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James Madison High School Brooklyn College

FREDERIC FENIG Obituary

FENIG--Dr. Frederic C. Dr. Frederic Charles Fenig, 75, passed away early in the morning on April 16, 2020 after a valiant fight against lymphoma. Dr. Fenig was a beloved father, physician, and friend. In practice for 50 years, Frederic began his career as a Lieutenant Commander for the US Navy in Newport, Rhode Island under the Berry Plan. He liked to kid that he was the only Navy dermatologist from Philly to the Philippines. He then built a thriving dermatology practice in Manhattan. Born in Buffalo in 1944, the Fenig family moved to Brooklyn where Frederic attended James Madison High School. At the age of 16, he began his medical studies at Brooklyn College, attended SUNY Upstate Medical University, and served as Chief Resident at Metropolitan Hospital Center. Dr. Fenig received many accolades and awards over his long career, including being a member of Mensa and a Knight of Honour & Merit from The Knights of Malta. He enjoyed collecting art and antiquing, sharing company with his family and friends, and was an exceptional conversationalist. Dr. Fenig is survived by his wife of 35 years, Neva Small Fenig, his two daughters Arielle and Barbara, his brother Stuart and sister-in-law Susan, his nephew David, his son-in-law Patrick, and two grandchildren, Nicolas and Lucas. Dr. Fenig will be remembered for his gentle and generous nature, for his sense of humor, and for his deep devotion to patients, friends, and family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Apr. 17, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for FREDERIC FENIG

Sponsored by The Fenig Family.

38 Entries

Claudia Gold

March 14, 2025

Dr. Fenig was my dermatologist for over a decade in NYC. But he was more like a friend, as we talked about so much during my appointments. I loved his compassion, intelligence, gentle manner and his soft spoken voice which put patients at ease. I was so sad to hear of his passing and I can still hear him and see him in my minds eye. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, which he talked about often.

Sandra Cronsberg and Alex Hurt

April 11, 2024

Miss you Dr Fenig! You were one of a kind! A gentleman filled with kindness and generosity!
I hope that you feel how much you were loved and are missed!
Thank you for being you!
Sandra

Kim Darwin

September 5, 2023

I first saw Dr Fenig when I was just 24 yrs old - so it was close to 40 yrs that he was my doctor - and what an incredible, kind, caring, thoughtful and interesting person. He always had a little story to share and he spoke so gently it was almost magical having a doctor so unique as he was. Truly he was just the best of the best and I miss him dearly and his wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family so much and when he spoke of them there was always a twinkle in his eye and a loving smile. So evident the deep love and respect for them he always carried. I wish all who knew and loved him much peace. I feel so very blessed to have known him!

Heidi Snellenburg

June 4, 2023

I'll always remember the wonderful paintings in Dr. Fenig's office. It was an extra bonus when I went to see him. It was an indication of a person with wide interests outside his profession,

Rina Giancaspro

April 11, 2023

I'm still thinking about Dr. Fred since he's passed. He was just a special person with a great way about himself. He is missed by myself and members of my family as we were his patients since 1983. God bless him!

Sandra Jennings Eshima and Alex Hurt

April 11, 2022

We both truly loved Dr Fenig! He was the kindest and most generous doctor we have ever met. Both Alex and I think of him often and miss him! We will donate to Make A Wish in his memory.

Laura Florman

November 24, 2021

I just saw this, Neva, and am so very sorry for your loss .. sad to have lost touch over the years, I was just thinking of you with love, xox, Laura

Lisa Brenner

April 12, 2021

It is hard to believe that it has been a whole year since Fred passed. Fred was truly special in every way .. a most wonderful person, a fabulous doctor, a caring, thoughtful and compassionate friend and a devoted husband and father. I miss him so much!

sharon shahinian

March 1, 2021

I miss Dr. Fenig so much, and feel terrible that I did not have lunch with him while he suggested it during his illness. I echo everyone's sentiments about the caring amazing special doctor/person he was. I too saw him from my mid 20's to early 60's and always felt very attractive and self assured after his treatments, whether it be zapping off marks on my face to his "natural" botox treatments, no one did it better. He also saw my sister, husband and son. I am forever grateful to have met such a caring amazing doctor. There is no one like him. My deepest condolences to the family he always boasted about, especially his daughters and actress wife.
Sharon Shahinian

Miriam Gordon

February 11, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Fenig passing. I was a patient of his during high school age. I enjoyed traveling from Brooklyn to his office to hear his humorous stories and his lovely wife and family.

Mary McCatty

November 25, 2020

I absolutely loved Dr. Fenig, he was a kind, generous and caring Doctor who gave me great advice. The world has lost a wonderful man and Doctor.

Muriel Adams

October 20, 2020

I saw Dr. Fenig as a patient several times about 30 years ago. He did such a great job with my hair/scalp problem that several visits did the trick and I never had to see him again! But I remember him as being a really nice person and an excellent dermatologist. A few days ago I recommended Dr. Fenig to a friend who told me this morning that she looked up his office and that sadly he passed away in April. I am truly sorry he had a difficult time with his health. I give my belated condolences to his family for their tragic loss.

Tracey Gonzalez

September 29, 2020

What a tragic loss for Dr. Fenig's family, friends, and patients. My favorite example of his gentle nature was how he always handed me a Kleenex to grip 'for comfort' during procedures -- like a little security blanket. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.

Sandra Cronsberg

Planted Trees

Sandra Jennings Cronsberg

September 8, 2020

I just read this and my heart is broken! Dr Fenig was one of a kind! He was a true gentleman and a kind soul! The world has lost a great man!
I am send belated condolences to his family!
Sandra Jennings Cronsberg

Susan E Wilson

July 28, 2020

Weren't we all so fortunate to have Dr. Fenig in our lives? He was my doctor for 30 years - always understanding, compassionate, interesting. He never failed to have a twinkle in his eye. I think what made him so unusual, as a doctor and probably as a person in general, is that he was always genuinely interested in the lives of others - their work, friendships, activities, families. He always shared stories of his family, his travels, his experiences in the Navy and his thoughts on medicine as well. He had a 6th sense: he would make an off-hand comment about something or other and I would immediately feel better. He didn't even have to try to make me feel better - he had his magical ways of healing those in pain or discomfort even if the situation(s) had nothing to do with skin. There is not one time when I didn't enter his medical building feeling blue or anxiety-ridden when I didn't leave the building feeling upbeat, optimistic and comforted. We shall all miss him immensely but we will remember him with respect and fond affection. How fortunate we were to have him in our lives.

Amanda Morgan

July 17, 2020

just learned of Dr Fenigs passing today. I will miss him. He truly was one of a kind in medicine. He took time, he was interesting and compassionate and a great listener. He was great at what he does. What a loss for his family and patients. I will remember him very fondly. Condolences

Amanda Morgan

July 17, 2020

Rina Giancaspro

Planted Trees

Jackie Vincent

June 21, 2020

Dr. Fenig was "special." I looked forward to my appointments with him. He was usually running late, but once you entered his room, he was there "with" you 100%, with never a rush to move on to his next patient. We were the same age, and always said how lucky we were to be as healthy as we were. I have missed him. One could never wish for a finer doctor.

Claire Calcagni

June 16, 2020

I am profoundly sad to hear of Freds passing. He was incredibly kind and generous to me and my daughter, Chloe. He took care of us as a tribute to his friendship for my late father, Ernie Keller. He also helped me with my other daughter, Maddie, who has autism, by finding us (through his daughters recommendation) a fantastic doctor. These are incredible gifts to my family for which I am eternally grateful. Being in Freds loving and gentle presence was so comforting. He really cared and he really listened. His loss is immeasurable. Chloe and I send you and your family our very deepest condolences.

Valerie Legrand

May 15, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. The best Dr for 30 years.

May 4, 2020

Dr. Fenig was more than a fantastic doctor, he was a wonderful friend. The world would be a better place if there were more Fred Fenig's in this world. So patient, gentle and kind. Miss you so much, Dr. Fenig.

Caron LoCicero

May 4, 2020

I was a patient of Dr. Fenig for at least 25 years. He always showed himself to be kind and patient. It was obvious that he loved his family, his work and he enjoyed his life. I will miss him. Sending prayers for him and his loved ones.

Connie Corwin

May 2, 2020

I am so sad to learn of Dr. Fenigs passing. I believe I may have been his patient for the longest time of anyone. Ive described our longevity as his having treated me from acne to Botox. We met when I was at my first job after college when he was practicing at an office in the World Trade Center. I continued to see him when he moved on to the office on Fifth Avenue and then Madison Avenue. Not only was he an excellent doctor, as he treated me for a number of medical dermatologic conditions, he was a highly skilled artist in the cosmetic arena. He believed less is more, unlike many others, and was so right. I always looked forward to office visits with Dr. Fenig. Consistent with what others have said here, I found him to be one of the warmest, kindest individuals I have ever met. During a typical office visit, he always seemed genuinely concerned about what was happening in my life. He would also inform me of the latest developments in the field, which I very much appreciated. I found him to be a great storyteller, with a humorous perspective. I agree that he was indeed an excellent conversationalist and that being a physician interacting with patients was the perfect occupation for him. Dr. Fenig was in my life for the majority of my lifetime, and I miss him very much. My deepest condolences to his wife, daughters, other family members, friends, and colleagues.

Sara Keller

April 30, 2020

I have known Fred for about 35 years, since I was 13 years old. My father was his architect for an office he used to have on 5th ave. Fred and my father struck up a friendship during that time that lasted until my fathers death 6 years ago. My father liked to brag that it was due to my parents visits to Fred & Neva's country house and their infectious love for relaxing that Barbra was conceived!
Anyway along with their friendship came my dermatological perks. As a teenager I suffered from acne, and I soon became a regular at Fred's office. He was always available to me with a sympathetic ear and the latest cutting edge treatments. In my 20's when the hair removal lasers came out I enlisted him to help remove all traces of my fathers hirsute genes from my body. He worked vigilantly on my behalf. To this day I look like I am just a genetically blessed hairless wonder. I was so grateful! & at this time I began to view him as my secret beauty weapon. In my mid 30's we began to segue into what I liked to call age management. Which we continued religiously until the day he had to take a leave of absence because he contracted Lymphoma over13 years later.
Doing these laser beauty treatments takes time, and Fred and I would have the most enjoyable chats about everything under the sun. He was always firmly in my corner providing caring support on every aspect of my life, from my career, to personal relationships, my role as a caregiver during my fathers illness, my purchase and renovation of my apartment, investing advice, political discourse, antiquing.... just about everything. I was also privy to many anecdotes and stories from his career,and his time in the army, his tireless refurbishment of the Connecticut house, his love of his family. He was always so impressed with how his daughters were navigating life and was utterly delighted with his grandchildren.
I think my tireless vanity turned Fred & I into unlikely friends. I cherish all the time we spent together, not only because it made me look years younger, but really because it made me feel cared for. I had kind of a dermatologist uncle or godfather that watched over my beauty and well being and made me feel protected somewhat from the ravages of time on a woman's vanity. That time would take him so early on the eve of his retirement is one of fates disgusting cruel jokes. Fred deserved better. I will be forever grateful for my long and memorable friendship and dermatological collaboration with Fred. He gave so much to me, imagine how many patients lives he touched.

Di Oneill

April 27, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to the family. I did not personally know Dr. Fenig but I knew of his grace and thoughtful presence from family. My thought are with you in this loss.

fred cohen

April 26, 2020

I was one of Fred's pledge brothers at Phi Lam. Can't remember an angry or untoward word from Fred in the four years we spent at Brooklyn College. Gentility is his legacy.

Judith Luongo

April 26, 2020

Fred was my big brother's friend and I remember as a young teenager thinking there was something special about him; a kind of endearing, empathic spirit which was not easily seen in older teenage boys! Fred had that same spirit...even more deeply apparent through his many years of treating patients and being a devoted father/grandfather and husband...when I visited him a few years ago for a dermatology problem. As my brother's dear old friend...I was treated royally...but I knew that this was simply the way he approached all of his patients.
A truly genuine human being..wonderful physician...a special man ...he will be missed by many!
My deepest condolences to is family.
Judith Luongo

Frank Luongo

April 26, 2020

I am so sorry to learn of Fred's death.
We were fraternity brothers at Brooklyn College in the early 60's. He
was my "little brother" when he pledged for the Phi Lambda Delta fraternity and we had a special bond which lived in my heart all these many years.

We met at several reunions and when I would make the trek to N.Y. for a reunion a sense of joyful anticipation at the thought of spending time with Fred, laughing with him and reminiscing about our time in college filled my spirit.

His funny, self deprecating stories about his track team experiences at Madison high school and his wry humor were infectious.

I loved him dearly and take a bit of comfort in my belief that he knew that he was a special person in my life.

My heartfelt condolences to Neva and the rest of his family and to all who knew and loved him.

Alison Weiss

April 21, 2020

Dr. Fenig was a wonderful, kind, caring man. He was the kind of doctor that you knew was meant to be a doctor - he did it because he loved it and he loved helping people. I know he wanted to get better and go back to work and not retire. He never rushed any patients. He'd sit and talk to you like you were the only patient all day. We'd have interesting conversations during his exams and he'd always make me laugh. He showed a genuine interest not only in the conditions he was treating but in the patient and their family. He was a gem. One of a kind. I am so very sorry for his loss. Fred made the world a better place. We will miss him very much. Much love to his family.

Lisa Brenner

April 21, 2020

Fred was one of the kindest, warmest men I have ever had the honor of knowing as a friend and exceptional doctor. The world will never be the same without you. You friendship will be sorely missed.
Lisa Brenner

David Deitcher

April 18, 2020

Though long anticipated, the loss of Dr. Fenig still shocks. Consulting with Fred in his art-filled offices invariably provided an oasis of calm and kindness. I've missed Fred's gentle care since his illness removed him from his practice. He is, in a word, irreplaceable an increasingly rare breed of physician a doctor who cared.

Halle Sadle

April 17, 2020

Difficult and sad loss. Fred was beloved by family and friends. Love to Neva and the family.

April 17, 2020

You will be dearly missed Fred. With all my love, Anat

Jennifer Brown

April 17, 2020

Fred was my friend. A kind and gentle person with a generous heart, Fred had reverence for all living beings and things. As his gardener, Fred was always wanting me to grow the types of flowers and plants that needed lots of sun. Only Fred and I had lots of shade! Fred was the easy going guy who would share a smile, a laugh, a story, a helpful gesture. It was his way of growing sunny flowers in the shade. Fred you will be in my heart as I work in the soil. Rest in peace my friend.

Carl Jacobs D.Sc

April 17, 2020

Death don't have no mercy, I miss you already Fred

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