Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
JEFFREY KANT Obituary
Dr. JEFFREY ALAN
On September 29, 2012, Dr. Jeffrey Alan Kant, age 65, of Franklin Park. Beloved husband of Julie Kant; father of Benjamin (Sarah) Kant, Peter (Laura Zajac) Kant; brother of William (Myriam) Kant, Christopher (Debra) Kant, Alan (Helen Misczuk) Kant; grandfather of Rebecca, Talia, Max, and Nathaniel. Jeffrey was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Martha Kant. Born in Boston, Jeff was a lifelong Red Sox fan. He grew up in Watertown, NY, received his AB degree (Biology-Chemistry) from Princeton University, and completed his M.D. and Ph.D. (Biochemistry) at the University of Chicago. After internship and residency in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle, he received a fellowship appointment in the Hematopathology Section of the Laboratory of Pathology at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland. After 12 years on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, he moved to Pittsburgh as Professor of Pathology and Human Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh and Director of the Division of Molecular Diagnostics in the Department of Pathology. During his five years directing the Pathology Residency Training Program, his residents honored him as "the Residency Director with the open door, open appointment book, and open mind." Jeff also founded and directed the Molecular Diagnostic Fellowship program where he inspired a generation of pathologists, passing on his considerable knowledge, guiding individual aspirations and careers, and instilling in his fellows a deep commitment to patient care. He helped found and was first president of the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP). Jeff served on many committees for AMP, the College of American Pathologists, and other professional organizations. He was an Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He enjoyed traveling, particularly to Hawaii, and he loved playing with his grandchildren. Friends received between 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, October 4 at SIMONS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 7720 Perry Highway. Memorial Service on Friday, October 5 at 11:00 a.m., in the Unitarian-Universalist Church, 2359 West Ingomar Road.
www.simonsfuneralhome.com
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 29, 2012
Julie and family. I just received the news of Jeff's passing. I am so sorry. I know how hard this time is but we can remember him as a fun, family and science loving person. I missed him as my director at U of PA HUP lab. I know I could always count on him to address my questions. I live in Montana now after being diagnosed with MS. If I can do anything for you or you just want to talk call me. I am in the Phonebook for Missoula, MT. Once again I do want to say he was a great person and so helpful in the Lab. - Bonnie Mochan
Winand Dinjens
December 24, 2012
Dear Julie,
I know your husband Jeff through his organisation AMP. Since my first participation in the late 90s I had contact with him. Jeff was a very friendly, enthusiastic and motivating collegue and at each and every meeting we had several nice discussions. Jeff also stimulated me to try to get more Europeans involved and participating in AMP. Next to a common interest in Molecular Diagnostics we shared research interest in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
I'll never forget the nice diner you, Jeff and I had February 10, 2012 in Rotterdam the Netherlands. Unbelievable that this appeared to be the last time that I could see Jeff.
As said before I keep warm memories on Jeff and I wish you and your family all the best for the difficult future without Jeff.
Warmest regards,
Winand Dinjens
Department of Pathology
Erasmus MC
Rotterdam
The Netherlands
Richard Pauli
December 3, 2012
Dear Julie,
Although we have not seen one another for a very, very long time, nonetheless, I was saddened to read about Jeff's death in the Medicine on the Midway magazine. More than anything else I remember him as being unfailingly honorable and honest. That, I think, is more important than the (deserved) accolades that he received.
Although I can remember your children only as babies, please extend my condolences to them, too.
Rich
Bill Kant
November 24, 2012
It seems appropriate this Thanksgiving weekend to give thanks for Jeff. I loved Jeff ~ he was by brother! I am thankful to God for creating him and giving him just shy of sixty-six years of life on this earth. I was privileged to be chosen as one of his brothers. My mind is literally filled with wonderful memories of this man, and as a boy and a teenager as well.
The format of this 'quest book' will allow for only a brief entry, but I pray this memory will be meaningful to all of you who knew Jeff. In keeping with some of the lighthearted humor employed during reading and saying of eulogies, I offer one special memory of Jeff when we were both much younger:
It was summertime in the late fifties and we were living at our parent's cottage on Lake Ontario as we did every summer. Our mom used to buy these fabulous fruit tarts from a farmer's wife, I believe her name was Mrs. Simmonds. Jeff's favorite was blueberry. As a matter of fact, this was such a favorite of his, that he would sneak extras when mom wasn't looking and hide them under his bed upstairs. Not in keeping with Jeff's wonderful gift of a great memory, he would forget he had hidden them. Only when mom would find them a couple of weeks later while searching for the source of some strange smell would Jeff recall his villainous caper. Unfortunately, he never did repent of this, so his immediate family was seasonally deprived from experiencing the wonderful taste of blueberries. Not really !
I loved Jeff!
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Suzan Dolfi
November 8, 2012
Dear Julie and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. I just heard today about the passing of Jeff, and am truly saddened. I worked as Dr. Kant's Clinical Coordinator when he first came to UPMC as Director of the Division of Molecular Diagnostics. Jeff was a fair and approachable boss. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
Sincerely,
Suzan Dolfi
Sidney Croul
October 25, 2012
I knew Jeff during my Fellowship in Neuropathology at Penn. He was an absolutely woderful, first rate human being. My heart goes out to his family and associates.
Jim Almas
October 22, 2012
Jeff was a really neat human being. I had the great joy of working with him on some CAP committees and sharing drinks at the bar of the Hapuna Beach Hotel. My sympathies are with Julie and the family.
Bill Paxton
October 10, 2012
Jeff was the first faculty I interviewed with at HUP, and has continued to be the model for the kind of molecular pathologist and man I strive to be. I will continue to miss him from my heart.
October 10, 2012
Our thoughts are with Julie and all the family at this sad time. It was wonderful getting to know you and seeing you when you lived here. I helped you build your house on Sycamore Court back in the 80's. Jeffrey was always exact in his thinking. You were a wonderful couple.
Bertie Bonner
Jim Robb
October 10, 2012
Jeff was one of my most important "go-to" people in molecular pathology. He never failed to promptly help me! His humor and friendship will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Scott Saul
October 8, 2012
Jeff and I started at HUP at the same time, maybe the same day. I instantly liked him. He was a gem and always had a kind word. He will be greatly missed.
Sherri Bale
October 8, 2012
All of us at GeneDx were shocked and very saddened to learn of Jeff's passing. Our sympathies go out to his family and his colleagues. He contributed tremendously to our discipline of molecular diagnostics and was a leader in our field. He will be greatly missed by all.
Brian Shirts
October 8, 2012
Dr. Kant was one of my favorite clinical mentors. He introduced me to molecular pathology and was someone I always trusted with career advice. Condolences to Julie and the Kant family from Brooke and myself.
Jennifer Novelli
October 5, 2012
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. -Jennifer and Max Novelli and family
Elaine Jaffe
October 5, 2012
Jeff was a fellow in the early days of the Hematopathology Fellowship at the NIH. He was a rare individual who excelled in diagnosis and research. We were always proud to count him among our graduates. Our thoughts go out to Julie and the extended Kant family.
Dee Ann Sapienza
October 4, 2012
It was my pleasure to have worked with Dr. Kant in the early 2000's. My deepest sympathies to the Kant family.
October 4, 2012
Dr. Kant was such an inspiration to our department, especially his lectures. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Kim Fuhrer
October 4, 2012
Julie--My thoughts are with you at this time. May time leave you with some peace and many good memories. Beth L (CLP)
Laura Janocko
October 4, 2012
I am grateful for all that I learned from Dr. Kant during the years that I worked with him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Chuck Eames
October 4, 2012
My condolences to the family.
Suzann Beardsey
October 4, 2012
Dear Peter, Laura and the entire Kant family,
My deepest and sincerest sympathy goes out to you all in the loss of your husband/father/grandfather.
Peter spoke of his father with such great love and admiration that if you did not know him personally- you understood what a wonderful man/father/grandfather he was.
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Warmest regards,
Suzann Beardsley
Debbie DeTorre
October 4, 2012
I worked with Dr. Kant for over 10 years. He was one of the warmest and inspirational people I have known. He had a way of making people feel welcome and equal. I have a lot of great memories of him that I will carry forever and he will always be missed. My thought and prayers to his family.
October 3, 2012
I have many good memories of Dr.Kant, he was a brilliant man, and had a special zest for life and was devoted to his family.
All my sympathy and prayers to his friends and family. Gloria Russo
James Bird
October 3, 2012
I worked with Jeff for several years and it was a pleasure to collaborate and through many problems with him as he always had a realistic and unselfish attitude. He was one of the most approachable MD's I've even known. Many prayers for his family.
Jen
October 3, 2012
Dr. Kant was such a wonderful human being and an amazing teacher. He taught me what an academic teacher should be and will forever be a role model for me. He went beyond just teaching you about the test but explained the implications and overall impact on the patient and healthcare system. He was also a well rounded and fun person to be around. I will always remember our Steeler conversations and sports banter at MDx. Dr Kant-You will be forever missed.
Arthur Eddy, Jr.
October 3, 2012
I extend my thoughts and prayers to the family at their loss. May God bless and strengthen them at this difficult time.
Juliann McConnell
October 3, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Denise Pollett
October 3, 2012
I so miss the jingling keys, the late night email conversations, the scribling of notes on the hand, and the words of advice. I promise to always keep my hockey stick handy, just for you!
Maurice Grant
October 3, 2012
Dr. Kant was a joy to be around and always had a smile on his face. Having lost my father last year, I am well aware of the loss that the Kant family is experiencing. I send them my condolences during their time of sorrow. The one thing I learned from such a loss is that the funeral is more about the lives that have been touched and the life that was lived. Take care and be well. Dr. Maurice Grant, resident in pathology at UPMC.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
7720 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Make a Donation
in JEFFREY KANT's name
How to support JEFFREY's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JEFFREY KANT's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
