Michael A. Posternak

Michael A. Posternak obituary, Canton, MA

Michael A. Posternak

Michael Posternak Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Schlossberg Chapel - Canton on Aug. 3, 2023.
Michael A. Posternak grew up in Lexington, MA was the son of Noel and Carlotta (Krohn) Posternak. He attended Phillips Academy Andover and Trinity College in Hartford, CT where he majored in philosophy. He later graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine completed his residency in psychiatry and fellowship in mood disorders research at Brown University. He then spent two years working at the Massachusetts General Hospital Depression Clinical and Research Program before entering private practice in Wellesley, MA where he stayed for the remainder of his career. For the past 10 years, Dr. Posternak has volunteered his time to the foundation, which offers free mental health services to veterans in need. Dr. Posternak believed that veterans gave to this country much more than our country gave back to them.
Dr. Posternak published over 50 peer-reviewed articles in psychiatric journals and served on the editorial board of for the past 15 years where he was a frequent contributor. Dr. Posternak was passionate about his work and always saw his role as one where he accompanied patients on their journey to become the best possible version of themselves. Like the character, Phil, from the movie,, he believed that the ultimate way to make life most meaningful was by committing oneself to continually doing good deeds for others.
Outside of work, Dr. Posternak was very active playing tennis, golf, hockey, and skiing. He loved nature, worked to protect the environment, and was an avid reader of history and science. He leaves behind his children, Alysha and Zach (Sharon, MA), his brothers, Barry (Greenland, NH) and Daniel (Portsmouth, NH), as well as many nieces and nephews.

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October 31, 2024

Stephen Amlaw posted to the memorial.

August 12, 2024

Lauren L posted to the memorial.

March 18, 2024

Claudia G posted to the memorial.

Stephen Amlaw

October 31, 2024

Like so many others, Dr. Posternak was a huge help, and a brilliant, kind, amazing human. He was so invested in my care, and went way above and beyond others in his treatment. He gave deep, meaningful guidance, and was central in my healing. I pray for his loved ones, and I will truly miss him.

Lauren L

August 12, 2024

I´ve just learned of Dr. Posternak´s death, and one year has passed. I had thought he had retired from his practice. I am deeply saddened.

I was a patient of Dr. Posternak´s for over 20 years. He was intelligent and kind. He believed in me when I didn´t believe in myself. He would say insightful snippets which would get me to see the world differently, which would clear my own unrealistic perceptions.

He introduced me to a colleague that I still work with to this day and I am indebted to him for it. Dr. Posternak had spread goodness in the world that surpassed him. And, that goodness lives on.

My deepest condolences to his family

Claudia G

March 18, 2024

I was Dr. Posternak's patient for nearly 20 years from my mid-20s, when I was struggling and rudderless, through my mid-40s, when I was at a much better place, married with a child and a fulfilling career. Much of the reason I flourished in adulthood is thanks to Dr. Posternak's calm, caring guidance along the way. He was an exceptional physician whom I feel so lucky to have met. He delighted in seeing my wedding photos and meeting my daughter during a tele-health visit. His keen intellect, astute insights and no-nonsense approach to solving problems set him apart from prior providers. His document entitled "Posternak's Postulates" will never be far from my side: 'We must never be afraid of the truth,' he'd remind me, looking at me directly, with conviction. From his research to his patients, he offered so much of himself, never taking shortcuts. He was a formative figure in my life so I find myself grieving. My deep and sincere condolences to his family.

Lynn Gracie-Rogers

March 15, 2024

I babysat Alysha and Zach for a couple of years in the early 2010s, getting them up, ready, and bringing them to school. So sorry for your loss, Alysha and Zach. I still remember our time together fondly and have many memories in my head. At 5, Zach spelled, and used correctly, many words that just blew me away. Alysha was always a bit slow to get going in the morning, so I would wake her up, go get Zach up, and come back to her when she was ready. Hang in there guys. Lynn

Paula Hunt Greenstein

February 22, 2024

I am just learning of Michael's passing today as I tried to reach out to him after seeing his house for sale. I am heartbroken and so sadden by his loss. He also had an amazing smile that could lite up a room.I will miss you Michael, your warm beautiful smile.
RIP

Tim Murphy

January 25, 2024

So sad to hear recently about the passing of Michael. We were class mates at BU Med. We would play chess on a tiny chess board we would pass back and forth to each other. We then ended up collaborating on several patients during years later. I even referred family members to him who loved him. The world is a little less bright with him in it.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Cara Gallant

Planted Trees

Rob Rocchio

August 29, 2023

Michael was an incredible person who did so much for others. He will be greatly missed.

Frank MacMillan

August 28, 2023

Just seeing this now. Michael was a beloved classmate and friend. It´s been many years since we last spoke, but I have many fond memories of him and his kindness and dedication to our profession. I am deeply saddened to hear this and wish his children and family peace and comfort at this difficult time. God Bless you Michael.
With much love,
Frank and Laura MacMillan

Frank Christopher

August 28, 2023

Saddened to hear of Michael´s passing. A great student / friend, even better physician.

Michael Yezukevich

August 25, 2023

I only found out today about Michael's passing and I am deeply saddened by this terrible news. He and I had been close friends for a long time, meeting as co-workers in our early 20s, but unfortunately lost touch with each other a few years back.

I'll always remember Michael for his thoughtfulness and generosity, his keen intellect, and his natural ability at a chess board.

Love you Posternak.
I hope you're at peace.

Karen McCarthy

August 11, 2023

I was very saddened to hear about Dr. Posternak's passing. He helped my family and I tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen McCarthy

Jeffrey Garza

August 10, 2023

I am so sorry. Dr. Posternak helped me recover from a breakdown I felt powerless to escape. With his encouragement I became physically active again, reclaimed belief in my ability to pursue my goals, and graduated college. I am not sure if I would have survived without him. I will miss him and I feel lost without him.

James L. Megna

August 9, 2023

Dr. Posternak was a dedicated and superb clinician, while contributing significantly to the psychiatric scientific literature.

Robin Axelrad

August 7, 2023

Michael will be greatly missed. He was a terrific guy. This will always be shocking and devastating.

Robin Axelrad

August 7, 2023

I am so very sad to have learned of Michaels passing on July 3.
I was never as close friends with him as my sister was, but Michael was always really nice to me. He was kind with me, as he knew I wasn’t well. He was just a great guy from what I remember. He will be greatly missed. It is shocking that he is no longer here. But I’m so glad he is at peace now.
Robin Axelrad

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Schlossberg Chapel - Canton

824 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021

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Not sure what to say?

October 31, 2024

Stephen Amlaw posted to the memorial.

August 12, 2024

Lauren L posted to the memorial.

March 18, 2024

Claudia G posted to the memorial.