RICHARD DECKELBAUM Obituary

DECKELBAUM--Richard. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons celebrates the life and mourns the passing of Richard Deckelbaum, MD, the former chief of our Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology. A pioneer in the field of lipid disorders, he also led the school's Institute of Human Nutrition and our Children's Cardiovascular Health Center, which he founded. His dedication to global health led to his extensive advocacy and work in communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. He taught and guided generations of students and will be remembered as an inspirational mentor, sponsor, colleague, and friend. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Kaya, his children and grandchildren. Katrina Armstrong, MD, Interim President, Columbia University and CEO, Columbia University Irving Medical Center James M. McKiernan, MD, Interim Dean, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

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

Published by New York Times on Oct. 6, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD DECKELBAUM

8 Entries

Sundas Rashid

January 10, 2025

In March 2021, after not matching for medical residency in the USA, I felt utterly hopeless. I turned to research positions in the meantime, hoping to reapply the following year. Then in April 2021, I received a call from Dr. Deckelbaum, and after a brief 10-minute interview, I found myself connected to an extraordinary individual who would go on to change my life in ways I never expected.

Dr. Deckelbaum took a chance on me when I had lost all faith in myself. Not only did he offer me an incredible opportunity to gain valuable experience in his lab, but he also guided me through the entire residency reapplication process with unwavering support. Thanks to his mentorship, I was able to match at my dream program.

Beyond his professional guidance, Dr. Deckelbaum was an easy person to talk to, full of warmth and humor. His influence extended far beyond the lab, as he played a key role in peace talks regarding the ongoing political situation and contributed to opening new medical schools. I still don´t fully grasp the full extent of his efforts, but I know their impact will be felt for generations to come.

Dr. Deckelbaum, thank you for everything-your belief in me, your mentorship, and your remarkable leadership. You have had an everlasting effect on my life and career. I am genuinely heartbroken, but extremely grateful for our time together.

Walter Baethgen

October 18, 2024

My deep condolences to you Kaya and to your family. I am Walter Baethgen and had the privilege to work with Richard in Columbia for the last 15 years. He is one of the best persons I have ever met. He left a mark in my professional and personal life that will stay with me forever.

ABL+ Foundation

October 9, 2024

Hello. My name is Paul Biderman. I am a patient with Abetalipoproteinemia. Myself, along with Dr. Deckelbaum and other doctors and researchers founded the ABL+ Foundation in 2019 and he remained an active board member as recently as last month. In fact, there may well not be an ABL+ Foundation if it wasn't for Dr. Deckelbaum as he was the one who approached other doctors and researchers and suggested that a foundation should be started.

In the 5 years Dr. Deckelbaum worked with us he was a tireless champion for rare disease communities around the world, including our own. He was always happy to talk to a patient or to a parent/caregiver that knew they had some sort of illness but didn't know what it was?

Dr. Deckelbaum's influence in guiding our foundation in its early days could not have been replaced and he will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues.

Tracy-lee Jacobs

October 9, 2024

Dr Richard Deckelbaum was a phenomenal Doctor, who was so accommodating & sincere. He took time to advise & help me with my daughters' extremely rare genetic disorder called Chylomicron Retention Disease. I am deeply saddened by his passing & would like to extend my sincere condolences to his loves ones. Know that he was greatly appreciated for all that he has done for our children.

Riley Levy Gutierrez McDermid

October 9, 2024

Dr. Decklebaum B'H saved our son Luca's life, quite literally. He has a rare form of lipid disorder called chylomicron retention disease and without Dr. Decklebaum, he never could have thrived the way he is now. More importantly, he listened to us when no other doctors would. We are so, so sorry for your loss and may his memory be a blessing.

Michael Stanger

October 8, 2024

Sincere condolences to you Kaya and to your family. Richard was a great member of our class at McGill and interning in Montreal during Expo `67.
I specially remember the skit with Danny Klass at our 50th reunion.
He had great enthusiasm for every aspect of life and leaves a record of great humanitarian and clinical work.
Michael and Jan StangerMDCM ´67

James Wariero

October 6, 2024

Richard was a wonderful man and a great friend. He will be sorely missed.
- Wariero Family

Adrianne Bendich, co- editor of Preventive Nutrition

October 6, 2024

Richard was devoted to translating complex nutrient interactions into understandable clinical uses. Five editions of the book, Preventive Nutrition, with chapters from like-minded colleagues from around the world, of the book, were one of his vehicles.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results