Randolph Brooks "Randy" Reinhold MD

Randolph "Randy" Brooks Reinhold, MD, passed away peacefully at 86 years of age on August 27, 2025 in Brookline, MA. He was with his wife of 46 years, Rita (Dershowitz) Berkson and family. He is predeceased by his parents, Frederick William Reinhold and Jean (Booth) Reinhold of Charlottesville, VA and brother Bill Reinhold. Randy is survived by his wife Rita, their children Geoff Reinhold and spouse Greta (Schuler) Reinhold, Kimberly "Brooks" Reinhold, James Reinhold and spouse Becky (Berg) Reinhold, Doug Berkson and spouse Sara (Cooper) Berkson. He also leaves behind four grandchildren; Aidan and Ashby Reinhold, and Noah and Eva Berkson. He is survived also by his sisters Nancy (Reinhold) Gillespie, Carol (Reinhold) Aloisi, Julie (Reinhold) Breakiron, and cousin Melissa Thomas, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Born in Baltimore, MD on November 2, 1938, Randy chose medicine as his career after he was hospitalized for childhood polio. He loved learning and competition, graduating at the top of his class from McDonogh School. He graduated with a B.A. from Princeton University and was a Maryland all-state athlete in lacrosse. After earning his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1964, he trained in surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he pioneered techniques in gastric bypass surgery and went on to a distinguished career in Boston and New Haven, where he ultimately served as Chief of Surgery at the Hospital of Saint Raphael. Throughout his career he took great pleasure in sharing his skill and knowledge by mentoring generations of young physicians.

Randy was deeply committed to equity and social justice. As a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, he went to court to request he serve his tour of duty in under-served American communities and began working with the Roxbury Dental and Medical Group, where he met the love of his life, Rita. He became a member of Doctors Without Borders and Physicians for Social Responsibility and traveled to Latin America to document the torture of political prisoners. He and Rita spent months overseas teaching in Haitian and Zimbabwean hospitals. Back home, as the founding president of Shoreline Village CT, he helped create a vital network enabling seniors to age in place with dignity and support. He also served five years on The Connecticut Hospice board of directors.

Randy loved being a family man. Shared experiences like trips were special, but also playing catch, touch football, working on a puzzle, and the annual Thanksgiving bowling match. Never idle, Randy pursued many passions including sailing, bridge, sculpting, cooking and traveling the world. He was proud that all his children left home, went to school, lived out of state, but chose to return. His grandchildren have each brought a unique joy into his life that words can't fully capture.

A celebration of Randy's life will be held on Sunday, September 7th from 11:00-1:00 at The Newbury of Brookline at 123 Fisher Avenue in Brookline, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions in Randy's memory to The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT or Good Shepherd Community Care of Newton, MA.

"The three most important ways to lead people are: …by example… by example… by example."

– Albert Schweitzer