Albert Tashma

Tashma, Albert (79)
A devoted father and respected physician, died November 17 at home in Santa Barbara, California, from complications of myelofibrosis. He was born in 1924 in New York City, the youngest of three children. Despite the roadblocks presented being from an immigrant family, from an early age he pursued his interest in medicine. After graduating high school in 1942, he served three years as a dental technician and translator for the United States Army in England, France, and Germany. During his time in the Army, he also began his lifelong affair with languages. He eventually became fluent in four languages, constantly seeking to improve his skill. Often, he would surprise a native speaker with the four or five new words he had learned in their language. They usually included "friend," "buddy, and "pretty girl." Following World War II, he moved to California. There he attended Whittier College, graduating in 1949. He earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1954. A board-certified ophthalmologist, he practiced medicine for nearly fifty years in Los Angeles, treating thousands of patients. As a matter of conscience, he always provided his services to the clergy, policemen, and firemen free of charge. An expert on eye injuries, testified as an expert witness hundreds of times in California courts, and lectured in numerous countries. His work was published in various journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association. At an age when many have been retired for years, he was still excited by the study of medicine. Even in his seventies, he would take great pleasure in preparing an article for publication on an interesting case. He continued to volunteer as a lecturer and supervising attending physician at USC Medical School late into his career. The respect of his colleagues and patients was evident in the numerous awards he received throughout his career, not the least of which was a 1977 citation from President Jimmy Carter for his life-saving actions. He is survived by his brother Joe, sister Lola, daughter Alexandra, sons Sean and Ryan, and grand-daughters Talia and Katya. A memorial mass will be held at the Mission Santa Barbara on December 6 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Santa Barbara, 222 E. Canon Perdido St.