Jerome "Jerry" Kaye M.D.
Jerome "Jerry" Kaye M.D.
Obituary
Guest Book
Jerome Kaye Obituary
passed away peacefully the morning of May 28, 2012 in Boulder, CO. Born in Bayonne, NJ, he lived and practiced pediatrics in Phoenix, AZ since 1947. Much beloved as a physician, a mentor, a teacher, a husband, a father and a friend, he will be remembered as one of the preeminent practitioners of pediatrics, caring not only for his own patients, but for giving freely of his time to those children less fortunate and in need of care. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison and Yale Medical School, he practiced well into his 80s when a major stroke ended his career. He was part of a group of doctors who helped make Phoenix Children's Hospital a reality, while caring for his patients at the Children's Medical Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital. He was a founder of the Phoenix Brain Injury Society and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, AMA and the Maricopa County Medical Society.
Known for his boundless energy, marvelous sense of humor and great story telling ability, he could entertain everyone from his friends on the golf course, a favorite pastime, to a sick and frightened child in need of his help.
He is survived by wife of 71 years, Shirley, his son, Joel Kaye, MD, his daughter, Judy Kaye Green, his brother, Harry Kaye, his grandson, Jonathan Kaye, and his family, wife Jennifer, and great grand-daughters Ryelie and Breeze.
Donations may be made in his honor to the First Tee of Phoenix (Call 602-305-7655 or online at thefirstteephoenix.org), The Phoenix Children's Hospital (Call 602-546-GIVE or online at phoenixchildrens.com), or to any charity of the donor's choice.
To offer condolences, please visit www.greenwoodmyersfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Laura Lou Bessler
May 30, 2024
Now that I have 10 grandkids ages 19 years to 7 months, I am constantly giving medical and parenting advice prefaced with the words: "Well Dr. Kaye always said..."
One of the most endearing words of advise he gave me was upon asking whether I should be concerned with my sons´ thumb sucking, he replied, "Well Mommy, orthodontia is cheaper than psychiatry. If he sucks his thumb, he needs to. Leave him alone and he´ll stop when he´s ready!"
I hope the family knows how much Dr. Kaye was revered! What a legacy.
Laura Lou Bessler (Wetzel)
Joel Kaye
January 1, 2024
I miss my father every day
Joel Kaye
Polly
December 31, 2023
Dr. Kaye was my pediatrician when I was hospitalized 7 times as a child at St. Joe´s for pneumonia and asthma. I always knew I was in good hands even as a very young child. It was his example that made me want to grow up to be a physician myself. Thank you.
Laura Lou Bessler (Wetzel)
May 28, 2023
Blessed to recall many fond memories of Dr. Kaye. His sage advice regarding my kids is passed on to my grandkids so many years later. He was also quite the snazzy dresser!
My mom wouldn´t allow me to get my ears pierced by anyone other than Dr. Kaye. We loved him and his word was the only medical advice we relied upon! God bless you, Dr. Kaye!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Judy Kaye Green
May 28, 2022
Missing you today, Daddy. But then I miss you everyday.
Vivian Fox
August 25, 2021
I am so thankful my children had Dr. Kaye as their pediatrician. He was an amazing man and doctor.
Kurt Biederman
July 22, 2019
Remembering Dr. Kaye.
Kurt Biederman
July 22, 2019
Dr. Kaye was my chief pediatrician in the 1950's and 1960's.
He made many home visits, and was supportive to both myself and my parents when I was seriously ill with pneumonia when I was around 7 or 8, and even made a home visit when I was very ill in my late teens.
He provided comfort and a sounding board to me when my dad died.
Dr. Kaye took a personal interest, as well as a personal approach.
I remain very grateful to him.
Susan Trueblood
July 5, 2018
Dr. Kaye was my pediatrician in the 1950's and 60's until I aged out of his practice. In 1973 I had my daughter, Karen and in 1976, my son, Jason. They both went to Dr. Kaye until they were teenagers. He was also my nephew's Dr. and I'll never forget when Teddy was two years old and rushed to St. Joe's on Christmas Day. Dr. Kaye came in to care for him and treat his pneumonia. We were so scared, but we knew it would be okay because Dr. Kaye was there. What an incredible doctor and the nicest and most caring human being. I loved him as my doctor when I was a child and my children loved him as much. I still think of him often.
Laura Lou Bessler
August 13, 2016
Dr Kaye was called to Good Sam when I was a 10 day old infant with infected ears. My parents, Larry and Betty Ann Wetzel fell in love with him and thought he was a savior! My mom still tells the story about me being back in the hospital when I was 6 months old to have my adenoids removed: this was in the old days when parents were shooed out and not allowed to spend the night. Dr. Kaye arrived on the scene to do his rounds and check on me only the find the hospital nurses thinking I was so adorable had taken me down the hall to show me to older children in an area that housed polio patients. Dr Kaye according to my mother, came "unglued" and heads nearly rolled at his outrage for having exposed me to polio. Thankfully, I was fine but he endeared himself forever to our family. My two brothers and I were his patients until we were late teens; I then took all four of my children to him until they were too old for his practice. He was an honored guest at my wedding. We truly loved him and have many, many stories and fond memories of him. I just read his obituary after "Goggling" Judy to see how her career was fairing. My dad passed away a year and half ago and my mother is 87. We only wish we had known sooner of his passing. God bless his soul and please know that he made lasting memories with our family.
Sincerely,
Laura Lou Wetzel (Haldiman/Ridgeway)
Ronnie Martinez
September 21, 2013
Wow! My heart broke when I read about Dr. Kate my Dr. Has a child and my childrens Dr. As an adult. What a wonderful and truly blessed and gifted Dr. He made things so easy for my children taking away fear no matter what the situation. I will always miss and truly respect Dr. Kaye.
Vivian Fox
October 25, 2012
Dr. Kaye was my children's doctor from infants until he was unable to see them because of their age. He was a wonderful doctor and person. Mason, Heather and I loved him a lot. Our deepest sympathy goes to his family.
July 26, 2012
The Mishkind and Greenberg families in early Phoenix were nurtured and healed by Dr. Kaye. A vivid memory - I was about 5 years old, had just lost my father and very sick with measles. Dr.Kaye did a late night house call and took care of my illness, but also provided comfort to a scared and lonely child. I am now 62 years old and remember him still.
Ellen Mishkind Thrasher
Ken Kalina
July 5, 2012
Dear Shirley, Joel, Judy and Family,
May the wonderful memories you all have be a comfort and source of joy in time.
I can picture him now, with a big smile saying, "Hi Ken, how did you play?", whenever he saw me at Century. He always made me feel special, a knack of very special people--and he was certainly special and a fine man.
Good thoughts and love your way,
Ken Kalina and Jane Erin
(Jane and I got married two years ago.)
John & Kimberly Dizon
June 11, 2012
Shirley, Joel, Judy and David. We were so saddened to hear about Uncle Jerry. He was one of the true fine gentleman I have ever known.
I so remember the great times we had many years ago when I lived in Phoenix in the early '70s. Jerry and you Shirley were so kind to my mother Rona and her mother Mollie.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Such a sad time but oh such a happy time for Cuz Judy. Congrats on the very special Tony. Those of us in Minneapolis are so proud of you.
Our love,
Margo Himes
June 10, 2012
Jerry was my daughters' pediatrician. They are now 31 and 37. He would be so proud of his daughter Judy's award tonight.
Julia Saunders
June 10, 2012
My sympathies go out to the Kaye family. Dr. Kaye was my first doctor and my favorite. He was there for me and my family when me and my older sister were the first children born in Arizona with a rare metabolic disorder.He was a truly remarkable doctor and will be greatly missed.
Lala Kazan
June 8, 2012
Dr Kaye was my first and favorite doctor! He was a very kind carring doctor. I remember when I was told i had to go to a new doctor when I was 16 yrs old I rebelled and begged not leave this special man, great man. He will be missed. My Condolences to his family...he was a wonderful doctor and person.
June 6, 2012
Dr Kaye was a friend of our parents and our kids went to see him. Jerry was also my brother and sisters Dr. so we have know him a very long time. He will be missed by many.
Marlene Turken Einfeld
.
ilene schefman
June 4, 2012
rest in peace jerry, you were my favorite doctor. i also have very fond memories of spending time at the pool with shirley and you at your house on central.
Len and Heather Cariou
June 4, 2012
We spent many fine hours in Jerry's company and will miss him dearly. All our love to Shirley, Joel, Judy and David..."Death is not the extinguishing of the light, it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come." Len and Heather
Francene Turken Weingast
June 3, 2012
I have such fond, warm memories of Dr. Kaye. Once I saw him jogging in Central Park in New York when he was there visiting Judy. I could not have been more excited if I had seen a real "celeb." He was definitely a celebrity in my childhood.
Robin Sly
June 3, 2012
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry. Dr. Kaye was our children's (now ages 31 and 28) first pediatrician. He performed the bris of our Michael in our home with Rabbi Plotkin officiating. As new parents, not only did he educate us on parenting, but brought a wonderful and calming perspective to the enormous and rewarding task of raising children. We will never forget him and have always appreciated the knowledge he gave to us. And oh, the medical care was awesome to say the least, thanks to Dr. Kaye and Dr. Moore. Our sincere condolences to the family and especially to Judy. As you were becoming an actress we heard about all of your wonderful successes (your Dad's pride in his own children radiated). Dr. Kaye changed the world for the better...Robin and Bob Sly
Mary Tappe
June 3, 2012
Dr. Kaye delivered my brother in 1950 and myself in 1957 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. I remember my mother saying what a great doctor he was. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Mary Godfrey Tappe
June 3, 2012
Shirley, We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband, Jerry. He was a great guy and we always enjoyed him. Our thoughts are with you.
Joan and Herb Leitz
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in Jerome Kaye's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Jerome's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Jerome Kaye'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
