Dr. Paul M. Fine

1933 - 2021

Fine, Dr. Paul M.

June 19, 1933 - January 15, 2021

Dr. Fine died peacefully on January 15, 2021. He was born in New York City in 1933. Although he grew up in the Bronx and had plenty of his own boyhood 'Bronx Tales' to share, Omaha has been his true home for the past 50 years.

Dr. Fine was a graduate of Bronx High School of Science, Alfred University NY, State University of New York School, and Michael Reese Hospital Institute for Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Research Training. Among his accomplishments and professional positions he was a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Professor Emeritus at Creighton University and UNMC, Emeritus Member of Society of Professors of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Trustee and Member of the Executive Committee of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry, and co-chair of the International Congress of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions.

Over the ensuing years Dr. Fine taught and worked with devotion to the interests of children and their families. He has been recognized nationally and internationally for his pioneering research and sensitive application of this to meet the developmental needs of children in foster care, as well as those whose lives has been disrupted by displacements. Dr. Fine's deep commitment to community care motivated 20 years of weekly trips to the Omaha Nation to work with children in need. He was a tireless and caring mentor to generations of child psychiatry trainees at Creighton University and UNMC, as well as to community mental health and child welfare professionals. His devotion to children and their care and the residents who see them has been a central theme in his long career.

In his personal life Paul enjoyed long walks, traveling to new places, exploring Nebraska, gardening, family visits, reading and talking about history and science, the Omaha Symphony and jazz, and being an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy. Those who know and love Paul experienced him as warm, bright, gentle, intuitive, compassionate, with a subtle sense of humor.

Preceded in death by parents, Barney and Anna Fine; sister Joan Bloch; and brother Leon Fine. Survived by wife Sally; son: Dr. Steven and Dr. Gail Herrine of Merion PA, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren; daughter: Kathryn and Will Huebner of Deerfield NH, 2 children, 5 step-children; and Sally's children: Stephen Lidie, Michael and Lynn Lidie, and Elisabeth Lidie, 1 grandchild, and 2 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorials include:

The Nature Conservancy (Nebraska office)

Pauline Tindall Endowed Scholarship Fund toward funding of a Creighton University medical student for a Native American applicant, Contact University Relations at 402-280-2740.

Child and family charitable organization of your choice.

John A. Gentleman Mortuaries & Crematory

72nd Street Chapel

1010 North 72nd Street Omaha, NE 68114

402-391-1664 | www.johnagentleman.com