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Neil Chayet Obituary
of Salem, MA
SALEM -- Neil L. Chayet, 78, of Salem, MA, August 11, 2017.
The son of the late Judge Ely Chayet and Blanche (Poretsky) Chayet.
He leaves his wife of 37 years, Martha Chayet, two sons, Michael R. Chayet of Weston, CT and Ely Todd Chayet of Calabasas, CA, and his daughter, Lisa Chayet Sahlberg of Raymond, ME, formerly of Duxbury. Also daughters-in-law, Julie Min Chayet and Kathy Lyon Chayet, and son-in-law, Jon Sahlberg. And five grandchildren: Max, Hannah, and Sarah Chayet, Brett and Linnea Sahlberg.
A graduate of Tufts University and Harvard Law School, he recently retired after 42 years with CBS News Radio, and his legendary daily program, "This is Neil Chayet, Looking at the Law™". A sought-after public speaker, Neil delivered countless speeches and lectures.
Neil practiced health law, authored four books, and served on numerous boards including Massport Security Advisory Council and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Science. A former Trustee of Tuft University, he was on the Faculty at Harvard Medical School Department of Psychiatry at McLean Hospital for 30 years.
A member of the Manchester Yacht Club, Neil enjoyed his 1946 Hinckley sloop, "Breeze" and his DownEast power boat, "Sooner".
CHAYET -- In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrance gifts may be made "In Memory of Neil Chayet" in support of Small Cell Cancer Research, and sent to the MGH Development Office, attention: Carrie Powers, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 (or online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/)
Services are at 10:00 am, Tuesday, August 15, 2017, Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead, Arrangements are by Stanetsky Hyman Memorial, in Salem, MA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neil Chayet
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Lisa vS
December 12, 2017
So saddened to hear this news. My deepest condolences to Martha, Lisa, and everyone else.
I often share stories of our high holiday meals. I had just told friends about how Neil used to come in to test and approve the latkes before we served them to guests.
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
August 17, 2017
Mr Chayet without knowing it has helped thousands of my patients through my years of practice. In hearing him speak at a Worcester Co Mass Medical meeting years ago, he used a phrase in speaking about conflicts in practice that I have used and instructed so many practitioners, nurses and families in since that I have always felt in his debt for sharing. The phrase, "Avoid the hook, hear the plea" was Mr Chayet's unknown gift to me and so many people that I try to help every day.
I tried to write an email once to tell him his impact but was never certain it reached him at the radio station.
Nevertheless, I wanted you to know how much the gift of his life will keep on giving in the intellect and sensitivity of thoughts like these that he shared so readily with all.
Condolences on your loss. I will continue to think of him every time I use his phrase.
Charles Mills MD, Medical Director, Palliative and Hospice Care, Elliot Health System, Manchester, NH.
Richard Levine
August 16, 2017
I had the good fortune to be a fraternity brother of Neil`s at Phi Epsilon Pi at Tufts University. He was friendly, well-liked and always in good spirits.
Martha Ann Sloan
August 16, 2017
So sorry for your loss, Martha. Thinking of you at this time.
❤Martha Ann and Steven Sloan
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Susan Lasovick
August 16, 2017
We have fond memories of a Rosh Hashonah celebration in Manchester, including playing with the trains, as well as a family get together in Salem. We wish we had know Neil was so ill, as we would have made it a point to visit. Condolences to the entire family. Neil's dad and my grandfather, Jack Chait, were cousins, and I can remember Papa Chait talking about Ely. My uncle Ray Chait, my sister's brother, reminded me that Uncle Matthew Chait, Papa Chait's brother, was apprently a buddy of Ely. From Susan and Lily Lasovick, daughter and granddaughter of Bernice Chait Lasovick, who was very fond of her cousin Neil.
Ria Koning McNamara
August 16, 2017
Dear Chayet Family,
We are saddened by the passing of Neil and wish you all our deepest sympathy in your loss. Our memories of Neil include sailing and staying at the family home in Hull, listening to "Looking at the Law" and playing with his incredible train set. We are grateful for his friendship and humor and we will miss his voice. Sincerely Ria Koning McNamara and the Koning family.
Sheldon Sternburg
August 15, 2017
To the family of Neil Chayet-
My name is Sheldon Sternburg. Beulah Chayet was my mother Frances Sternburg's sister. Beulah was married to Dr. Jacob Chayet, the brother of Judge Ely Chayet.
Through this family relationship, Neil & I had known each for at least 70 years. I know how much Neil loved my mother Frances and my father Robert for all those years. As children, we both enjoyed each other's friendship at the summer home of his parents, Ely & Blanche and his Uncle Jack and Aunt Beulah's home that was just around the corner.
I always thought of Neil as a cousin of mine and I kept in touch with him from time to time in telephone conversations where we would often reminisce about our mutual families.
I recall that Neil, when he was a student at Tufts, would often study in Uncle Jack's medical office at 1807 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA where he felt so comfortable being surrounded by medical books of all kinds. I believe that he was inspired by that environment to specialize in the combination of medical and legal studies. While living in Boston, I looked forward to his WBZ radio program, Looking at the Law. His dedication to the law and his compassion for others will remain in my memory forever. Neil always reminded me of his father Ely who had set an example for him to have compassion for othersLike father, like son.
Steven Anderson
August 15, 2017
I will miss "Rooking at the Raw" live and Neil's wit and charm. God Bless Neil and the Chayet family.
Alan Solomont
August 15, 2017
Martha,
Neil always talked about the two of you as a team, and I can only imagine how profound your loss is.
Neil and you were strong supporters and good friends of Tufts University and Tisch College. On behalf of all of us, I send you our sincere condolences.
Alan
Christian Atchason
August 15, 2017
Martha,
I cannot stress this enough.. Your Husband placed the icing and cherry on the cake at the Story Home as well as being an Honorable and Valuable member and steward of all places he touched and topped it off with an EXCELLENT LEGACY with perfect humor!! This place he rested in being "The City of Peace"(SALEM) Shalom to you and yours' Martha!!! It was nice meeting you at the the open house years ago.. I will always look up to Neil and wish you the best.. I am sure he is representing beyond imagination and with his sense of humor. Thank YOU and Blessed Be. Christian Atchason. JOIE De Vivre :) To Story , Ward, and Chayet of 26 Winter Street!!
Greg Ahern
August 14, 2017
Martha
Though it has been a few years since my Boston Company days and our work together on behalf of Governor Weld, I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy for your loss of Neil. He was a great friend and a great guy. We will all miss him and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Greg Ahern
August 13, 2017
Dear Martha, Frank and I want to extend our condolence's to you and your family on the loss of Neil. We have many fond memories of joining you and Neil at high holidays. We are grateful that Neil introduced us to many wonderful experiences. He was a remarkable man and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, Pam and Frank Carnovale
faith/rory tobin/dockett
August 13, 2017
Dear Chayet Family Rory and I wish to express our condolences's on the loss of Neil.I heard as of 8/13.luv,faith/rory
rick pozniak
August 13, 2017
My deepest condolences to Martha on the passing of her husband and my old friend Neil Chayet. I have fond memories of enjoyable breakfast and lunch meetings with Neil, and regularly meeting with himl at his Bay Village townhouse to plot his candidacy for Governor/US Senator and even AG of Mass.He was a man of integrity, wit and charm, an all around gentleman. He will be missed. Rick Pozniak
August 13, 2017
Brookline High School Class of 1956 Alumni extends their condolences, thoughts and prayers to Neil's wife Martha, sons Michael & Ely, daughter Lisa and their families and friends in your time of grief. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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