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HAROLD M. ZWEIGHAFT

HAROLD ZWEIGHAFT Obituary

ZWEIGHAFT--Harold M., Veterinarian, died surrounded by his family on October 18, 2012, at age 81 following complications from pneumonia. Born and raised in the Bronx, he is survived by his wife and friend Dorothy, his children Stuart, David, and Rachel, his daughter-in-law Susannah, and his son-in-law Gerald Adamski. He is also survived by his grandchildren Joshua, Samuel, and Matthew Zweighaft and Orli Adamski. An accomplished veterinarian, Harold served with distinction as the chair of the Executive Board of the American Veterinary Medical Association and served on the Executive Board of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society for over 20 years. He won the Society's Distinguish Life Service Award and was named Veterinarian of the Year. Harold was a licensing board member for the New York State Board of Veterinary Medicine. He also served his alma mater, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, on the College's Advisory Council and as a member of the Cornell University Council. Always quick with a humorous vignette, Harold took pride in his ability to comfort people and animals. Funeral services will be held at Riverside Memorial Chapel, Amsterdam Avenue and 76th Street, on Sunday, October 21, at 10am. Contributions may be made to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 39, Ithaca, NY 14853.

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Published by New York Times on Oct. 19, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for HAROLD ZWEIGHAFT

Sponsored by anonymous.

26 Entries

My backyard

Delta Willis

October 14, 2020

Dr. Zweighaft was a great vet for my first puppy, an American cocker spaniel, who encountered many perils in Riverside Park, including the toxic salt put out to melt ice on the sidewalks. Best wishes to his family from my home in Kenya, where I now own a Jack Russell and there are excellent vets.

DORRIS BECK

July 4, 2018

I started going to Dr. Zweighaft back in 1959 in the Bronx when I got my first dog, Gigi. Dr. Zweighaft was the most caring person I ever met and I am truly sorry to learn of his passing. After reading all of the comments by his patients and colleagues, I am glad I had the opportunity to cross paths with him. He was one of a kind and is obviously missed by all who knew him, both humans and animals alike.

Jess Bull

May 9, 2017

My husband had me search for Dr. Zwieghaft - having had such wonderful memories of how he had helped his pup many years ago, when my husband was a teenager. He was very sad to read of his passing and sends his family condolences.

Jasper on my boat at 79th St. Boat Basin

Delta Willis

April 1, 2017

Dr. Zweighaft gave me excellent advice throughout the long life of my first cocker spaniel, Jasper, who he personally walked when left in his kennel. I've been out of the country but noticed scaffolding at the West 86th Street vet office, which led me to search for this obit. He was a wonderful vet and kind man.

Missy Cohen

December 31, 2013

I received the news of Dr. Z's passing only today, and it made me so terribly sad. Dr. Z took care of our Maltese, Bart, from when he was a pup of 7 months, until age 13 years, when Dr. Z helped us let go of him forever. I will remember Dr. Z's kindness, and his humor, and his expertise. Every time we saw him, I felt that Bart was, and we were, in good hands with Dr. Z, and I will remember him always.

Larry Floyd

December 20, 2013

Dr. Z gave me my first job. I worked for him for three years and he was the best boss ever. He taught me so much. treated me like a man. He was a great man and I will never forget him.

Iris Rutkoski

July 21, 2013

Our Sympathies! Iris & Mark Rutkoski

Monique Doucet

January 18, 2013

When I first moved to NYC, I was sitting in a restaurant on the UWS chatting on the phone with a friend about needing to find a new vet for my 2 cocker spaniels. A fellow sitting at a table ahead of me turned and said "I can refer you to the most amazing vet". As it turned out, he was just that. He saved my service dog's life more than once and treated us with the utmost understanding and care. I had to leave NYC for a few months and just returned recently. I found his obituary and just wanted to thank his family for providing me the opportunity to honor him on this guest book.

Nancy Ross

December 25, 2012

I just discovered today, that Harold passed away in October. He saw me through four dogs, treating them and me like a member of his family. Harold was always there for me, any day of the week, any time of the day or night. Frequently he would even take my dog to his apartment, if I couldn't manage to pick him up during office hours. I will miss his wonderful stories, and our fascinating conversations on current events. Such a kind, caring man who's loss is so deeply felt. Condolences to Dorothy and the entire family. He was one of a kind, and will be sorely missed.

Two more of Dr. Z's patients. My twin persian mixes, he saw the girl to live 19 years.

Ileen Zovluck

December 14, 2012

My best pet, Salty (1979-1990)

Ileen Zovluck

December 11, 2012

Dr. Zweighaft will always hold a special place in my heart. I started with him in 1985 and he held my hand right through my last cat who lived to age 19. Dr. Z had a special sense, and even spoke lovingly (and sometimes even sang) to my senior pets when they had already gone stone deaf. Boarded all of them, bottle fed half of them, and treated my like family for 25 years. I love you Dr. Z. The world was a better place with you in it and you will be sorely missed.

Patricia Maher

December 3, 2012

I was so sad to learn of Dr. Zweighaft's passing. He was such a wonderful person and compassionate and caring vet. My sincere sympathy to his family & many friends. Rest in Peace Doctor. You will be missed.

December 1, 2012

I was so sorry to learn that dear Dr. Zweighaft had passed. My deepest condolences to his family and vast circle of friends. He was our Vet for so many years. His patience and compassion, particularly for the many beloved pets he cared for, was greatly admired and appreciated.
Catherine Harding, NYC

Francine Mancini

November 29, 2012

I am so sad to hear that Dr. Zweighaft has gone over the rainbow bridge. I figured it out when I was calling for a refill prescription and he did not return my call, I knew there was something wrong and I did my research. Dr. Z had been a caring vet to my pets for over 20 years, he would see me in the middle of the night with emergencies and always took the best of care. He sometimes cured my babies and sometimes they breathed their last breath in his office but I always knew he did everything he could with care and compassion. He was more than a Dr. he was a friend and my family and I will miss him greatly.

Paula Turner

November 19, 2012

My family and I are very sorry to hear about Harpld's death. He took wonderful care of our dogs (and us) for many years.

Katie Piel

November 2, 2012

Dr. Zweighaft knew my first cat before I did, and cared not only for all my childhood pets, but subsequently my own animals, and my sister's. Dr. Zweighaft was one of my favorite people in this world, and he will be deeply missed.

November 1, 2012

we love dr. zwieghaft he has been my vet to beloved, nathalie, petey and lester for over 20 Years. He will be in our hearts forever.

Rick Mandler

November 1, 2012

We first met Dr. Z more than 17 years ago when our family adopted a Golden Retriever. He has been our family vet ever since. He retired briefly, but when we received the card in the mail that "man makes plans and God laughs" we were thrilled to return to him. He was a mensch in every sense of the word. And a man of science. When he learned of our son's science project he graciously offered us some supplies (to help culture bacteria!) and followed up to learn how the project turned out. There was always such a sense of gentle curiosity about him. He was the first person I knew with an e-book reader. It was easier to carry the large library he wanted to take on vacation with him. Dr. Z was the most caring man and our whole family will miss him.

Holly Cheever

October 25, 2012

I am very saddened by Hal's passing: I met him first years ago as we both were members of the Advisory Council to Cornell's veterinary school and I always saw him as a superb mentor and colleague who provided me with support in my role as a lobbyist with the AVMA on the topics of animal welfare. Although Hal did not always share my views, he remained a staunch supporter and a wonderful friend for the 3 decades in which I was privileged to know him. My sympathies go out to his family, of whom he was enormously proud and fond.

Donald Kass

October 22, 2012

Dear David and family,

Though I never met your father, I now regret not having done so since he was a veterinarian with a big heart -- animal lovers tend to understand other animal lovers.
May you be comforted in his memory and many good works. Nice to know he was also a Cornell alumnus-- I got my MS and PhD there in 1970 and 1976/

Eric Bregman

October 20, 2012

I was always impressed by Dr. Zweighaft's commitment to organized veterinary medicine. He was a champion of the profession and will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family

Wayne Warriner

October 19, 2012

I believe I first met Harold while serving as a deputy examiner for the Board for Veterinary Medicine. Over the intervening years our paths crossed at New York State Veterinary Society meetings and Cornell events. He always impressed me with his wisdom and humanity. The world is truly diminished by his passing.
My wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences.

Isaura Cruz

October 19, 2012

He was a GREAT man. He will be missed. My condolences to Mrs. Zweighaft and family.

Mark Beckerman

October 19, 2012

Ii was a surprise to me when a very dapper gentleman approached me at the last station of the NYS Veterinary Licensing exam and asked my name as he extended his hand.
I was exhausted after the full day of testing but was honored to be approached. We shook hands and I introduced myself. He asked where I was working. At the time I was blessed to be working under the mentorship of Dr. Art Kronfeld. Dr. Zweighaft and I began a long friendship and professional relationship.He was an inspiring member of that group put me on the path of serving my profession on the regional and state levels. In 1997 I moved into NYC and became a neighbor as well. We would stop to chat on Columbus Ave and 86th St. over the next decade.
Dr. Z was a natural leader and fine gentleman. Truly, I am saddened by his loss and send condolences to his family.

Effie Cooper

October 19, 2012

It's the end of an era.
May he rest in peace.

Donald Smith

October 19, 2012

Harold's warm spirit and his caring for the pets and their families whom he served so faithfully and lovingly will always be his greatest testament for the veterinary profession. We will miss him. Love to Dorothy and the family.

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