Fredric Herskowitz

Fredric Herskowitz
07/26/2024
Dr. Fredric Herskowitz, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and physician passed away peacefully on Friday, July 26th. Fred will be remembered for his warmth, bed-side manner, and the respect and kindness he afforded to everyone he encountered.
Born on June 20, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Fred grew up in Johnstown, PA. After earning his BS in Chemistry from Washington and Jefferson College in 1967, Fred pursued his medical degree at the University of Louisville. He completed his Residency and Chief Residency at Temple University Hospital, followed by a fellowship in Pulmonary Disease at UCSF.
Fred served as a Major in the United States Army from 1977 to 1979 and then returned to Pennsylvania to become an Assistant Professor of Medicine for Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1981, Fred returned to the Bay Area to join UCSF colleagues in private practice in Oakland where he continued his career, retiring in 2022.
Fred held numerous leadership positions in his medical community, including President and Board Member of the American Lung Association of Alameda County, President of Medical Staff at Providence and Merritt Hospitals, and the Head of Critical Care for over 20 years. Fred also served as a board member for the Sisters of Providence Hospital System and President of the Board for Summit Alta Bates/Sutter Health Medical Center.
Fred and Anne welcomed 3 children, and later, 9 grandchildren. Fred cherished his role as grandfather, known "Popi" to his grandchildren and many others. Fred was known as the "baby whisperer," and could soothe any cranky infant to sleep. As the babies grew, Fred continued his bond with his grandchildren, taking them on regular outings to the Montclair Egg Shop and Oakland Zoo and building an army of Lego projects, many with Star Wars or Harry Potter themes.
Fred loved travel, tennis, cycling, photography, and good food. Fred particularly enjoyed traveling to Alaska, taking nine adventures to the Final Frontier with family and friends. Though Fred took photos all over the world, he treasured his images from Alaska, many of which he displayed in his office and at home.
Throughout his career, Fred touched the lives of countless patients, colleagues, and students. During his final hospitalization, colleagues and coworkers visited to express the impact Fred had on their careers and development as care providers. Fred's legacy as a gifted physician and mentor will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Fred is survived by his wife of 49 years, Anne; his children Lisa (Eric) Rager, Michael Herskowitz, and David (Cristina) Herskowitz; his older brother Howard Herskowitz; his younger sister Dava (Donald) Freed; and his grandchildren Sam and Will Rager, Jack and Joe Herskowitz, Makenzie and Madeline Herskowitz, and Rosa, Louisa, and Natalia Lastres.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the American Lung Association.