Ronald Katz

Ronald Katz obituary, Potomac, MD

Ronald Katz

Ronald Katz Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 14, 2024.


Dr. Ronald Alan Katz, MD

Affectionately known as Ron, Dr. Ronald Alan Katz passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. The cause of death was complications resulting from Parkinson's disease. He was 82.

Ron was born July 13, 1942, the cherished son of the late Mildred and Walter Katz and the beloved brother of Gail Katz (Paul). He leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Jane Katz; his adoring daughters, Jennifer Berzok (Matt) and Hilary Katz; his treasured grandchildren, Benjamin and Alexandra Berzok and Emily Katz; and many dear nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends who held him in the highest regard.

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Ron spent his formative years in Kansas City, Missouri, and Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science in 1964 and earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1969. Due to his academic excellence, he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

Ron's passion for medicine was deeply personal. His struggles with severe eczema during childhood inspired him to pursue a career as a physician, with dermatologists becoming his early heroes. This determination led him to groundbreaking research opportunities during medical school. Funded by a USPHS grant, Ron worked in Dr. John Sever's viral lab at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), contributing to studies on rubella vaccine development. Before his third year of medical school, He conducted research at the Rocky Mountain Lab in Montana, publishing a paper on pertussis that earned him recognition at the 1968 Alpha Omega Alpha Research Seminar.

During medical school, Ron met Jane Markin, the love of his life. Their connection was immediate and profound; by their third date, they knew they were destined to spend their lives together. The couple married on December 26, 1968, beginning a partnership marked by unwavering love and mutual support.

Ron completed a pediatric internship at Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C., where his and Jane's first daughter, Jennifer, was born. His medical journey then took him to Chicago, Illinois, where he received a Commission as a General Medical Officer in the United States Public Health Service and served at the Old Marine Hospital Clinic. There, he discovered dermatology as a clinical subspecialty of pediatrics-a revelation that shaped his career trajectory.

Ron pursued his dermatology residency at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, serving as Chief Resident from 1974 to 1975. During this time, he and Jane welcomed their second daughter, Hilary. With their growing family in mind, Ron and Jane settled in the Washington, D.C., area.

In Washington, Ron played an instrumental role in establishing a dermatology program at Washington Hospital Center alongside Dr. Thomas Nigra. Together, they built a program emphasizing rigorous training and compassionate care for patients with routine and complex dermatological conditions. Simultaneously, Ron established a thriving private practice where he became known for his patient-centered approach and dedication to generations of families who entrusted him with their care.

Beyond his clinical work, Ron was deeply committed to advancing the field of dermatology through teaching and research. He lectured widely and consulted for the dermatology branch at the NIH while continuing to challenge norms within the medical profession. In 1987, he authored an editorial in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology critiquing inappropriate relationships between medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. This editorial sparked essential conversations within the field.

Ron's leadership extended to professional organizations. In 1991, he was elected President of the Washington, D.C. Dermatological Society and co-chaired the Atlantic Dermatological Conference, which the society hosted in 1992.

Despite his humility regarding accolades, Ron's achievements were widely recognized. He was listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, and Best Doctors in America. A proud member of the Cosmos Club-a distinguished institution celebrating contributions to science, literature, the arts, and public service. Ron found joy in his professional accomplishments and personal passions.

An avid photographer honored as Photographer of the Year in 1992-93 by a local photography group, Ron captured beauty through his lens with remarkable skill. He was also an enthusiastic runner who averaged 1,000 miles annually for over three decades and completed six marathons between 2000 and 2004. A voracious reader and collector of first-edition books, Ron's intellectual curiosity knew no bounds.

Above all else, Ron's life revolved around his family. His nearly 56-year marriage to Jane was a testament to enduring love and partnership. He took immense pride in his daughters' accomplishments and found boundless joy in being "Grandpa" to his grandchildren. The outpouring of support from friends and extended family during his illness underscored how deeply he touched many lives.

Dr. Ronald Alan Katz lived a life of compassion, intellect, dedication to medicine, and love for those around him. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services and interment will be held at the Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park in Clarksburg on Tuesday, December 17, at 10 am. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

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Sign Ronald Katz's Guest Book

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May 26, 2025

Arnie Kahn posted to the memorial.

December 28, 2024

Ellyn Leshinsky posted to the memorial.

December 23, 2024

Jeff, Melissa and Greydon planted trees.

Arnie Kahn

May 26, 2025

My best friend in 5th & 6th grades, and then he moved.

Ellyn Leshinsky

December 28, 2024

Jane, I was so sorry to hear about Ron“s passing. My condolences to you, Jennifer, Hilary and your extended family. Our thoughts are
with you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Ellyn & Mel Leshinsky

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Jeff, Melissa and Greydon

Planted Trees

Robert Sanders

December 19, 2024

The best Doctor ever!!! Was a patient of his for years-my whole family too. He called my home one day to see how I was doing. Just a wonderful person!!

Carol Martin

December 18, 2024

I was a patient of Dr. Katz for over 20 years. He was a great Doctor, showing care and compassion and spot on accuracy in diagnosis and treatment. I hope that he received the kind of care that he gave to others as he dealt with Parkinson“s disease. He will be missed by so many of his former patients, I am sure.

Sherry Bleach

December 17, 2024

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Katz. Both my husband and I were long time patients of his. We were sad that he had to retire. May his memory be a blessing for all who knew him. Our condolences to the family.

Gail Katz

December 15, 2024

Ron is, was, always will be my brother. It's gut-wrenching to lose him and think about life in this world without him. He gave so much to so many people. I want to make sure and point out that my brother, almost till the end, was as mentally and physically strong as a person10-20 years younger. This makes his death even more excruciating. He had so much more to give.

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Sign Ronald Katz's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 26, 2025

Arnie Kahn posted to the memorial.

December 28, 2024

Ellyn Leshinsky posted to the memorial.

December 23, 2024

Jeff, Melissa and Greydon planted trees.