Harvey Warren Topilow MD

Lorena, kimberly and Nicole,
My families condolences on the passing of "DR. HARVEY" our neighbor on 83rd street during the 80's. As my mom and sister always said: "that guy is Handsome, Smart and a Doctor!" We will always remember your smile and charm. So sad to just hear the news. Rest in peace.
The Weinbergs, Todd, Jill, and Faith

I found out today about the passing of Dr. Topilow. I went to see my new doctor because of Dr. Topilow's retirement.
I feel like I've known Dr. Topilow, (Harvey) all my life, I meet him probably back in 1982. He saved my eye sight on more than one occasion. It's because of him that I was able to have my daughter. He told me just become pregnant and leave your eyes sight to me don't worry. I trusted him and I had my daughter and my eye sight. I missed him just thinking about him retiring but happy to know I could call him. But now I have a small hole in my heart knowing I can't reach him. He was a very special person and he will be missed.

Both my husband and I were devastated to learn today of the passing of our beloved doctor and dear friend of over 33 years. Thanks in no small part to him, my husband enjoyed 40 years in education and 10 years of retirement with his vision. His early intervention clearly preserved Augie's sight all these years. His love for his three girls was always evident as proud dad would be anxious to share all of their accomplishments and most recent pictures. We are so sad for you all. Such a brilliant mind and doctor lost too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thelma and Augie DePreker

I was shocked and saddened to learn today of Dr Topilow's passing from my new retina doctor while telling him about how I followed Dr Topilow from 5th Ave over the Bridge to Fort Lee until he retired. He always said he loved examining my eyes because he recognized the buckles so well placed by his teacher McKensie Freeman at Retina Associates/Mass Eye and Ear decades ago. And while he examined my eyes, he would update me on his girls, wishing they would settle down (would my son be available?) and so proud! Well, I suppose I now have to delete his cell phone number, which I thankfully used on occasion. I am so sorry to have this news...all my condolences to his wonderful family - we never met, but I felt I knew you well. I am sending you all big hugs.

As I was searching for Harvey Topilow to see if he was on FB bc NJ Hillside High is having a 50th Reunion and to notifiy him of the FB site to leave his contact info. I found a post of a worker that mentioned Harvey had passed. Aww, so sorry! I remember Harvey as he always sat in back of me in homerooms as being the last two seats. Remember him from grammar school complimenting me after I sang a song trying out for choir. Will also remember that he helped examine and try to help my Brother in-law Michael Caldarulo as he had eyesight issues. His Mother, Yvonne Caldarulo had looked after your children. I am very sorry and send my deepest condolences to the family, his brothers and their families. May God bless and comfort you in your time of grief. Lillian Titus, Hillside High School Class of 1968. He wil be fondly remembered.

I was just looking for number to ask re my daughter and pain that she has. Anyway, I met Doctor Topilow or Uncle Harvey as I affectionately called him after he saved my son's eyesight. He operated on my son who is celebrating his 33 birthday today with good sight. My son was 3 1/2 lbs and I had the most confidence in Doctor Topliow's ability. I am having difficulty even writing this with tears in my eyes. A few years ago, Jimmy had some pain in one of his eyes. I called Doctor Topilow and we had a great conversation. Oh by the way, Jimmy went to see him and everything was okay. He was very compassionate and very sure of himself. I will miss him and R.I.P.

After a long night screwing around online I stumbled on a news story of classic South Florida medicare/medicaid fraud so brazen I knew it would amuse Dr Topilow. I composed an Email update on my life in the swamp and a couple photos to go with it. Just to check that his email address had not changed in the past year I did a quick search...the results of which have cast a dark pall over my life. It is relieved only occasionally by glimpses of his blazing smile, the sound of his chuckle, and (here the tears flow unabated) the feel of his hand on my shoulder in gentle encouragement not on vision issues (which he could always repair) but on dealing with other setbacks in my life. Harvey is responsible for whatever quality of life I have now. His incomparable technical skill and his support and counsel in my darkest hours over other areas of my life were priceless. Took me from diabetic retinopathy blindness in one eye while barely able to count fingers with the other to correctable to 20/30 vision in both after years of precise "just enough" laser and one spectacular vitrectomy. I have needed NOTHING in the decade since to maintain it. Memorable anecdote? I can't say for sure but it seemed to me he was treating a family of Hassids for free during several of my visits to his Met museum office...and once they "paid" him with a giant home-baked cheesecake. I could NEVER repay him for all he has done for me professionally and personally: mentsh to meshugener.

Dear Lorena, Nicole and Kimberly,

Our deepest sympathy for your heartbreaking lose of Harvey, a very special man. There is much to remember of him, yet for me his love for the Butterfly Bush is forever inbedded in my heart. With Love, Carin Pulice and Family

Dear Lorena,
We just heard via the Retina Society of Harvey's passing. We are so shocked and sad. We always enjoyed seeing both of you at the annual retina meeting, where you were such a lovely couple. We are so sorry for your loss, way too soon.
Michael and Susan Gaynon

I am so very sorry to learn of Harvey's untimely death. We were undergraduates together at Lafayette College. I had not seen or spoken with him in many years, yet he was often in my thoughts. In fact, when I lived in Manhattan some years ago, I would frequently have occasion to pass by his office on 5th Avenue -- just across form the Met. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.

Riley Temple
Washington, DC

Dear Lorena,

My deepest condolences and prayers to you and the girls.
I am so sorry for your loss.

The shock of losing Harvey is devastating.

As much as I take comfort in the beautiful words and feelings shared here by Harvey's family and friends, the tears keep coming. I feel so privileged to have known Harvey, personally and professionally, for most of our adult lives.

Harvey's love for poetry, as well as my own sense of loss, keeps bringing me back to this W.H. Auden verse:

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

Some day, when the sun shines again, I know that Harvey's spirit will inspire us to be the best person we can be. Because that's what Harvey always did.

As I write, my thoughts and prayers are with all the family and I send you all my love.

A Tribute to Our Friend Dr. Harvey Topilow

Dr. Topilow was truly one of a kind. He was a renowned Ophthalmologist who took care of his patients as if they were all members of his family. His examinations were typically thorough, unhurried and comprehensive. His devotion to his patients was legendary; it was his practice to give each of them his cell number and e-mail address.

Gifted with a keen intelligence, he was an exceptional Physician who distinguished himself in his professional life. He was informed, well read, active and always happy to share his knowledge and expertise, yet remaining modest about his gifts.

His beloved family was central to his life and he took great pride in each of them. Harvey Topilow was a man of integrity and high principles who was devoted, loyal, and loving not only towards his family but also towards his family of friends
as well as his patients. The problems he encountered in life or in the office were met with action, clear thinking, passion and compassion.

We say in Italian Una Vita Bene Spesa Lungha É
Which translates into A Life Well Spent is Long , and Harvey Topilow's life although not long in years was certainly long in accomplishments. He had the rare gifts of intuition, perceptive understanding and excellent communication. He was a loving and devoted Husband, Father, Brother, Son, Uncle, Doctor and Friend.

He gave each of us a model of a life well spent, and we will honor him by doing in our own life what he taught us so well; that is, to continue to learn, to seek the truth, to not take ourselves too seriously, to put everybody at ease with a smile, to enjoy life, travel, culture, music, dance and the arts, and also to laugh, and to love one another.

As we hold treasured memories of our dear Harvey Topilow in our hearts, let his life be an inspiration for the remainder of ours.


In Loving Memory from Howard and Giovanna La Marca
January 9th 2016

I am devastated. No idea that Harvey was ill. Harvey was a driving force in our P&S Class of 1975. His energy, intelligence and dedication were legend. I will miss him.
David and Carol Roye

I am making my second attempt to post a message, and I suspect I am having trouble because the news is overwhelming. Harvey was one of the leading lights of the class of '75 at Columbia P&S and we were very close in spirit and friendship. I moved to Los Angeles, trained at UCLA and have remained in the LA area ever since.
Very sadly, I did not attend reunions and this news lets me know how foolish I was for allowing other things to distract me.

The one joy of not having seen Harvey age is that my memory of him is of an eternally young, energetic, strapping young man who dedicated himself to achieving true excellence in his profession. He was an outstanding student and he cared deeply about every patient. Harvey would run to help every time there was a "code blue" in the hospital. And he put himself on the front lines of such emergencies.

Harvey had great charisma in his boundless energy and enthusiasm which emanated from the loving, precious child that lived within him. I will never forget him, and I hurt from not having shared more time with him.

Reading these memories of others lets me know that he never lost his magic, and I am sure that his wife and children will forever live with the pain of his absence but also the abundant joy that his presence could bring. Death will be easier knowing Harvey is on the other side because there will be laughter, excitement, and joy from encountering his soul.

I cannot remember the last time I cried. But I am crying now,having just learned of your passing Harvey. You were my closest friend in Medical School. You were brilliant and handsome,your sense of humor abundant. That wide smile instantly engaged anyone in your presence. We celebrated each others weddings,childrens' births and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Ultimately,we both dedicated ourselves to ophthalmology. Words are totally inadequate to express my sense of loss at this moment. My deepest condolences to your entire family. Rest in peace my dearest friend.

You and your daughters have my condolences and my prayers Lorena.

Sincere condolences goes out to the Topilow family for your sad loss. May GOD be with the family as you mourn the loss of Harvey. Psalms 25:8.

I must say that this news has disturbed us greatly. Harvey was a classmate at P$S for 4 years. Though we never saw each other again after graduation because I moved to Los Angeles I can say that he was in my mind and thoughts on many occasions. We had a great bond during medical school and Harvey's enthusiasm was pervasive houghout the school. He was a superb student and a person who genuinely cared about people and patients in particular.

The only benefit of my failure to attend reunions and to more aggressively keep in touch is that like JFK Harvey shall be forever locked in my memory as a handsome strapping young man with a zest for learning and with one of the greatest genuine motivations for being a doctor that I have ever encountered. My heart goes out to his wife and family. You have much to miss but so much to cherish.

I cannot believe it. Harvey was my chief resident when I was a first year. He was brilliant.. but also a wonderful friend, and colleague. We had mutual patients over the years otherwise never bumped into each other after residency, but he always held a very special place in my heart. He just retired this year.. no time to even enjoy himself. It can't be so. My deepest condolences to the family. He was wonderful, such a great loss.

To The Entire Topilow Family:
Lorena, Kimberly, Nicole,
Edmund & Arnold

I am sitting here in complete shock at this tragic news and I am at a loss for
words. I extend to all of you my very
deepest/heartfelt sympathy and wish you
much strength during the coming days.
I loved your dear Harvey, he was the
greatest, he made me laugh and made me
cry and almost 30 years ago he saved my
sight. Harvey, Edmund & Arnold are
responsible for my sight today.

I will miss your beloved Harvey more than I can say. He is not only a loss to his family but also to everyone who knew him.

My thoughts are with all of you.


Susan Shapiro
Patient from Bayonne

Querida Lorenita e hijas, con profundo pesar nos unimos a su dolor por el fallecimiento de Harvey. Reciban desde Ecuador un fuerte abrazo de solidaridad con todo nuestro cariño..tía Martha e hijos

Dear Lorena, Kimberly and Nicole, We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of your loss. He will always be in our hearts-a dedicated physician, devoted husband and father, and an admirable friend. Bill and Terry Solomon

To my dear old classmate from P & S, class of 1975 I am looking at our graduation pix with Podell, Casden & myself. You were always brilliant, compassionate & hollywood handsome. Although we have gone our separate ways, all of us loved you like a brother & will miss reminiscing at re-unions.As a fellow ophthalmologist in NYC, We had many mutual patients who ALL adored you. Rest in peace. Life is eternally unfair. Sincere condolences to your family from Larry & Ilene Parsont

Dear Lorena, Kimberly and Nicole,

We are shocked at your tragic loss. We are already missing Harvey so much.

Love Laura, Itzhak, Jonathan, Daniel and Amanda

My dear sister Lorena and nieces Kimberly and Nicole,

Its with a deep heavy heart we extend our sympathies and sorrow for your loss. Your husband and father really made this life count. I pray for you that strength, courage and the love you carry within you will guide you through this difficult time. That with him always by your side, in your hearts and thoughts, you will continue to make this one count, going on as if he was here. Love You to the ends of the earth and back no matter what.... your sister Rossana and children; Rebecca, Katrina, Michael and Joshua.

Dear Lorena, NIcole and KImberly
we are beyond sad for your loss, words cannot describe our sadness.We are praying for Harvey and for you in this tragic moment of your life.
With much love Maria Pia,Otti and Johanna