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Dr. Jonathan Niloff
Dr. Jonathan Niloff
Obituary
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Jonathan Niloff Obituary
Jonathan grew up in Montreal, Canada with his beloved parents Petty and Paul and sisters Donna and Susan. His passion for fighting ovarian cancer was born from the loss of his beloved grandmother, Florence, who died too young of that very disease. After medical school he trained at the Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, and was part of the team that discovered the CA-125 protocol, which allows for enhanced detection and treatment of ovarian cancer. He fell in love with Boston and never left, and in three decades to follow at the Brigham, Deaconess and Beth Israel medical centers, Jonathan published dozens of influential papers and trained a generation of surgeons.
In his later years, Jonathan's passion for healthcare moved beyond the operating room. He founded a company called Medventive, where he combined his medical experience with modern technology to develop software that enhanced patient safety and efficiency in healthcare settings. In his last few years, Jonathan moved to a consulting role supporting healthcare startups, which allowed him to spend more time with his growing family.
That family truly loved him. He fell for Rebecca (also a physician) in medical school, and their four-decade love affair was a true partnership. Stephanie, his daughter, lives in New York City with her husband, Gerold. Eric, his son, lives in Brookline with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Liam (7) and Max (5). Being a grandfather meant so much to Jonathan. He spent hours with the boys building block structures and sand castles. His patience and calmness made him an amazing grandfather.
All who knew Jonathan can take comfort that his final years were spent truly fulfilled and happy. He carried his gentle nature and kindness to the end. He will be dearly missed.
Services will be held at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton on Monday September 17 at 11am. Burial will be in the Roxbury Lodge Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury.
The family will receive guests Monday only at One Charles Street South in Boston from 3pm to 8pm.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jonathan's legacy of curing the sick can best do so via donations to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Vanessa Campana
August 1, 2025
Dear Rebecca,
I was reading an article and came upon this sad news. I´m in shock that Jonathan is gone. Take care of yourself and I hope you are not working too hard, just enjoy life to the fullest!
Love,
Vanessa Campana
Robin Chabot
November 25, 2024
A wonderful very very caring doctor who saved My life when I was younger! I am so very very sorry for Your loss for someone so wonderful. I want to thank the family for Your generosity of time away from Him....I truly understand that with all the extra hours He spent saving My life that He had less time with You! I do know when I talked about My direct family, I could tell He loved and cared for You too so very very much. Doctors give so much of their time saving lives at heart strung consequences. Such a great doctor!!!
He was humorous too which helped alleviate pain. I wish I could alleviate Your painful loss....I hope a big virtual hug helps! Well how about a lifelong virtual hugs!!!
Anonymous
September 25, 2023
Dr Niloff treated me for cancer and i have lived a full life thanks to him. I am grateful to him. May he rest in peace.
Albert Ray MD
September 9, 2023
Never forgotten!
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Albert Ray
October 24, 2020
So sorry to hear this belated news. I was Dr Paul Niloff's medical student at the Jewish General Hospital and Reddy Memorial Hospital and remember being invited to the Niloff residence who showed their kindness to a visiting American during my stay in Canada. . I have only fond memories of the entire Niloff family and send you my sincere condolences regarding Jonathan.
Christo Tchervenkov
October 14, 2018
Dear Rebecca,
I heard the sad news of Jonathan's passing at our 40th Medical Class Reunion that just took place this week-end. I feel so sorry that I was not able to see him again after our Med School graduation in 1978. I have vivid memories of both of you, very kind, warm and humane individuals. I send you my most sincere and heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Christo Tchervenkov, MD, CM
McGill Medicine Class of '78
Joey Nord
October 2, 2018
I had the privilege of being a PR person who got to work with Dr. Niloff during our days at McKesson. He was that rare combination of consummate thought leader, articulate spokesperson and authentic, down-to-earth person who showed genuine care for everyone around him, regardless of level or function. His calm, positive influence and example during times of change inspired countless people who had the honor to work with him over the years. Personally, he made me strive to be better. Id like to send warm thoughts and prayers to his family as they remember a life well-lived. He will be missed by many!
September 26, 2018
Dear Rebecca,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the opportunity to work with Jonathan on a couple of projects at McKesson. He was friendly, helpful and simply a pleasure to get to know. He always came a cross as open and easy to approach, and humble in his work with others.
Best to you,
Ray
Greg Hart
September 25, 2018
Dear Rebecca and Family -
I got to know Jonathan while he was at McKesson after the Medventive acquisition. I'm not just "saying nice words" now as I said this many times before, but Jonathan was one of my all time favorite people. Every time I met with him, I walked away smarter. He was incredibly kind. He was tremendously humble, more humble than others that had far less impact on others. Anybody that got to know Jonathan was better for it and although I only got to work with him for about 2 years, I feel incredibly lucky to have done so.
My thoughts go out to you and your family, this is a loss for all of us but mostly for you as I know Jonathan was such a family man and always spoke about weekends and time up on the coast with you all - he was so proud of the time he spent with his family.
Greg
September 25, 2018
Rebecca & Family:
Am so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Jonathan for many years and respected his intelligent insight and great sense of humor. Rest in peace Jonathan.
Michelle S. Freed
Eleanor Curley
September 24, 2018
Dr.Rebecca Niloff,
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Eleanor, Derek & Jessica Curley
Tamara Takoudes
September 21, 2018
Dear Rebecca and Niloff family,
I was a resident at BIDMC from 1997-2001 and Dr. Niloff was a true inspiration for me. Watching him perform surgery was like watching the smoothest performance any Olympian athlete can ever achieve. And this was every single time he performed surgery, even the most complicated cases. I learned so much from him and I am sorry for your loss at such a young age. His legacy will live on in so many he taught. I was unable to attend the services to tell you in person but I will always remember his teaching in my career as a maternal fetal medicine specialist.
Thinking of you in this dark time.
Liz Sieminski
September 20, 2018
To Rebecca & all the Niloff family - Words just can't express how sorry we were to hear of your husband's passing. May your memories give you some comfort someday soon! We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Love,
the Sieminski family (Liz, John, Bryan & Rachael)
weldon chafe
September 20, 2018
Rebecca and family Sorry to hear of Jonathan's passing.I have a lot of fond memories from Montreal days and have had the pleasure to respectively follow Jon's career. It is with sadness that my thoughts and condolences reach out to you
Weldon Chafe
Gene and Jane Spalding
September 19, 2018
Our Daughter Jennifer married into this wonderful family. His passing hurts so much. Jonathan and Rebecca welcomed us with open arms into their home, their lives and their hearts. Proud to be apart of Jonathans and his family life.
Marty November
September 18, 2018
I am at a loss for words. Jonathan was such a wonderful role model as a physician, businessman and individual. He challenged us all to achieve the same high standards he held himself. All too frequently, I still hear the many words of wisdom he shared over the years guiding me to not settle for anything less than my best. He had a substantial impact on so many and will be profoundly missed. My heart goes out to the Niloff family.
Joel and Janet Westelman
September 18, 2018
Dear cousin Rebecca, our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your husband.
Rhona Spanier
September 18, 2018
Dear Rebecca. My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your husband. He sounds like such a wonderful man. May his memory be a blessing.
Ed Buchanan
September 18, 2018
I am very sorry to hear the news of Jonathan's passing. I am proud to say I was one of his residents. Learning from him was fantastic. He taught his residents surgical skills that I'm sure we all continue to use in our own care. But more than that, he exemplified the importance of treating his patients with dignity and respect. For that, I'll always be grateful.
Gerri Vaughan
September 17, 2018
I am deeply saddened to hear the loss of Dr Niloff. I knew Dr Niloff when he was an executive at Caregroup, Medventive and also as a patient. What an amazingly kind, patient person and professional. My deepest sympathies to the family.
September 17, 2018
Dear Petty, Paul, Donna, Susan and the entire Niloff family
I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jonathan.
My sincere condolences.
Barbara Mayman
Marci Kling
September 17, 2018
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Niloff family. I was fortunate enough to work with Dr. Niloff as an OR nurse years ago. He taught me so much and impacted my life as a mentor and compassionate, talented surgeon who I enjoyed working with. His intelligence, drive, and kindness remain an inspiration for all who knew him.
Maggie Lohnes
September 17, 2018
I am so very sorry to learn the sad news of Dr. Niloff's passing. What a kind and generous man he was. Jonathan and I worked together, having started work on the same day in the same department when Medventive was acquired. He kept us all smiling as we worked to fit into an unfamiliar organizational culture. God bless his family and friends during this difficult time. What a perfect example of a life well led. Well done, Dr. Niloff.
Maureen Lira
September 17, 2018
I worked for many years with DrNiloff at Beth Israel hospital. He was the kindest, professional and collaborative doctor I had the pleasure to work with. His surgical skills were amazing - he could do hysterectomies with a 2 inch incision - the patient had less pain and swelling and did well overall compared to previous surgical approaches.
He also was a pioneer in letting patients eat after surgery rather than starve them - his approach changed the way we still care for many patients even now
His presence on our unit embodied the physician nurse relationship and he treated all of us as equals, always listening to our opinions and ideas.
He was certainly one of a kind - and will be remembered for a very long time .
Jack Ludmir
September 17, 2018
Blima and I are deeply saddened to hear the sad news of Jonathan's passing. Even though it has been 20 years since we left Boston, we still remember the true friendship we had with Rebecca and Jonathan. At the personal level, Jonathan was instrumental in guiding and helping me to become a better physician and educator. We pray that Rebecca, Eric, Stephanie and families will find comfort in the beautiful memories of a great man that made a difference and left a legacy in this world.
Jack and Blima Ludmir
Celia Toole
September 17, 2018
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Niloff.
I had the privilege of working with him at the Beth Israel Deaconess Med Ctr, My sincerest sympathy to his wife, children, and extended family.
Dan Underberger
September 17, 2018
I was heartbroken upon hearing of Jonathan's passing.
A mentor, friend and absolutely brilliant person.
He unselfishly and patiently taught so many, always making time to listen and help.
My condolences to his entire family - he was so proud of you and talked about you endlessly.
Martin Shugar
September 17, 2018
My wife and I were saddened to learn of the death of Jonathan. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Martin Shugar, Park Ridge, NJ
Laura Wilner
September 17, 2018
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of such a great man. I had the honor and privilege of working with Dr. Jonathan Niloff in the Beth Israel Hospital Operating Room. Together with so many of my nurse colleagues, I so enjoyed working with him and had the greatest respect, admiration and appreciation for Dr. Niloff's extraordinary skill, patience, and caring, kind and gentle manner. Our lives have been made better by knowing and working with such an amazing man. My deepest condolences to his entire family.
Paul Levy
September 17, 2018
A wonderful, kind man. So respected and admired by all--fellow doctors, nurses, administrators, patients, and families. Every dealing I had with him was a positive experience.
September 17, 2018
Dear Cousins Rebecca, Petty, Paul, Donna, Susan and families, my deepest sympathies on Jonathan's passing. My special memories over the years include being trained as a prefect by Jonathan at West Hill High School, to sailing together on his Cat at Petite Lac Magog. May the entire family be spared further sorrow. (BH) Sincerely, Stephen Freedman (Atlanta, Ga.)
Ron Iller
September 17, 2018
While I only knew Jonathan for a few years professionally, it was immediately that I not only knew how incredibly brilliant and talented he was, but what a kind heart he had. He took time to educate others when they didn't understand what he was trying to get across when he could have just blown them off. He really meant it when he asked how you were doing. His personality and genuine kindness will be missed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.
September 16, 2018
I went to medical school with Jonathan and Rebecca at McGill. I remember Jonathan well - he was smart as a whip and a real mensch. I'm sure his patients and colleagues loved him. Rebecca - my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Eric Letovsky
Chris Roth
September 16, 2018
I enjoyed working with Jonathan at Diameter Health and he will be missed.
Our prayers are with the Niloff family.
Chris and Beth Roth
Marilyn Mayman
September 16, 2018
Dear Petty, Paul, Donna, Susan and the entire Niloff Family, I'm so very sad to hear the news of your wonderful Jonathan. I'm thinking of you.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Mayman
September 16, 2018
He who saves one life saves the world. Jonathan saved so many worlds. He was a wonderful physician and, in keeping with the first element of the Hippocratic oath, he was a superb and beloved teacher. Jon will be missed.
Henry Klapholz
Kathryn Burke
September 16, 2018
Although I worked for and with Jonathan, I knew that he was first and foremost a family man. He was very proud of his wonderful family. Second, he was incredibly smart. I respected him greatly, and I am incredibly sorry to hear that he suffered and died so young. I'd like to send condolences to his family.
Jeanette Clough
September 16, 2018
Jonathan was an amazing physician, colleague and friend. His intelligence was matched only by his kindness and warmth. I will miss him a lot and especially hearing about all that he was doing to advance medicine and the care of patients.On behalf of everyone in our Mount Auburn Hospital family I extend my sincere sympathy to Rebecca and to Jonathan's entire family. Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Patty and Johnny Lank
September 16, 2018
What an enormous loss to the Niloff family, friends, patients, colleagues and truthfully, to this world of Dr. Jonathan Niloff, his peerless smile and enormous heart. This is a terrifically sad day for all whose lives he touched. Our hearts go out to you all.
Shelley Yaffe London
September 16, 2018
Dear Niloff Family. I was so sad to hear the terrible news about Jonathan. Our families go so far back and I remember Jonathan as a wonderful son brother and family man. He made all of you so proud . He was a very well respected Doctor and was so humble. Please accept my deepest condolences. Shelley Yaffe London
Sue Ghosh
September 16, 2018
I will never forget all the lessons Dr. Niloff taught me as a resident. He was such an efficient and skilled surgeon. He was also a great mentor. He was definitely a reason I went into gyn oncology. My brother, Kris, was his partner at BIDMC for several years. Kris always told me that he would call Dr. Niloff for advice about a myriad of things years after leaving Boston. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.
Marilyn Mayman
September 16, 2018
Dear Paul, Petty, Donna, Susan, and the entire Niloff Family, I am so very sad to hear the news of your wonderful Jonathan. I'm thinking of you.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Mayman
Sherry Zises
September 16, 2018
With sadness and my deepest condolences to the Niloff family. Jon was such a warm ,kind man. A brilliant mind and a smile that would light up the room.! He will be missed.
marc Kobelin
September 16, 2018
Jonathan was a hero to his residents, colleagues, and friends. His
approach to life, family, and work as well as his gifted insights will
remain for us to cherish.
My deepest sympathy
Anonymous Patient
September 16, 2018
What a sad and tragic loss. I am forever grateful to him.
Rosalie Weener
September 15, 2018
With enormous remembrance of a very special man who greeted with a warm and caring smile. My heart cries with Rebecca, family and friends. My sympathy
Elaine Miller
September 15, 2018
To the entire Niloff family, So sorry to hear of the loss of Jonathan. A brilliant man, and amazing family man. Please know that my thoughts are with you all during this time. Sincerely Elaine Miller
Bonny Roberts
September 15, 2018
I admired him. And he inspired me. (I love the thought that he had amazing grammer and would have edited that incomplete sentence.) I will miss him dearly and am thinking of all those who share my lose in their own form.
Ellen Calmas
September 15, 2018
There are certain people in the world who impact your life in incredibly meaningful ways. For certain, Jon was one of them and my heart aches for this terrible and untimely loss. Sending lots of love, Ellen
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