Daniel Spitzberg

Daniel H. Spitzberg, M.D.

December 29, 1940 – January 8, 2026

Noted ophthalmologist, philanthropist, and business leader Daniel H. Spitzberg, M.D., passed away peacefully while wintering in Scottsdale, Arizona, following a brief stay in hospice care on the campus of Mayo Clinic. His wife, Susanne McAlister, and daughters, Laura and Julie, were by his side. Daniel will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit as well as his love and loyalty to his family, friends and to the many patients he served.

Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, Susanne McAlister; daughters Laura (Dennis) Carafiol of Carmel, Indiana, and Julie (Paul) Graziano of Evergreen, Colorado; and five cherished grandchildren—Camille, Mimi, Alexis, Nicholas, and Mia. Affectionately known as “Papa,” Daniel was the devoted patriarch of his family.

A graduate of Indiana University (1962) and the Indiana University School of Medicine (M.D., 1966), Daniel made lifelong friends as a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, he completed his ophthalmology residency, inspired by the work of Dr. Theodore Schlaegel, the world’s foremost expert in the treatment of uveitis.

Throughout his distinguished career, Daniel was a respected clinician, educator, and leader. He later co-chaired the Glick Eye Institute at Indiana University, where Daniel H. Spitzberg Hall stands in recognition of his enduring generosity and commitment.

A skilled and highly regarded physician, Daniel founded and partnered in multiple ophthalmology practices across central Indiana. He later transitioned from private practice to executive medical leadership, most recently serving as Chief Medical Officer for United Healthcare Indiana Medicaid Division. He remained professionally active until his passing, often saying, “I flunked retirement.”

Beyond medicine, Daniel was an astute entrepreneur, managing a diverse portfolio of successful ventures and investments. He was particularly proud of his partnership in the development of Plum Creek Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana.

Daniel lived an active and fulfilling life. An avid and accomplished golfer, he most enjoyed playing with family and friends. He also loved racquet sports, fly fishing, snow skiing, and traveling.

A deeply committed community leader, Daniel was a true mensch, embodying the Jewish spirit of philanthropy. Among his many contributions, he served as Foundation President of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, as a board member of the Center for Leadership Development, and as incoming Vice Chair of the Indiana University School of Medicine Dean’s Council. His memoir, In the Blink of an Eye – A Doctor of Vision, reflects a life devoted to service, leadership, and generosity.

Daniel was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1940 to the late Albert E. and Dorothy (Leopold) Spitzberg. He attended Fort Wayne North Side High School, graduating in 1959. He was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor; his wife and the mother of his children, Marilyn (Bassler); and his wife, Alana (Randolph).

A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis. Calling hours will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., followed immediately by a service celebrating his life. For those unable to attend in person, the funeral will be livestreamed https://ihcindy.org/streaming/

Memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, IU School of Medicine Ophthalmology, or the Center for Leadership Development.

Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary: www.arnmortuary.com.