Eugene Eisenberg

1927 - 2025

Eugene Eisenberg, M.D., beloved father, grandfather, physician, teacher, veteran, and adventurer, died peacefully at home on February 26, 2025, at the age of 97.

The youngest of eight children, Eugene was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 10, 1927, to Hyman and Sadie Eisenberg. He lived an extraordinary life defined by service, compassion, intellect, and a deep love for family and the outdoors.

During World War II, as a teenager during nighttime blackouts in Los Angeles, he supported critical wartime efforts by running messages from lookout stations to local authorities. He went on to dedicate his life to medicine, practicing for an astounding 72 years and continuing to work until he was 94 years and 10 months old. Over the course of his career, he treated tens of thousands of patients and delivered 105 babies early in his medical training.

Dr. Eisenberg completed his education at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Science. He continued at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco, where he earned both a Master of Science in Pharmacology and a Doctor of Medicine degree at just 22 years old. He completed his internship at Los Angeles County General Hospital, followed by a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in endocrinology at the University of California Hospital in San Francisco.

During the Korean War and later in the Reserve, Dr. Eisenberg served in the United States Air Force Medical Corps, ultimately achieving the rank of Major.

A dedicated mentor and educator, Dr. Eisenberg taught for decades as a professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of California, Berkeley, publishing in endocrinology and inspiring generations of physicians with his depth of knowledge, professionalism, and humanity.

Beginning in 1995, he was one of the few endocrinologists serving Napa County, a role he fulfilled for 27 years. He served most recently at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa as Medical Director of the Diabetic Wellness Program and maintained private practices and consulting work throughout his career.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Dr. Eisenberg received the Napa Solano Medical Society's Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor reserved for only a select few physicians who exemplify extraordinary compassion, leadership, and lifelong commitment to patients and the medical profession.

Outside of medicine, Eugene loved life's great adventures. He cherished family and friends and enjoyed sailing, skiing, backpacking, and travel, embracing the outdoors with energy and enthusiasm. He also found joy in ranching, winemaking, gardening, and cooking. One of the defining adventures of his life was a four-year voyage sailing around and across the Pacific with his beloved partner, William (Bill) Burkell, who preceded him in death.

Dr. Eisenberg is survived by his children, David Eisenberg (Paula), Daniel Eisenberg, and Dr. Susan Lewis (David); his grandchildren, Dr. Amy Eisenberg, Benjamin Eisenberg, Madison Lewis, and Gabriella Lewis; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Samuel Eisenberg, as well as his parents and siblings: Molly, Harry, Sol, Sidney, Archie, Rose, and Estelle.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Whetstone Winery, 1075 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, California.

Please RSVP to: dr.eugeneeisenbergmdcol@gmail.com.