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Lawrence Stephen Lessin M.D.
1937 - 2023
Lawrence Stephen Lessin M.D.
1937 - 2023
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Lawrence Lessin Obituary
LAWRENCE STEPHEN LESSIN M.D.
LAWRENCE STEPHEN LESSIN, M.D., of Silver Spring, died on Monday, May 8, 2023. Born October 14, 1937 in Washington, DC to Maurice and Anna (nee Brodsky) Lessin. Beloved husband of Judith Lustok Lessin for 61 years. Devoted father of Jennifer Lynn Lessin (Barbara Bishop), Jonathan Lustok Lessin (Cheryl Iglesia), and Martine Rose (Scott) Hillman. Loving brother of Ruth (Herbert) Giller, deceased, Bruce Edward Lessin (Roslyn Koritzinsky). Cherished grandfather of Julie and Brittany Lessin, Maya and Johanna Hillman, and Elijah and Sasha Lessin-Burris. Director of Hematology and Oncology at George Washington University, founding Medical Director of Medstar Georgetown Cancer Institute at Washington Hospital Center, traveled world-wide to develop cancer centers in Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Jordan. Studied the red blood cell under Marcel Bessis at the Institute for Cellular Pathology in Paris. Known for his expertise on the red blood cell membrane and Sickle Cell Anemia, lectured in French, educating citizens of Benin, West Africa. Graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 10 a.m. at Judean Memorial Gardens, Olney, MD. Shiva will be observed at the family home at 7:30 p.m. May 11, May 13, and May 14. Memorial contributions may be made to the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Arrangements entrusted to TORCHINSKY HEBREW FUNERAL HOME, 202-541-1001.
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george r bowers MD
August 12, 2025
Dr Lessin was my mentor at GW 1975-1977 and provided me great knowledge and insight into my career in Heme-Onc. I honor him as one of my greatest influences in Medicine--thanks Larry
Gary Soucie
August 17, 2023
I was a patient of Dr. Lessin, in 1992-96, and was I ever lucky! In addition to being a warm, caring, and knowledgeable physician, Dr. Lessin on at least one occasion saved my life--by making the kind of decision that is quite a rarity, opting for another hospital's care rather than the one in which he was employed. The world has lost a great man. My heart goes out to his family.
Bruce Birdsell
July 23, 2023
Bruce Birdsell
July 23, 2023
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Bruce Birdsell
July 23, 2023
I worked with Larry and Brian at the Washington Cancer Institute. Larry was an amazing, thoughtful individual who always approached business and life with energy, enthusiasm, grace, and patience.
One year we all went on a fishing trip too, 1999. One of my fondest memories of my work career. Larry was always a man I looked up to, and represented himself, his cancer program, his family, and his life with honor. He will be missed.
Prayers for everyone from my family to yours,
Bruce Birdsell
Gerry Lean
May 15, 2023
The world has lost a giant in his field and otherwise as well. And I have lost a friend.
Gerry Lean
May 15, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Society has lost a giant in his field and otherwise and I have lost a friend.
Kathryn Bailey
May 14, 2023
I worked with Dr. Lessin at Washington Cancer Institute. He was a wonderful doctor and always nice to everyone.
Kathryn Bailey
Edith Lloyd
May 10, 2023
I was honored to be his primary nurse at WHC from 2002- his retirement. He always was exemplary in taking time, listening,caring and sharing the most up to date medical information.
I send my condolences to all of his family. As long as they and progeny, live,they will live on. Patients,friends and cohorts appreciate him with fond memories. He lives on in our hearts. Edith Lloyd.
Patricia G.Roberts M.D.
May 10, 2023
He was a unique physician.At the initial appointment,patients I referred to him were met with several other physicians to discuss a comprehensive treatment plan. When my own mother was dying of colon cancer, I had her transferred from Long Island Jewish to Washington Hospital Center to be under his care. My mother arrived late on Sunday night.despite the lateness of the hour Larry came in to see her.My mother was trying to put on her robe ,Larry immediately went and helped her put it on. This impressed my mother who declared "what a fine gentleman". My mother who was resisting having a feeding tube placed at LIJ, immediately agreed. I asked her later why after repeated discussions in NY she agreed so quickly. She replied because he took the time to explain why it was important and he was genuinely concerned.
Yes,Larry was a fine gentleman.he will be sorely missed
Patricia G.Roberts M.D.
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254 Carroll St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
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