Brett Gerstenhaber
February 18, 1947 - November 7, 2025
Dr. Brett J. Gerstenhaber, born February 18, 1947 Bronx, New York, to Morris and Audrey Gerstenhaber. Graduated from Bronx High School of Science and NYU's University Heights, where he met Blanche Silver, a loving partnership that lasted 57 years. He completed his medical degree at SUNY Downstate and residency at Bronx Municipal Hospital. After 2 years in the Army, Brett trained in pulmonary medicine at Yale, joining the clinical faculty and serving as president of the Yale New Haven Hospital medical staff. He spent 20+ years at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, CT, on the Board and leading pulmonary services. Other president roles were the CT chapter of the American Society of Internal Medicine and Temple Beth David in Cheshire, CT. Over 45 years, Brett was devoted to patient care, teaching, and mentoring. Brett is survived by wife, Blanche; children, Dana (Michael Ounjian) and Rodd (Laura Triviño Duran); grandchildren, Reed, Audrey, Emma, Teo, and Maia; and sisters, Garth Ann Gerstenblith (Gary) and Melissa Pat Gerstenhaber (Rose Phelan). Donate to the ADL, Gaylord Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, or charity of preference.

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Published by The New Haven Register from Nov. 9 to Nov. 16, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Brett Gerstenhaber

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31 Entries

Michael Rethy

November 17, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear about Brett´s passing. I lived across the street from Brett and Blanche most of my childhood, and grew up with their kids Dana and Rodd.

I have such long time and fond memories of him, we were really like family for so many years. Indeed, he was my surrogate father at the Yale golf course! He was always so generous with this and so many of our adventures as kids. Besides all the rounds of golf, swim meets, and school carpools, I remember good times going to games together-at Yankee stadium, the Yale bowl and to see the Harlem Globetrotters! He was also such a good role model as a dad, and how to balance this with being a physician. Stories of his travels with the family as kids and later with Blanche were also always inspiring.

My condolences to Blanche, Dana, Rodd and their families.

Waterbury Pulmonary Associates , LLC

November 17, 2025

We are saddened by the loss of a dear colleague. A donation was made in his honor to the American Lung Association during COPD and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. May he rest peacefully.

Mike Lippmann

November 17, 2025

Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Brett , a colleague and friend. We are BMHC alumni and all trained with Brett. The last time I saw him was at LBI walking along the lighthouse promenade, some 15-20 yrs ago. May he rest in peace.
Mike Lippmann
Alan Fein
Jacobi alumni.

T.Onofrio

November 15, 2025

My condolences to All Family and friends
He was my Mom's Dr. Back in 80's or 90's
She spoke highly of him
May He R.I.P.

Angela S

November 14, 2025

My deepest condolences. Dr.G was my Dr. He was the best pulmonologist in the world. I started out seeing Dr G when I was in my 20s. He would call me kid. As I got older, I was still a kid. I still miss him taking care of me. He will be truly missed.

Harry Cohen

November 13, 2025

Dr. G was my pulmonologist for many years. He always listened and spent time with his patients.
His kindness and humor in addition to his excellent medical expertise and advice made an appointment fun!
Dr. G set the standard for what a skilled and compassionate doctor should be.

Paul Marino

November 13, 2025

We all must remember that no one is really gone until there is no one left to remember. And when there is no one left to remember, it is because we are all together.

Rest peacefully, Brett, & we thank you for many years of friendship & guidance.
Paul & Family

david riccio md

November 13, 2025

Brett was a friend a colleague a teacher and my pulmonary doctor, he was a great doctor, I am saddened at his passing.

David Riccio

Vincent DiCola

November 12, 2025

No words can express my feelings for this wonderful man. He was my doctor and directed my treatment for over 17 years with kindness and expertise. He was my golfing buddy and we both loved and hated the sport at the same time! Most of all, I was proud to call him my friend. He had a wonderful sense of humor but also a keen insight into human nature. I will miss him terribly. My heartfelt condolences to Blanche and his family whom he loved.

Brenda Pineau

November 12, 2025

May Dr. G enjoy eternal peace in heaven. Free of pain and flying with the angels. A joy to have worked alongside you caring for beloved patients. Never an angry word when I would have to wake him up in the middle of the night because a patient needed a transfer. A resigned voice saying "yes Brenda"!!!
Was sad when you told me of your plan to retire to Florida but know you enjoyed your time and your home there. God bless you and yours

Sandra Marcucci

November 12, 2025

He was my doctor many years ago, a great man, sorry for your loss.

Deb D

November 11, 2025

Dr G was an amazing doctor and fantastic co worker. He will be remembered always for his dedication to his patients. So sorry for your loss

Janet Hilbert

November 11, 2025

I met Brett when I was a Yale PCCSM fellow in the late 1980s and he was one of my first attendings. Over time, he became a valued colleague. He was never too busy to discuss our shared patients in detail, always putting patients first. He also followed and remained interested in my career and life transitions over the years. He will be missed by the many pulmonary fellows that he mentored, the colleagues that he worked with, and by his patients, family, and friends. Sending my deepest condolences.

Claire raw

November 11, 2025

So sorry to hear Brett is no longer here he literally saved my life I was heart broken when he retired however he deserved to enjoy his family and life, this is such devastating news, I miss him so much, he was one of the last "home town" drs that would actual return ur call he was a friend not just my dr so sorry to hear this news

Dana

November 11, 2025

With every passing day, I find myself wishing we had more time together. My dad had a gift for making others laugh and a deep love for the piano. To that end, I take comfort in imagining him now surrounded by his beloved parents, cousins, and friends - sharing his music, telling his perfectly inappropriate jokes, and lighting up the room just as only he could. We love him deeply and miss him every single day. Still, it feels unreal that he´s gone; we truly lost the heart of our family.

Also, in his memory, we wanted to mention something that mattered to him: my dad always reminded everyone to stay on top of their checkups. Please do that - and don´t hesitate to get a second opinion. And lastly, to honor his spirit, we would like to acknowledge that November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. We first learned of my dad´s diagnosis about a year and a half ago, so this month carries an especially meaningful place in our hearts. #FightCancer - a gentler version of the four-letter word hashtag I tried to share, one that better fits the paper´s posting guidelines. (We warmly use the color purple to show our heartfelt support and hope for those touched by pancreatic cancer.) With all of our love, Reed, Audrey, Mike, and Dana

Naseema Merchant

November 11, 2025

I am so sorry of hear this sad news. Dr. Gerstenhaber was my teacher and supervising attending during my time as a fellow at Yale in pulmonary and critical care. Later on, I got to know him closely as his colleague working in the Yale and Gaylord health system as well as through the CT Thoracic society. I learned so much from him about pulmonary medicine and how to make meaningful contributions to our profession. He made tremendous contributions to patient care and professional societies. Its a huge loss and he will be missed. Thinking of his family in this time of grief.

Phyllis Vena

November 11, 2025

I was so sorry to hear of Dr Brett´s passing. I was a patient of his. He saved my life 18 years ago. He was a wonderful dr. He left me in good hands at the Devine st clinic.
My thoughts are with all of you.

Gordon Strothers

November 11, 2025

Sorry to hear of your loss.Brett was a fine physician and treasured colleague. On a personal level a valued friend. Gordon Strothers

Sam Fischer

November 11, 2025

Brett was a one of a kind gentleman, loved by his patients & admired by his colleagues. He served many roles - physician, mentor, colleague & friend & gave his all he encountered. We hope & pray he knew his worth. A brilliant doctor & kind, smart, funny man. Many hearts are hurting by this sad news. Condolences to all who loved him. May his memory be a blessing..

Angela Santello

November 11, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. Dr G was my Dr for many years and pulled me through some very rough times. Truly a gentleman and wonderful doctor. I was able to call him at any time of the day or night if I was having a breathing issue. He saved me many times. May he rest in peace.

Karen Miller

November 10, 2025

He taught me so much about being a nurse- he always had a little time to teach, explain or just catch up. He was fiercely proud of his family and talked about the grandchildren whenever he could. I met him in `86 at the Jewish Home and joined up again at Gaylord. I´ll miss my mentor and my friend.

Laura Lynne

November 10, 2025

I wish you my sincerest condolences. Dr. G was tremendous advocate for patients, always willing to teach patients and staff, and remembered "the little things" that made a person know they really mattered. Gaylord Hospital was so fortunate to have him for so many years. May he rest in peace.

rachel

November 10, 2025

Dr G changed my life. I´ve always dreamed of being a physician but never thought I was capable. I had the privilege of learning from him and getting to know him through Gaylord. He has been a constant source of motivation for me. His character and brilliance will be so dearly missed. Thanks for always letting me bounce my research ideas off of you, Dr G. I hope to become even a fraction of the doctor you were!

James M. Shure

November 10, 2025

You were a kind-hearted man, a dedicated doctor devoted to your patients, a kind-hearted friend, community leader--a true mensch. It was an honor knowing you and working with you.
James M. Shure, New Haven

Nora Toscano

November 10, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear of Dr G´s passing. He was an early influencer of my 33 year profession in healthcare. His kindness and family friendship led to my years at Pulmonary Associates where I met dear and lasting friends. Your legacy is strong Dr G- thank you and my deepest sympathies to Blanche, Rod and Dana.

John Scarpa

November 10, 2025

My deepest condolences. it was a great man and a great doctor and by the pictures in his office a great family man.

Maura Wilson Coppola

November 10, 2025

Ah, Brett, A gentleman and scholar. My sincere condolences to you.
I first met Dr. Gerstenhaber at VA in the late 70´s; working together was a joy! In later years, my dear Henry, needed pulmonary care When his cardiologist called to book an appointment, there was not one available for two weeks, I asked to speak with Brett, he told me to bring my husband in that afternoon. He took wonderful, personal care of my Darling for more than 15 years and paid his condolences in 2015 when Henry died.
I will never forget his kindness.
May he rest in peace, knowing he was a good doctor and man.
Maura Wilson Coppola

Kimberly M Boucher

November 10, 2025

I´m so sorry for your loss. Dr. Gerstenhaber was my doctor since 1992. I first met him in the hospital when I had a severe asthma attack. I was there for a week and he came to see me. He made me feel so much better and not as scared. I continued to see him until his retirement. I´m heartbroken to hear of his passing. He was a lovely man. Very caring. He´ll be missed by so many. My condolences to all of his friends and families. May he rest in peace.

Bonnie West Russell

November 10, 2025

Dr. Gerstenhaber is the doctor who did my exam for my pilots license. I remember him as kind, with a sense of humor and glad to see a 50 year old(at that time) taking to the skies. My sympathies to his family and celebrating a life well lived,

Michael R Berman MD

November 10, 2025

My heart aches with saddness to learn of Brett's passing. He was a trusted and beloved colleague and known as a "doctor's doctor". My most sincere thoughts of condolence are with Brett's Family today.

Michael R Berman MD

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