Gary Setnik Obituary
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Born on March 17, 1947, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Gary was the first in his family to graduate from college. He attended Ohio State University, and with the support of his high school sweetheart, Susan, whom he married on March 22, 1970, he went on to become a doctor.
As Director of the Emergency Department at Mount Auburn Hospital, he demonstrated deep commitment to the quality of care and a compassionate patient experience for more than 35 years. He carried his love of teaching into the classroom at both Harvard Medical School and Northeastern University, receiving numerous teaching awards. Gary was involved in much of the emergency management work in Massachusetts and was the first EMS Medical Director for Advanced Life Support in Cambridge.
He also served as the Medical Director at Professional Ambulance, who became family to him. In coordination with Professional Ambulance, the city of Cambridge and Mount Auburn Hospital Dr. Setnik played a key role in disaster planning for the state of Massachusetts, even involving his children in disaster drills at a young age. He instilled a stellar work ethic-the best example being the blizzard of '78, when he walked several miles in the snow to a spot where police could transport him to Cambridge so he could relieve other exhausted doctors.
Over the years, Gary traveled the world with his wife, children, and grandchildren, but he especially cherished the deep relationships he made along the way, many who became close lifelong friends. Although open to new experiences, he loved the comfort of routines: eating chicken parm at the same restaurant in Disney World, "hunting and gathering takeout" from the Bristol House of Pizza for the whole "love bubble" of friends and family at Davidson's Family Campground in Bristol, NH, enjoying a lobster roll from Beal's in Southwest Harbor at Acadia National Park, followed by a hike up Beech Mountain. Every year, his joyful obsession was capturing the perfect family picture, which reflected his greatest treasure in life: family.
His first grandchild, Emmett, named him "Popops." Popops would "pop down" to almost every soccer game his grandchildren played in Rhode Island, "pop up" to New Hampshire for dance recitals and plays for his northern flock, or "pop over" to gymnastics for his youngest granddaughter. No matter how busy his schedule, Popops always wanted those he loved to know they mattered and were a priority.
His legacy carries on through his devoted family: his beloved wife, Susan Setnik; his children, Ethan Setnik, Lon Setnik (Cynthia King), and Justine Shira; his grandchildren, Kira Maki-Setnik, Eleanor Setnik-King, Rhys Setnik-King, Wyatt Karmozyn, and Emmett Karmozyn; and his great-granddaughter, Rosalie Karmozyn.
He taught his family, and everyone who would listen, to remain compassionate toward others. Known for his generosity, he reminded those around him that life is not about fancy cars or big homes, but always about helping others. And he firmly believed that chocolate is most definitely at the base of the food pyramid!
Gary was also a techie at heart. His iPhone, Apple Watch, and iPad always had to be charged so he could share important news articles with his family. Keeping his sense of humor alive, the lights in his favorite Apple store in Burlington now shine a little brighter.
A memorial service will be held at Temple Isaiah in Lexington, MA, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, followed by interment at Mount Auburn Cemetery and a reception for his colleagues, friends, and family. In lieu of flowers, he would appreciate donations to NPR or any other charity of choice. Please find the streaming link for Gary's service below:
https://templeisaiahlexington.livecontrol.tv/285b08d7
Memorial Service Details
Memorial Service Date: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Memorial Service Location: Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln Street, Lexington MA 02421
Memorial Service Time: 10:30am-11:45am
Burial Service Details
Burial Service Date: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Burial Service Time: 12:30 PM
Memorial Reception Details
Date: Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Reception Location: Bigelow Chapel and Gathering Wing
Reception Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jane Neill
October 24, 2025
I had the privilege of working with Gary in his multiple roles in medical education at Harvard Medical School. In addition to being a highly committed and compassionate clinician with the highest of standards for clinical care, Gary was an outstanding teacher and educator who held his students to the same high standards he brought to his role as a physician. For many years, he led one of the highest regarded and most sought electives in Emergency Medicine for Harvard medical students, served on important committees for the MD program, and was the recipient of numerous awards for his excellence in teaching. He will be greatly missed.
Larry Weinrauch
October 24, 2025
Condolences to those who knew Gary. He was a wonderful colleague, a friend to those in need, a caring clinician and tireless worker for the community. He will be missed by all.
Kathy Gorman
October 23, 2025
I had the honor of working with Gary at Mount Auburn in the ER for 2 years. I was a young nurse when I came to the ER and I will never forget how welcoming and kind he was to me. His office door was always open for whatever or whenever you needed him. He was a very special person,truly one of a kind. My sympathy to Lynn and his children.
Kathy Gorman RN
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Mary Delaney RN DFCI
October 23, 2025
I am blessed to have a job that introduces me to wonderful special people but the day I met Dr S will always remain in my heart. He was a patient with an overwhelming diagnosis but he was also a loving man who had a message to share- a physician who "got it" his appreciation for nurses as colleagues and as caregivers was impressive. On his toughest days he still spread joy encouragement and appreciation My condolences to Susan and family Mary Delaney RN DFCI
Peter Ricci
October 21, 2025
I member of the Lexington fire department. We appreciated the Doc´s work with us always as a group and personally, I appreciate it. Of course he said call me, Gary, but we knew his expertise was second to none as a physician. I have several decades of service in the EMS and saw him on several levels. I know this might sound repetitive, but everybody is right on track when they say about his dedication his humor and his focus on in hospital and out of hospital EMS. I am glad and hope you find solace that he passed in his favorite area surrounded by family.
Being on shift today, we intended to stop by, but perhaps fittingly we had 2 medical calls around this time.
Nicholas DiIeso
October 20, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Gary for 20 years at Mount Auburn. We shared our experience in Emergency Care and Disaster planning. We collaborated on planning our hospital disaster drills with our EMS colleagues and a few had his son Ethan as a volunteer victim. Gary exemplified the Mount Auburn spirit and it was his extended family. I will alway remember our time together and to his wife Susan and family, my deepest sympathies.
Regina Walsh Keating
October 20, 2025
Susan and children
I was a young kid of 22 when I started in the ER and it was Gary that showed me the ropes . He was like a big brother to me . I was so impressed how he included his love for all of you in his daily conversations. I loved how he opened his paper lunch bag that Susan packed for him and showed us what she prepared. We had so many wonderful laughs and tears through the years . I wanted to be like a sponge to soak up all his knowledge. I knew I could call him for any diffficulty and he would be the stabilizing wisdom .
I know you all have so many memories of him because he wanted each of you to feel special. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.
Gina Walsh Keating
Manny Pacheco MD
October 20, 2025
Gary "got it" regarding the challenges that ED patients and staff face every day.
During my previous stretch at Mt Auburn and also my current one he was immediately warm and supportive in any way he could be.
He knew that our patients are our "True North".
Gary I love and miss you beyond these words I am typing through tears.
Rest easy Gary your work is done and your suffering is over.
Manny
James Li
October 20, 2025
Ron Walls
October 20, 2025
Gary, you were a giant among our leaders in emergency medicine, something that we will never forget, nor ever cease being grateful for. You shaped the thinking of thousands of Harvard Medical School students, hundreds of our emergency medicine residents, and the great majority of our faculty with whom you worked. That influence, the power of your quiet dedication to patient care, has undoubtedly improved the outcomes and lessened the disease and injury burden for countless patients over the decades. Despite your amazing accomplishments, you were always a model of humility, grace, and empathy, and I learned so much from you. Thank you for the unwavering partnership as we worked to make emergency medicine a full department at Harvard Medical School, and for your wise counsel, ability to find common ground, and generosity of spirit, all of which helped us through some challenging barriers. I know (we all know) your family was #1, #2, and #3 in your universe. Thank you for letting us all be part of it and for making the world so much a better place. We are all enriched by having crossed paths with you and we will do our best to live up to your high standards. With deep, deep gratitude,
Ron Walls, MD
Judi and Tim Henderson
October 20, 2025
To Susan and your entire family, we send our deepest sympathy in the loss or your husband and patriarch of all. What a great person, dedicated, kind and a hard worker to look up to. Bless you all.
James A. Street, PhD, MD
October 20, 2025
I was proud to call Dr. Gary Setnick a mentor, friend and colleague during my years as at Mount Auburn Hospital, where he was the Director of Emergency Medicine for over 30 years. I was privileged to witness at close quarters his never-tiring commitment to high quality and compassionate patient care. He always went the extra mile, and never lost his good humour and professionalism, even in the most challenging situations. He was the best role model, both as a physician and a human being. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with his beloved family, friends and former colleagues. May they be comforted in this time of sadness.
Michael Gyurica
October 19, 2025
Though I barely knew Gary, I didn't have to know him to recognize him as one of the good guys. I will remember him as being quick with a smile, a sparkle in his eyes and engaging with friendly conversation
My deepest condolences go out to Susan and the rest of the family
Sharlene Miner
October 19, 2025
I was blessed to have Gary as my first boss after residency. What a great privilege. He was supportive, compassionate, smart and wise. He had a great love of family, which his obituary captures so well. Susan, Ethan, Lon and Justine, you are in my prayers. May God be with you.
James Li
October 19, 2025
Today, I sadly learned that Gary Setnik died.
Gary was a physician who served his patients and those around him tirelessly and selflessly, a one in a million. He was the guy who hired me out of residency on a handshake (the best promise I was ever given), then worked years of nights alongside me in the emergency room even though he'd long earned the right not to. We hit it off from the moment we met, when I visited him on a whim during a 3-day conference to Boston during my residency. I immediately recognized that he was driven by a rare and refreshing morality and perhaps he saw something similar in me. From that point on, he continuously yet gently urged me toward opportunities to become a better person, and he always had my back.
We shared both the joys and sorrows of what we experienced together in the expansive and often heart-wrenching environment of the emergency room. He never complained, always walked the high and narrow road, and treated his patients with the care and respect that underlines what drew so many of us to practice medicine. He understood and inspired me to remain true to the notion that medicine is noble when it means selfless service for others.
Gary had a great sense of humor and could make me smile when we were considering the grimmest of scenarios. He was a great communicator and could bring people together despite diverse and complex differences in their values, ideas and personalities. He was the ideal mentor, leading by example and with complete integrity.
Most of all, however, Gary was my true friend.
Man, Gary, will I miss you. Peace be with you wherever you are.
Stephen H. Zinner, MD
October 17, 2025
I mourn the loss of a wonderful colleague, an amazing physician and a man with many stories. I was privileged to work with Gary for many years at Mount Auburn Hospital and I was always impressed with his knowledge, his supportive demeanor and his wonderful smile and humor. The Harvard and Cambridge medical communities are better for his service. May his memory be a blessing. I will miss him deeply.
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