Morton Pinsky

PINSKY-Morton Pinsky, M.D., 83, passed away on October 27, 2009 in Pasadena, California. He is survived by his beloved wife Helene, brother Dr Jack Pinsky, son Dr Drew Pinsky, daughter Dana Chelf, daughter-in-law Susan Pinsky, son-in-law Brad Chelf and grandchildren, Douglas, Jordan and Paulina Pinsky and Alexandra, Cole and Samantha Chelf.Morton was born on December 23rd, 1926 in Hartford, CT to Russian immigrants, Fa nya and David Pinsky. The family moved to Chicago where David opened a delicatessen and later a grocery store in which both Morton and his brother Jack worked from a young age.Morton was a talented student who, in 1949, completed University of Illinois at Chicagos accelerated program, earning both his BA and MD degrees within a four year period. In 1950, he completed his internship at LA County Harbor General Hospital (now Harbor UCLA Medical Center). Morton joined the Air Force, and completed his residency training in Aviation Medicine at Randolph Field, Texas, then served as a flight surgeon in the Korean War, tending to fighter pilots on the 38th parallel. He returned to Los Angeles, where he chose to settle. With his brother Dr. Jack Pinsky, he began a medical practice in the San Gabriel Valley. Dr Morton Pinsky, who was Board Certified in Family Practice continued to work there for over fifty years with his own practice, and was a staff member at Huntington Memorial Hospital, where he later was awarded e meritus status and through his instrumental role in the establishment of the San Gabriel Valley Medical Center. His son, Drew Pinsky MD subsequently joined him in his practice as an Internist.Dr. Morton married actress and film noire star Helene Stansbury. They had two children and six grandchildren. Morton and Helene were devoted parents and later grandparents, who became regular fixtures at their grandchildrens Little League games, Polytechnic School football and baseball games, figure skating competition s, volleyball tournaments and musicals. He also enjoyed playing tennis and spending time by the sea at his and Helenes second home in Laguna Beach.In addition to his family, Morton will be remembered fondly by the thousands of patients, colleagues and friends whose lives he touched and inspired.The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to Huntington Hospitals Emergency Trauma Center through their website at www.huntingtonhospital.com Dr Pinskys office address is 2050 Huntington Drive, South Pasadena, CA 91030. A Celebration of Dr. Morton Pinskys life will take place on November 22, 2009 at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Drew Pinsky.