern California obtaining my MSW degree. I will never foret he told me he would be there, and that his caregiver would need to help him. Well, he was there in the front row watching me graduate. Thereafter, one time I had visited him at Cedars-Sinai when he was in the hospital, and met one of his sons. My experience continued and I am so sad that he passed. This man was so kind, and loving, and provided help to many of those in need.
I plan to attend the service on May 3, 2009. I pray that all that new him will continue to honor him for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Lori Feldman
David Rimoin, MD.PhD
April 20, 2009
I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the service for Gene as we will be out of town. When I first arrived at Cedars-Sinai as Chair of Pediatrics 23 years ago, there was always a smiling face in the Grand Rounds audience who asked the best questions and knew the medical literature as well as any academician. That person was Gene Gettelman and 23 years later in his late 90's, he was just as pleasant and sharp. He was a hero to me as he had all of the human and intellectual qualities that I so admired. I miss his friendship and intellectual stimulation.
Laurie R. Stanley-Tatham
April 16, 2009
Dear Gettelman Family:
Dr. Gettelman not only saved my life as a infant in 1963; when I had my first daughter Danielle Tatham she contracted Menegitis 2 weeks before her 2nd birthday, and was given a 50/50 chance of living. Due to my husband being between jobs at the time we had no medical insurance, Dr. Gettelman told me not to worry about a thing that he would take care of it; I never saw one bill. He was so amazing, I will never forget the many times I would sit in his office and he would always ask about my family. He truly cared and you felt it. I know he had touched so many lives as he did ours, Danielle Tatham is now a RN at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
I will never forget his smiles, you could not help but smile yourself; he will be so missed. The world was just a nicer place with Dr. Gettelman, I hope others learn from his example that caring never goes out of style.
Karen Rosenthal Stern
April 5, 2009
Dear Gettelman family,
Doctor Gettelman was truly the finest doctor I have ever known. He took wonderful care of my brothers and me, from the 1950's until the 1970's and we always felt so comfortable with him. I'll never forget the house call he made when I came home sick over Thanksgiving break during my freshman year of college, and he diagnosed the mono that student health had overlooked. I had terrible allergies, and when Doctor Gettelman learned that I was marrying a man who had asthma, he threatened to retire! Fortunately for me, Doctor Gettelman not only danced at my wedding, but also he stayed in practice and cared for my children Ari and Ilana. He brought danish pastries to me at Cedars when my children were born. When Ari had a life-threatening asthma attack, Dr. Gettelman came to the hospital countless times each day to oversee his care.
I will miss this wonderful, caring, brilliant man, and am so happy that I can share my memories with his family, and express my thanks for all he did for my family over the years.
Elizabeth Gettelman
March 31, 2009
There will be a memorial service for Dr. Gettelman on Sunday, May 3rd at 2pm at Colen Conference Center, American Jewish University, 15600 Mulholland Dr., Be-Air, CA.
Thank you again for all of your thoughts.
March 28, 2009
I remember Dr. Gettleman at his office Sherman Oaks when I was a child. I found out later that my parents had me going to a pioneering pediatrician and THE best in California. I didn't realize it at the time but I was very lucky to be treated by him. He was always very kind and made me feel at ease and I still remember getting a purple lollipop for being good. He will definitely be missed, I loved him.
Bruce Wexler, Son of Gloria Wexler, Reseda, CA
Arnold Prepsky
March 24, 2009
Our families cannot express the loss we feel with Dr. Gettelman's passing. Three generations of our families have been patients of his since 1948 up until he retired. More than patients, we felt he was one of the family. We can never forget the time he made a house call and spent the night caring for our daughter who had chicken pox nor all the times he trained us to do simple procedures at home to avoid having to make the trip to his office.
There really is such a thing as a "doctor's doctor" and a great doctor and that was Dr. Gettelman. I can recall the numerous times he took calls from other physicians seeking his advise on treatment for their patients. I can also recall the patience, comfort, caring and compassion (in dire times) that flowed from this wonderful human being. That jovial face and demeanor was always there to brighten the visit no matter how serious the situation.
We periodically kept in touch thru the years but lost contact until his 95th birthday at UCLA. I was privileged to have lunch with him after that occasion. Our most recent visit from four of us in September of last year (see pix) was great. His sharp mind recalled our names almost without hesitation and questioned us regarding other family members. We spent two hours talking about the past, his various office locations and the pride he felt in his family as we viewed the many pictures of all of you on his walls.
A rare man indeed.......God bless him..
Arnold Prepsky (for)
Beverly Prepsky, Dr. Devoree Prepsky & Todd Prepsky
Ron & Lana Lampert family, Heather Cohen
Janis Seidel
March 22, 2009
Our family was part of Dr. Gettleman's early practice in Sherman Oaks, CA. My brother Randy was born in 1946 and I was born in 1948 and my sister was also a patient. I was his patient from birth until I went to college. We lived around the corner from his office and one day when I was four years old I was playing and accidentally got one of my father's fish hooks caught in my finger. My mom was on the phone and I showed her my finger and then took myself the block and half to Dr. Gettelman's. After he removed it and stitched up the wound he asked me where my mom was. "Oh," I said. "She fell asleep when I showed her my finger." He grabbed his black bag, walked me back home and found my mom on the floor where she had passed out. The phone was still off the hook! Smelling salts revived her and he joked about having two patients. He also was my son's doctor when he was born in 1970! When we moved out of the valley he helped me find a doctor near us who had interned with Dr. Gettelman at UCLA. The world needs more doctors like the incredible Dr. Gettelman!
Galia Berry
March 22, 2009
Now in my fifties, Dr. Gettelman was my pediatrician from the day of my birth until I was 16 and at that point too embarrassed to be seen by a pediatrician (and especially a male one!). I remember thinking when I was a little girl that he was an "old guy" even way back then, so imagine my surprise when I saw that he had passed away at 100 and practiced into his eighties! When I saw the pictures published in the Journal I realized he hadn't changed at all from how I remembered him as a girl, nor had he been diminished in any way- what an amazing person. He was an excellent diagnostician and who can forget the house calls!
Elizabeth Gettelman
March 19, 2009
For those interested in reading my grandfather's full obituary, you can find it here:
http://www.jewishjournal.com/obituaries/article/eugene_gettelman_md_100_20090317/
Thanks to everyone for sharing your memories and thoughts. We treasure every comment.
Natasha Ravnik
March 19, 2009
Dear Gettelmans,
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Dr. Gettelman on several occasions, where, as always, he greeted me with a warm smile and a firm handshake. But I learned about "Papa" in the past several years on walks with his granddaughter, Elizabeth.
Liz is very much like her grandfather in the way that she gives tirelessly, helps others, and stays positive. I am blessed to know such wonderful people.
My condolences go to all the Gettelmans, especially Michael, who have a great hole left over from this loss.
As always my love and friendship.
Susan Nevens
March 19, 2009
My mother Betty Scharf, being a very caring mother wanted the best for her children. Mr brother Allen and I were fortunate to have Dr. Gettelman as our pediatrician. I am now 66 yrs. old. House calls, family interest and top notch medical knowledge, best describes Dr. Gettelman. He was definitely a part of our family for many years. To all of his family, who were blessed to have him here for so many years, my heart is with you.
Carol Schwartz Kahn
March 19, 2009
Dear Gettelman Family,
Like many, many others, I will miss Dr. Gettelman. He was my doctor and then he was my childrens' doctor. I could fill several pages with stories ranging from the time I was 16 and had "personal" questions and made an appt. to see him. When he realized that my parents didn't know I came to see him I was "charged" a hug since he wouldn't let me pay as I had planned. He was there when my children were born and walked me through the first weeks of being a mother. When my child was ill, he literally breathed life into him. I will hold him deeply in my heart and in my prayers. I will miss you.
Wendy Gebauer
March 19, 2009
Dr. Gettelman was our family physician for my brother, myself and my son. I still remember the waiting room at his office in Sherman Oaks and his home visits during the polio epidemic. One incident which I recall was when my son ran all over his office eventually hiding under the doctor's desk. Dr. Gettelman calmed him down - no fear of shots after that. He helped our family cope emotionally with childhood diabetes and counseled me when I became pregnant at too young at age. My parents knew him personally and met with him and Rita in Europe. Above all, he was a real human being and the best pediatrician I have known.
Wendy Williams (now Gebauer)
Jennifer Nickels
March 18, 2009
I, along with several of my cousins, were lucky enough to have Dr. Gettleman as our pediatrician. I know my mother and aunt always took great comfort in the attention and care he provided to us children. I hope his family can find some measure of solace in reading of the positive impact he had on so many families. Dr. Gettleman's kind of physician is one that we are not likely to see again, but he will remain a remarkable example.
Lynne Dilmore
March 18, 2009
Dear Gettelman Family,
Iam so sorry the world has lost the best of the best.He took care of me and my brothers and sisters which our name was Baerwitz.Then he took care of my own kids. I had four kids and they loved him like a grandpa.He always was their for me no matter what time it was,it could be in the middle of the night he didnt care.and he would even come to your home if he had to.He saved my boys countless times and i will never for get him,and i know my boys will never forget him.We even have a picture of him with the boys on our table.He was a man who loved kids and loved life.He was not just a doctor but a great friend.I love you and will miss you dearly.Lynne Dilmore
March 18, 2009
Dear Gettlman's family,
I never went to Dr. Gettlman but I do remember hear that he was the top pediatrician that everyone new. I was so sorry to hear about his passing, but remember you will always have him in your heart.
Andrea Dorfman
Rose Topliss
March 17, 2009
Dear Gettelman's family
Dr. Gettelman was our son Greg's pediatrician from the day of birth (1/6/75) until he became a Marine at 19.
Dr. Gettelman's first comment when I met him before our son was born that pediatriians are not necessary unless there is a true medical problem - mothers know instinctly how to care for their children until there is a medical problem. Bless him then and now that he is on his own journey, bless him again. Rose Topliss, Lupton Wilkinson and our son, Gregory Wilkinson.
Tina Grossman
March 17, 2009
I loved Dr. Gettelman. I first met him around the time of my daughter's Bat Mitzvah, about seven years ago. He came with Leta to that event.
He was deep listener and he had only the kindest words and sincerest actions. He looked in on everyone I loved. I enjoyed the occasions I spent visiting him in Westwood. He always lifted my spirits and sent me dancing into the future certain that the best was yet to come. My only regret is that I did not spend more time with him.
carol oschin
March 17, 2009
heaven has just received the best of the best. Dr.Gettleman was there for all of my children from birth through the beginning of the teen years. when my daughter was born she went from cedars to tarzana hospital for a few days of extra care. i was there to nurse her every 3 hours. Dr. Gettleman always showed up just to say she is doing fine.many times a day he was present with his great smile and bubbly personality.He will be truly missed by all of the moms and adult kids who remember him.
March 17, 2009
DR. GETTLEMAN WAS ONE OF A KIND. MY CHILDREN ALWAYS FELT SAFE IN HIS CARE,SO DID I.WHEN I FIRST WENT TO HIM HE KNEW MY HUSBAND WAS IN COLLEGE AND ONLY CHARGED US $150 FOR THE WHOLE FIRST YEAR, JUST SO I WOULD MAKE SURE MY SON GOT ALL HIS SHOTS.WHEN MY DAUGHTER TARA WAS IN THE HOSPITAL HE CAME TO SEE HER THREE TIMES A DAY. THE WEEK HE RETIRED WAS MY DAUGHTERS 19TH YEAR CHECKUP SHE STARTED TO CRY AND HE WAS VERY UPSET,WE ALL CARED VERY DEEPLY FOR HIM. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER DR.G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Melissa Grossman
March 17, 2009
I saddened to read of Dr. Gettleman's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him through my mother, Dovey Grossman and her friend, Leta Hilliard. He was so full of energy and enthusiasm for life. Active to the end of his days. I will always remember him with great fondness and admiration.
Sandra Hawes
March 17, 2009
Dr. Gettelman took care of both of my children. I am in his debt for the care he gave me as their mother. He is forever in my memory and I send you my deepest sympathy for you loss. A remarkable man, Eugene Gettleman.
Sandra Ansen-Hawes
Barbara Frank
March 17, 2009
Dr.Gettelman was a remarkable man. In 1992 my daughter was hospitalized for a serious mastoid infection and Dr.Gettelman was the first person to see her each morning and the last one to visit her at night. He rushed to the hospital one night when a resident on call gave her the wrong medication and she had a terrible reaction. I will always treasure the memory of this dedicated brilliant and compassionate Doctor. We feel blessed to have known him and hope that all of his loved ones are comforted by the legacy he leaves behind.
March 17, 2009
to the gettelman family--------with deep sympathy on your loss. many fond memories of a wonderful man, will remain in all of our hearts.......judy ferber
dale & lois barron
March 17, 2009
we were so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Gettleman will forever be remembered in our family. He was our pediatrician 37 years ago for our two children. He was the best. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow.
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