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KENNETH RIFKIND Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH RIFKIND
Bill Mahoney
December 10, 2024
Sorry for your loss. Your dad saved my life 44 years after my appendix ruptured when I was 15 years old. I'll never forget him. He was a very caring doctor.
Abdul shakil khokhar.
October 10, 2024
I came to USA from Kashmir Pakistan. I was nothing but looking for residency. He accommodated me kindly and change my future. Today me and my whole family is physicians.
I really believe that he was an angel from GOD, he sent to earth to change our family life and future.
He was my program director and great mentor.
He saved me in so many difficulties during residency.
It was very painful for me to hear about his death but I understand every life has to finish one day. I accept the GOD Will.
He will remain part and parcel of my life. I will continue to pray for him.
Dr khokhar Anestgesiologist
Jill Altschuler
January 19, 2024
Dear Sandra and family: For some reason Ken was on my mind for several months so I decided today to Google his name. I worked for CRT from 1984-1999 as his transcriber as well as his patient when I had breast cancer. I could not have asked for a more empathetic doctor. My husband was dying from cancer and then I was diagnosed with 2 teens at home. Ken was so supportive, anticipating my questions/concerns.
He was a wonderful boss and, of the 7 surgeons, was my favorite. He was so proud of his family and spoke of you all lovingly. Please accept my condolences on your loss. I´ve had many, many experiences with doctors over the decades, but they ALL pale when compared with Ken.
Elaine Licari
January 18, 2024
I worked at Booth Memorial Medical Center for many years while. Dr. Rifkind practiced surgery there. Every word in the obituary was true and then some. I witnessed first hand the fact that he would go to great lengths to help someone. I am privileged to have known him and to have worked with him. He was a very rare breed.
Mindy Golann
October 31, 2023
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father and husband. Dr. Rifkind was the kindest physician I ever had the pleasure of meeting. I was trying to reach out to see if he was still doing surgeries and I can across this memory page. My heartfelt condolences to all. Mindy
Diane Epstein
September 13, 2023
Dear Ken,
You were the very best addition our family. Every testament written here describes you aptly. You were the kindest, loving and probably the smartest man in the room. You will be missed.
Diane Epstein, cousin
Larry and Anna Mottola
August 15, 2023
He was so lovely to us when Anna was diagnosed with LCIS. He was so kind to us and his surgery was exceptional.
I always told him I thought Jerry Garcia was taking care of my wife! Rest well dear Dr Rifkind. We will miss you so
Josephine Deocampo
July 23, 2023
I have the honor and priviledge of working with him at Bellevue OR. A compassionate and kind human being. Will be sadly missed. My prayers to his family.
Glenda Brockett
July 2, 2023
I remembered working with Dr. Rifkin in the OR many moons ago. He was a very warm and compassionate doctor. He always seem to be thinking, but when he laughed he really laughed. I am so sad to hear that he has passed. My prayers are with his family and friends who were Blessed to know him.
Jonathan Mohrer MD
July 1, 2023
I met Dr Rifkind soon after I joined the Department of Medicine in 1983 and had the privilege of working together with him for many years
He was an inspiring teacher, kind and compassionate to his patients and we all learned so much from him watching his tireless dedication.
He was a trusted colleague and I am greatly saddened to learn of his passing. My condolences to his family
Basil Wilchcombe
June 29, 2023
I am so saddened by this news we have lost a beautiful person who will be missed I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Rifkind at NYHQ I recall when I had an emergency and had to be taken to the ED, and he said Basil don’t worry you are family and I will take care of everything so when you get to the ER things will go well, and they did. What a gem of a man, the consummate professional, with compassion and a bedside manner that simply is not seen much anymore. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Elizabeth A. Ayello PhD, MS, RN CWON FAAN
June 28, 2023
Ken Rifkind MD was a great surgeon and a kind and caring person. I worked at Booth Memorial from the late 1970's till early 1990"s as a surgical CNS. He was compassionate to his patients, a skilled clinician and fostered a great interprofessional team. For me personally he was creative beyond his years as he and Dr. Chassin supported a nurse run outpatient service for wound and ostomy patients and provided the space and interns and residents for this to happen- very initiative for the late 1970'w till early 1990's.
My deepest condolences to his wife Sandra and his two sons.
The world has lost a giant among men. Truly a life well lived.
Evelyn
June 28, 2023
He was a great man and teacher. He will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jeannie DeCoo
June 27, 2023
My condolences to his family. Dr. Rifkind was truly one of a kind. He was one of the kindest and most warm hearted individuals I have ever encountered. I feel fortunate to have known him and will be forever grateful to him for his support and guidance. I learned so much from him and still today continue to apply some of the values that he thought me. A mentor, a friend, and advocate. I will always remember him and hold his memory fondly. Thank you for everything always. May he rest in peace. The world has truly lost a wonderful human being.
Denise Gordon
June 27, 2023
I am so deeply saddened by this loss! Dr. Rifkind was one of Bellevue Hospital's most warm, caring and compassionate clinical leaders. He was thoughtful, kind, a great lpleasure to work with, had the highest integrity and was loved and respected by staff and patients alike. My sincere condolences to his family....he will be missed.
Barbara Roberson Ekeh
June 26, 2023
As I read the tributes to Dr. Rifkind I notice the same two words over and over.kind and compassionate. These two words describe Dr Rifkind perfectly. I worked with him in the recovery Room and later in ASU in the former Booth Memorial Hospital. He treated each patient as if they were a member of his family. He was always approachable and treated everyone with respect from the house keeper to fellow physians. He is saddly gone to soon. My sincerely condolences to His family and friends.
Galina Glinik
June 26, 2023
Dr. Rifkind one of the greatest surgeons I had fortune to know. He made me believe in myself. My deepest condolences to family.
Edward S.
June 26, 2023
I remembered my very first time working with Dr Rifkind in the OR on the fifth floor at NYHQ and he was very detailed on what not to do until the case is completely over; because I was a new scrub in his room, he laid out his rules and I appreciated that because others can sometimes be impolite.
Lori Montreuil
June 26, 2023
I worked with Dr.Rifkind at Booth and it was a pleasure he was an excellent clinician and was so good to his patients. So sad to hear of his passing.
Theresa Kresback
June 26, 2023
My condolences to his family
Great Doctor & truly a Great man!
Reina mastrogiovanni
June 26, 2023
Such sad news! RIP dr rifkind you were such a kind compassionate person, great teacher and surgeon. I first met Dr. Rifkind as a new nurse on 6 south( med surg floor/ BMMC) years later lucky enough to work with him in OR. He was always understanding and supportive of the nurses. He will be greatly missed! Thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time . May they find some comfort in knowing how we all thought of Dr. Rifkind as a special person. Thank you Dr . Rifkind for all your encouragement over the years ! May God bless you sincerely , reina mastrogiovanni
Gerald Davydov
June 26, 2023
I had an honor and privilege to work with Dr. Rifkind at Booth Memorial and Bellevue Hospitals. He was one of the kindest, knowledgeable, compassionate and patient doctors I have ever known. He would go out of his way to help when help was needed. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Gerald Davydov
June 26, 2023
I had an honor and privilege to work with Dr. Rifkind at Booth Memorial and Bellevue Hospitals. He was one of the kindest, knowledgeable, compassionate and patient doctors I have ever known. He would go out of his way to help when help was needed. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Tiffany Picott-Kokason
June 26, 2023
My career started the very moment Dr. Rifkind gave me the opportunity to work with him as his Medical Assistant back in October 2007. It was an honor to work alongside of him (one of the best Surgeons at NYU Langone Health). Dr. Rifkind was so kind and understanding. May he rest in peace and I send my deepest condolences to his family and close friends.
Melissa Madden
June 26, 2023
Dr. Rifkind was one of the kindest and patient surgeons I have ever known. I remember when he received the Wholeness of Life Award and I quote him often. He said, We must treat the patient - mind, body and soul!" He didn't just say those words, he lived them. He will missed by all who knew him. My condolences to the Rifkind family.
Sonia Nembhard
June 26, 2023
Irreplaceable in the sight, heart and minds for many of us who worked with him. He is gone but his legacy of knowledge, kindness, compassion and patience will live on in all the patients lives he has touched and in all the health care providers who he has mentored and nurtured. RIP. My condolences to his family.
Anna Evangelista
June 26, 2023
It was an honor and a privilege to have worked with Dr. Rifkind as his coordinator for 18 years. He was a great surgeon and a kind and caring man. He will be truly missed. My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Rifkind and his family. May you Rest In Peace
Albert TARASUK
June 26, 2023
I met Ken when he rotated to Booth during his surgical residency at NYH. He was outstanding. A gifted student, teacher, surgeon,diagnostican and a compassionate and caring person It was a pleasure to work with him and to know him. My condolences to Sandra and his children
Albert TARASUK
Leslie Max
June 26, 2023
The truth is there was no other human as kind and caring and available as Ken. Yes if you were privileged enough to know him and experience his generosity you are forever blessed because of this experience. I am so saddened today to hear of his passing. My life will be forever enriched knowing Dr. Rifkind. Living my life paying it forward will honor the legacy of his unique and beautiful life.
Jeanette Mazzola-Orzo
June 26, 2023
I worked evenings in the operating room and later as his office nurse. A brilliant and talented surgeon and diagnostician. His kind caring generous nature was sincere and extended to ALL. Honored to have him attend my wedding. A privilege to have considered Dr. Rifkind a friend
Nickname : Dr. Honey
Jeanette Mazzola-Orzo
Annette Sutera-Pellegrino
June 26, 2023
I worked in the operating room evening shift at Booth Memorial.
He was all that everyone has said about him and more. Not only to his patients but to his Booth family. He would go out of his way to help when help was needed. Wether you asked or not.
When he heard that my dad was critically injured and taken to another hospital, he just showed up to see how he could help. When I wanted him transferred, Dr. Rifkind made all the arrangements and even came to the hospital to ride with him in the ambulance. This is just one of my great memories and example of who is was.
My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Rifkind and his family.
RIP
Anand Annamalai
June 26, 2023
I am very sorry and saddened to hear this news. My condolences go to the family.
I learned many things from Dr. Rifkind during my time as a resident at booth on how to conduct myself technically and professionally.
I vividly remember during the end of my intern year, I was the fourth pair of hands helping in a whipple and for hours we struggled until Dr. Rifkind arrived. The primary surgeon called for his help and after he scrubbed he asked for a summary. Within in minutes we made more progress than we had in hours and he barely used his own hands but rather directed the team how to see better.
JOHN W. TINGLIN
June 26, 2023
Dr. Rifkind was one of my mentors when I was a surgeon in training at Booth Memorial Hospital, more than thirty years ago. He was, at once, a physician, surgeon, teacher, and person of the highest order. His enormous influence survives in those, such as myself, whom he trained. I am saddened by the news of his passing.
John W. Tinglin MD
Montgomery, Alabama
Vichin Puri
June 25, 2023
Dr Rifkind was my vice chairman of surgery at Booth memorial from 2005 until the time he moved to NYU. I did my first general surgery case with him. My very first breast surgery case in the old ORs. I still remember it like yesterday. I was a new intern trying my very best to assist him in surgery. I was trying my best to retract, suction and bovie, until he held my hand and said " I know you´re trying to help, but you´re not". It so funny looking back. He was so patient so respectful a joy to work with.
If you pass him in the hallway you will get the famous peace sign.
I use that myself, I learnt it from him. I haven´t seen him in many years but I have fond memories of my time at Booth.
He will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends.
Vichin
Dr. Katie Capitulo, PhD, RN
June 25, 2023
Dr. Kenneth Rifkin was a well respected, compassionate, expert, and kind surgeon and colleague at Booth Memorial Medical Center. He was an advocate for patients, their families, and the inter-professional staff. He was the heart of the surgical program. As a nurse, it was an honor to have him as a colleague. He leaves a wonderful legacy for healthcare in Queens. May his family, friends, and colleagues remember all that he has done to improve the health of the Queens community and to advance access to excellent healthcare for all.
Jackie Allen
June 25, 2023
He was so loved by everyone and will truly be missed
Lisa keeney
June 25, 2023
I had the great pleasure to work with Dr Rifind at Booth Memorial Hospital he was a well loved and respected surgeon He treated all his patients and staff like family My sincererist condolences to his family during this difficult time, Dr Riflind will be greatly missed
Edward Stapleton Paramedic manager booth memorial medical center
June 25, 2023
It does not surprise me that almost every comment regarding Dr. Ken Rifkin refers to his kindness, empathy and loving nature. He was wonderful to work with at Booth Memorial. His spirit helped define the Surgery Department that was held high esteem. He will be missed. Rest in peace Ken. You have left a lasting legacy.
fern rabinoff
June 25, 2023
I am so saddened by the passing of Dr. Rifkind...especially that it is 4 days following my mother's passing. Dr. Rifkind truly was a unique human being. He was an excellent, highly skilled surgeon...as a PA I spent time on his service and in the OR.As a patient...not enough words to describe his connection to his patients.I have so many fond memories....
My sincere condolences to his family. A painful loss.
Pari nader
June 25, 2023
Dear dr rifkind you were loved and respected by everyone around the hospital, we all miss you very much but you are in a safe place with god . Rip you are missed
Dolores Reisert
June 25, 2023
So sorry to hear about Dr Rifkind´s passing. My deepest sympathy to the family. I worked with him at Booth Memorial. He was a wonderful person, surgeon and teacher. He was always someone you could ask questions to and his goal was always patient safety. I was the nurse manager of ASU and he was the surgeon and chief at the time. Great man
Lisa coizza RN
June 25, 2023
I´m so sad
He was an excellent surgeon
Peggy Bauer
June 25, 2023
So sorry to hear this .he w@s a wonderful surgeon and person
Joan Kabouchy
June 25, 2023
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Kenneth Rifkind. He was the most caring Doctor, Boss and friend.
My condolences to his family.
My deepest Sympathy,
Joan Kabouchy
Joan Kabouchy
June 25, 2023
I worked for Dr. Kenneth Rifkind at NYU Langone. He was the kindest and most compassionate Doctor and boss that I have ever meet.
My condolences to the family.
With my deepest sympathy,
Joan Kabouchy
Ed Weinstein
June 24, 2023
We are so sad to hear of Ken's passing. He will be fondly remembered.
Geoffrey H. Basson, M.D.
June 24, 2023
I was a friend and colleague of Ken's when we were both at Booth Memorial Hospital in Queens. Ken was universally very much liked and admired as both a person and as a physician. He was a compassionate and empathetic (as well as expert) surgeon, and an exemplar of the very best of our profession,
My most sincere condolences to Mrs. Rifkind and family, and may they all be comforted by memories of all the years they shared with Ken.
Darlene Kleiner
June 24, 2023
The Kleiner Family mourns the passing of our dear friend Ken Rifkind, whose kindness and generosity of spirit was boundless!
Ken will be greatly missed!
Our deepest sympathies to Sandra, Josh and Brian.
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