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Jerry Z. Finklestein
Jerry Z. Finklestein
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Jerry Finklestein Obituary
Dr. Jerry Z. Finklestein, passed away peacefully at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, California on Saturday, December 10, 2016 with his loving family by his side. Beloved husband of Marilyn (Solowey) for fifty years. Cherished father and father-in-law of Kim Finklestein and fiancé Craig Eisenberg and Dr. Deborah Finklestein and Eran Conforty. Loving Papa to Itai, Matan, and Ariel Conforty, and Aaron Finklestein-Lotzof. Adored brother and brother-in-law of Butsie Ross-Walfish (Elissa Finklestein), the late Melvin Ross and the late Harold Walfish. Dear brother-in-law of Gerald and the late Sharon Gold, Dr. David and the late Joanne Shapiro, and Susie Solowey and Denis Wanamaker. Son of the late Rose and the late Dr. Charles Finklestein. Jerry was a revered role model to his many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins and friends. An esteemed physician, prestigious researcher and respected colleague and mentor, Jerry had a profound impact in the field of children's cancer. Jerry's passion for "Tikkun Olam", improving the world around him, curing disease and alleviating the suffering of those in pain, together with his countless everyday acts of kindness, will forever continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for everyone whose lives he touched. The funeral service took place in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Donations in Jerry's memory may be made to Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center by contacting Annie Santos at [email protected] or (562) 933-8609.?
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Diane Atkins Popejoy
December 6, 2024
My deepest condolences. He was my sons wonderful doctor for many years and helped us both navigate a nasty disease. God bless.
Diane Atkins Popejoy
January 3, 2024
Dr Finklestein took wonderful care of my son from 1976 for many years. He brought Dr Miller in to diagnose my son with a rare disease. Drsnkept telling me my son would not live long but he lived to 30 years old and passed away in 2005. Thank you Dr Finklestein. We loved you.
Jim Shivaie
June 6, 2023
You saved my daughter's life sir. Thank you.
Amanda Mcintyre
April 30, 2020
Dr Finklestein was my doctor for 8 weeks old until 13 its because of him I survived and now am 21 and living a healthy life. He's the only one in the country who know about Histiocytosis and how to treat it and I so grateful and thankful for that and him.
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Stephanie Jackson
March 10, 2019
Dr Finklestein was indeed an amazing doctor. I was diagnosed in 1983 with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I stand today a nurse leader in oncology working with adult hematology/oncology patients because of him. His awesome care, empathy and unforgettable bedside manners will never be forgotten. He was indeed used by God to bring healing to so many and was the EPITOME of a dedicated physician.
February 20, 2019
I miss his wonderful voice and laugh. No matter how sick or scared I was Dr. Finkelstein could always make me laugh. I would not have seen these last 23 years if I did not have him as one of my most awesome doctors who loved me like I was his own daughter. Curing, healing, and loving he gave them all to me. I'm very blessed to have had him in my life. Truly a second father to me forever . Miss him till we meet again in heaven . Love him eternally. Thank you doctor Finkelstein for all the healing and love you gave me. All my love, Kathy.
November 27, 2018
Because of him, I wouldn't be here today. He was one of my oncologists who made me survive my childhood leukemia. He was like a second daddy to me. Thanks Doctor Finkelstein for making me a strong little girl to help me fight and win the battle against cancer. Eternally love you.
Jaime Garrett
May 15, 2018
I've only just seen this, but I'm here today, standing, as a survivor of neuroblastoma, because of Dr. Finklestein. My whole life (41 years), I've heard stories of how amazing and kind this man was and how he helped my parents make it thru every parents' worst nightmare. Thank you, Dr. F! I only wish I could have thanked you in person. Continued prayers to the family, and blessings with all your endeavors. God bless you all!
Betty Crovello
April 20, 2018
We had no clue that Dr Jerry past two years ago, just watching a program on childhood cancer on marijuana and medical treatment ..made me think of Dr Jerry..my son Anthony was diagnosed with childhood leukemia in 1979 at age 3..Dr Jerry was our savior..3yrs of treatments, years of follow-up and Anthony is now 40 years old and healthy..Dr Jerry was not only our "strength" but also our friend/family..love to Marilyn and family..Jim and Betty Crovello
Beverly Fleming
December 13, 2017
I worked with Dr. Finklestein many years ago @ Miller's Children hospital. He was always so kind. I remember asking Dr. Finklestein what the Z stood for in his name. 'He said if you can guess I will give you a gift ' I could never guess , but it was fun trying. He would just smile and say you figured it out yet ....I never did. Dr. Finklestein was a wonderful doctor and will be truly missed...RIH..
Joseph Brenner
September 16, 2017
I hardly expected to get a result, when I googled his name. I've been standing amazed ever since. This was no ordinary doctor, but a healer sent by God. He was preparing before I was even in my mother's womb for the mission of a lifetime. A distant grandmother rejoiced in '88, when she found out I actually survived '68. I have shared her joy through the summer of '17 knowing he made a life, giving hope to children and families who had none. I was just one of the first.
Thank you, God, for your angel. You may have him back, now.
Jane Ford(Brenner)
August 16, 2017
If it were not for Jerry Finklestein, my son may have never survived to send this funeral notice to me. God bless this man. Joseph Kendall Brenner, my son, is alive and relatively well. His cancer, Wilm's Tumor, was cured with surgery and Actinomycin D. Although he has had complications from other aspects of the treatment, I do credit Jerry Finklestein with his long life. Thank you, Dr. Finklestein. <3
Cathy Greer
July 27, 2017
My son , Daniel warren Greer, survived neuroblastoma because of the passion and intelligence of dr Finklestein. He was a true warrior for children with very little odds of surviving . And he was a great comfort to the families enduring this traumatic journey with a very sick child. We will forever be grateful that we have our 31 year old son with us today. Thank you.
Barry Herman
July 22, 2017
He was a great mentor to me when I was working as a lab tech at Harbor General Hospital in the mid 1970s and taking pre-med courses at USC. It was a time in my life when I really needed some people to believe in me, and Jerry did. I will always be grateful for that. Barry Herman, M.D., Philadelphia, PA [email protected]
Marc Greenberg
July 8, 2017
There wouldn't be a Ronald McDonald House but-for the years of effort of Dr. Finklestein. He was a great leader on the inaugural board of the House. I was always amazed how Jerry always had a smile on his face, despite working with seriously ill children all day.
He was a pleasure and a gentlemen.
Marc R. Greenberg
Frances Reis, M.D.
May 17, 2017
Dr. Finklestein, I'm reading all the wonderful and true to Life remembrances you patients have left for you. But my memories are slightly different. I was one of your students, a Pediatric resident , whom you taught so much more than "just" medicine.
Yes, the science is so important - the interpretation of information, the persistent search for the alleviation of pain and illness. There's also the child behind the diagnosis, the family behind the child, and all of us included, that need to give our best each day in providing their complete care. I've been a Pediatrician 24 years now, and I still fondly recall my residency training with you.I always will.
Kathy Abella
May 11, 2017
Doctor, I miss you and I love you. Without you I would not have survived my leukemia when I was a little girl. You were more than just a doctor because you cared for me infinitely and fought for my survival and loved me like I was your own little girl. My heart breaks even more whenever I think that I'll never see you in this life again. The world lost an infinitely great man. I miss you so much and love you so much. Until we meet up there again. You are my second father in my book. Eternal love dad forever. Rest in heavenly peace.
Kathy Abella
May 11, 2017
Doctor, thank you so much for making me survive my leukemia when I was a little girl. You were not only a doctor to me but you were a father to me too because you cared and loved me so much like I was your own little girl. Ever since I heard about your death there hasn't been a day that has gone by that I haven't sobbed my eyes out. You are forever like a father to me and I miss you and love you so much. Without you I wouldn't have survived my cancer. Miss you until we meet again and love you eternally. They'll never be another great pediatric oncologist like you. The world has tragically lost a beautiful man. You are the greatest. Because of you many kids survived their cancers including me. Now you are up there in heaven with all those poor kids who lost their battle to that horrible disease. I love you doctor and I love you dad. Eternal love.
Kathy Abella
May 11, 2017
Dr. Finkelstein, I love you so much and miss you so much. It's Kathy, I was one of your patients when I was a little girl sick with Leukemia. I first met you when I was diagnosed in August 1991 when I was 4. Ever since then I've loved you like a father. I was a very scared and extremely shy little girl when I first saw you. Lol--you couldn't even get me to talk--I just nodded my head yes or no to your questions. I loved it when you comforted me by doing hand puppets with my security blankets, Muffy and Puffy and telling me to hug my teddy Judy as tightly as I wanted to whenever you gave me those horribly painful lumbar punctures. You cared for me and especially loved me like I was your own little girl. I loved it when you always told me to make sure you always give your mommy and daddy and your big brother and my Judy a hug today and always tell them that you love them. Doctor, you gave so much love to me because you fought so hard for my survival--you always told my parents especially my mom who cried so much that it's going to be a piece of cake for your little girl because she's brave and she's definitely going to beat this cancer. And because of your faith and especially love in me I survived. I love you and miss you so much. I know it's been 10 years since we last saw each other but I never stopped thinking about you or of course loving you. Without you, I would have never survived my cancer. I always loved it whenever I walked into the examining area and you said "look there's are sweetheart"!!! You always gave me so much happiness and made me feel loved and gave me so much of it. You are one of the reasons why that even though I was a very sick girl with leukemia--I always was happy and felt love and never once thought that I wasn't going to survive. My heart sobs bitterly over your passing especially when I think that I will never see you anymore in this lifetime. But you are always in my heart and soul and all the beautiful memories we had together for more than 20 years will always ease the pain in my heart. I miss you doctor. I love you so much Dr. Finkelstein. Since you are like a father to me I'll go ahead and say it--I love you dad. Rest in heavenly peace and I will miss you so much until we meet up there again. Eternal love.
Ryan Rebick
March 9, 2017
My man. Saved me and my brother and was always a pleasure to be around. We lost a great one.
Erin Pierce
March 4, 2017
"Wonderful "MY HERO ...I was diagnosed at 7 with ALL and 40 years later I am still here. With a husband and two healthy kids. Love and God bless to all his family and collegues.
Duane Grube
February 25, 2017
DR.FINKLESTEIN WAS A GREAT CANCER DOCTOR HE SAVED MY 1 YEAR OLD SON DAVID GRUBE IN 1982.THE PEOPLE WITH CANCER LOST A GREAT DOCTOR.
Erica McLennan
February 9, 2017
Dr. Finklestein was my son's doctor when he was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2011. He was the most compassionate and loving doctor my son could ever have. He always had a smile on his face and always treated everyone with love. He is the reason my son looked forward to going to the doctor (regardless of needles and pain). My family will be praying for peace for his family. Thank you Finklestein family for sharing your father/uncle/husband with our community, it is for that I am eternally grateful!
Michael Anne Murray
February 7, 2017
Our first visit: Dr. Finklestein to 5 year old Bobby, "Did your dad give you a hug and tell you he loves you today?" Bobby, "Are you serious, why would he do that?" Dr. Finklestein to dad sternly, "Do it now, please." I loved him from that moment on and will forever be grateful for the wonderful care he gave my now 18 year old son. Safe home Doctor.
Abraham Jacob Areeckal
December 23, 2016
https://youtu.be/tqzMIrbDD-E
Jenee's eulogy
December 13, 2016
Let the sweet memories sustain and comfort you today and in the days to come.
Bill Dobberpuhl
December 13, 2016
In July of 1992 my 16 year old daughter was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. Dr. Finkelstein helped her "climb that mountain" as he often said. Twenty four years later my daughter is cancer-free and has two beautiful sons and a husband and loving family. We will forever be grateful to Dr. Finklestein. He was a wonderful doctor, friend and remarkable human being, Rest in peace sir.
David Bloom
December 13, 2016
Jerry was a treasure for the entire community and he will be remembered and missed.
David and Hilary Bloom
Elizabeth Dobberpuhl Cannata
December 13, 2016
Dr. Finklestein was my pediatric oncologist when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease when I was just 16 years old. He was the most kind, honest, and compassionate man I have ever met. He treated me like I was his daughter and took care of my parents, while at the same time guiding my treatment. Thanks to his brilliant mind and soul, I have been cancer free for 24 years. I have two beautiful boys and am married to the love of my life all because of Dr. Finklestein. I will forever hold him dear to my heart and hope to see him first when I get to heaven. Thank you Dr. Finklestein for saving my life and for being the BEST doctor ever. With love, Elizabeth Dobberpuhl Cannata
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27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
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