DAVID SMITH Obituary

SMITH--Dr. David I. Beloved pediatrician of New York City, died on March 2, 2021 at the age of 90. He was born on November 13, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY, the oldest child of Norman and Leah Smith and a devoted brother to Sara Ellison. David attended Union College, and in 1956 was graduated from NYU Medical School. He did additional training in the Air Force, serving as a Captain and flight surgeon in Washington, DC. He returned to New York City, completed his residency at New York Hospital, and began his private practice in pediatrics. David was an "old-fashioned" physician who took calls from his patients every night, made house calls, and faithfully visited his patients in the hospital. He was honored as a Clinical Professor at Cornell Medical School and had a nursery at New York Hospital named for him. Until the end of his life, he received letters and cards from his patients and their children, many of whom also became his patients. David was as devoted to his family as to his work. Sue Schoenbaum of New York City, his wife of 65 years, and he raised their two children, Eve and Benjamin. David leaves Sue, his sister Sara, his children Benjamin and Eve (Jon Rounds), and his grandsons Eric, Jeffrey, Sam, Zander, and Teddy, and their beloved partners. David relished his time with his family in West Hampton Beach, boating, fishing, and sketching. Other outlets for his restless energy and endless curiosity included reading, photography, model shipbuilding, classical music, playing the piano, and any project that required a trip to the hardware store. David's life touched many. We will always remember his joking and laughing, earnestly engaged in conversations with family, friends and even with his toddler patients. His greatest pleasure was being on the water and we can imagine him smiling as he sails over the horizon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Weill Cornell Medicine, David I. Smith, M.D. Scholarship, Office of External Affairs, 1300 York Ave., Box 314, NY, NY 10065 or online: give.weill.cornell.edu.

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Published by New York Times on Mar. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID SMITH

5 Entries

Claudia Waxman

April 10, 2021

We are deeply saddened by the news of Dr. David Smith's passing. Dr. Smith was part of our family. A true doctor that will never be replaced. We received many calls from him, even on Christmas day, to check on my sick kids. He was surely an "old-fashioned" physician who covered his medical exam table with real cotton sheets. I learned so much from him. I frequently think about the excellent care he provided to both of my girls and was truly lost when he retired. We'll never forget his great sense of humor. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Marian Cohen

March 17, 2021

Dear Sue and family,
I still remember Dr. Smith, as a young physician, saving my son's life.
Charles was very ill and I couldn't get my pediatrician to come to our home. I recalled that Dr. George McLemore recommended Dr Smith as a fine pediatrician. I called him; he was at our door in no time!
He continued to be our pediatrician and was always there to help us in difficult situations. I will never forget his kindness, empathy and wonderful sense of humor.

With my sincere sympathy,

Marian Cohen

Kim Coleman

March 15, 2021

To Dr Smith’s family...I would just love to tell you, in a private note, what this amazing man meant to me. I tried to contact him a few years ago to tell him but was unsuccessful.
I was a very young(22) clueless mother in 1975 with a very demanding first child. David Smith mentored me in every aspect of child rearing. He was my everything...my doctor, my therapist, my disciplinarian. I have so many
stories about how he guided me.
He took my very strong first child and showed him who was boss! Mrs. Chou had this first born son vacuuming the office on our visits to keep him in line. he was terrified of her ( as was I!.)
We have 3 very amazing, successful children and I would love to share the anecdotes. I owe so much of whom they have become to him and to his parenting guidance. He was so much more than the best pediatrician ever.
Kim Coleman

Marlene J. Wust-Smith

March 15, 2021

Dr. David Smith was my first boss, my mentor, my role model. He had the BEST bedside manner and humor, and was an excellent teacher. May he rest in eternal peace. Condolences to Sue and to the entire family.

Jeremy Schaap

March 14, 2021

We didn't know him well, but he was our eldest's pediatrician. A lovely man with a terrific bedside manner. He certainly gave these first-time parents some security and confidence when we needed it most.

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