Sy Demsky

We are heartbroken to share that Sy Demsky passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, just nine days before his 93rd birthday. He was surrounded by love in his final moments-his devoted wife of 63 years, Hilda Green Demsky, was by his side, along with their children, Brad and Michele Demsky (and grandchildren Maxwell, Zachary, and Jacob), and Jordana and Larry Alford (and grandchildren Arielle and Mikayla).
Sy lived a life rich in love-both deeply given and abundantly received.
Sy lived a life overflowing with love, purpose, and generosity. To know Sy was to feel deeply cared for-he gave of himself wholeheartedly, always placing others' needs before his own. More than 40 years ago, Sy was diagnosed with serious heart issues and told he would be living with a heart functioning at only 20%. But anyone who knew him understood-the other 80% was made up of pure love. Love he gave, and love he received, from everyone whose life he touched.
Sy's passion for helping others never wavered, and his life's work was a true reflection of that enduring commitment. A pioneer in the field of opioid addiction treatment, Sy spent over 40 years at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York running the methadone clinic, where he changed countless lives. Long before addiction was understood as a disease, Sy was already advocating for those struggling, leading with compassion and science. He held a master's degree in psychology from NYU and brought both intellect and heart to his mission. Until his final day, he served as the president of Stop Stigma Now, a nonprofit committed to ending the shame surrounding addiction. He also proudly led NDRI, continuing to drive change and hope in the recovery community.
Sy's journey was as colorful and rich as the life he built. Before dedicating himself to psychology, he served our country during the Korean War, spent time working on a kibbutz in Israel with the early Chalutzim, taught gym and served as a dean in the New York City school system, and even owned a coffee shop in the West Village. As a young man in the 1940s, he played shortstop and second base for the New York Yankees farm team, chasing his dream of becoming a professional baseball player.
It was while working as a dean that he met Hilda, an art teacher. Together, they built a life grounded in love, shared values, and the spirit of Tikun Olam-the commitment to healing and improving the world. Their home was always full of warmth, laughter, and fresh flowers-Sy's passion for gardening never waned. Whether in a house or a small apartment, he continued to plant and nurture beauty wherever he went, just as he did with people.
Sy was predeceased by his beloved siblings, Irving and Diane Demsky, and their memory, like his, continues to be a blessing.
Sy leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and love. He taught us all what it means to give-to family, to community, and to the world.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stop Stigma Now, an organization that carries forward Sy's life mission.
The world is better because you were in it, Sy. We will miss you deeply.
The world will miss you Sy.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to https://www.stopstigmanow.org/donate/#donate_id
Graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 10:30 am at Adath Jeshurun Cemetery, 350 Grove Street West Roxbury, MA.
Shiva will be on Tuesday from the interment to 4 PM and then resume from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday 2 PM to 5 PM and then resume 6:30 to 8:30 PM.