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Jonathan Ellman Obituary
May 31, 1947 - February 1, 2017
After a five year battle with prostate cancer, Jonathan died peacefully at home with his wife Tracy, his sons David and Alex and his really, really BIG dog Bruce, by his side.Jon was born in Brooklyn, NY to Alexander Ellman MD and Violet (Noe) Ellman. He grew up in Rockaway Beach, NY. He graduated from Cornell and attended Chicago Medical School graduating at the top of his class. His internship and medical residency were at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals. A fellowship in rheumatology at UCSF followed. Jon practiced rheumatology in Berkeley, CA. from 1980 through 2016. He was highly respected as a physician and true healer. His intellect, integrity, intuition and genuine compassion came through to his patients. He appreciated hearing patient's stories and became a lifetime friend to many of them. The fifteen minute appointment never did work for Jon.
Jonathan loved life. He loved golf and his golf buddies (but not always his game). He loved the beach. He loved fiction, New York Times crossword puzzles, coffee and chocolate chip cookies. He loved music and dancing with Tracy. He was an amazing Dad. He loved Schmoozing with friends. Most of all Jonathan loved and cherished Tracy, David and Alex.
Jonathan touched the hearts of many and leaves behind a huge circle of friends, patients and family that he loved and will forever love him. THANK YOU JONATHAN!
A Celebration of Life will be held at Orinda Country Club on February 19th from 1PM to 4PM.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Ellman
Joyce Jennings
June 16, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Ellman´s passing (5 years late!). I have seen a lot of doctors in my life and I will always remember him. He was one of the best and smartest I have ever witnessed. I was not his patient, my wife was. He listened carefully and was able to diagnose a complicated set of symptoms very quickly, although he spent a good amount of time with us and did not rush us out the door. His obituary indicates he was not just a stellar doctor, but a wonderful human. May he rest in peace.
John & Celia Sladek with Jonathan after he plantedtrees at our wedding. He was a great friend and one of my medical students in Chicago in 1969.
John Sladek
May 23, 2019
Jonathan Ellman on May 23, 1970 at our wedding after planting trees that he brought in his yellow VW convertible. :)
John Sladek
May 23, 2019
Leah Shelleda
August 25, 2017
My doctor and my friend. I feel so fortunate to have known Jon, been treated so successfully by him, and enjoyed his curious lively mind in our conversations. My belated condolences to his wife and family - who meant the world to him.
Dennyse Stanford
May 31, 2017
I know that today is Jonathan's birthday. He would have been 70. My heart goes out to his family on this special day.
You are in my thoughts,
Dennyse
May 31, 2017
I know today is Jonathan's birthday. He would have been 70. My heart is with his family on this special day.
You are in my thoughts,
Dennyse
April 20, 2017
Dear Ellman Family,
This is a very late note, but I just found out about Jon's death because I called his office for an appointment. I met Jon in the early 80's through a mutual friend, Neil Goldberg (I went to high school with Neil and he and Jon were in Med school together) and we ended up in the same boat on a river rafting trip on the American River. Have to say it was both crazy and fun and we bonded over a few much needed drinks after the river rafting. We hung out several times after that then I moved away, first to London then to the east coast and returned a few years ago. So unfortunately we were out of touch. My internist said I needed an appointment with a Rheumatologist, so I of course thought of Jon. I read a few of the memories and mine are very much the same--a fun, very engaging guy who was interested in your story, not just telling you his. I am very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Marc Roth
[email protected]
Suzanne Yoshii
March 29, 2017
When I had my annual visit this January - first one after Dr. Ellman's retirement, I was sad that I won't be seeing him and anxious that I have to start a new relationship with a new doctor after years with him... when I saw his name on the door at the new building I had tears and I hardly ever cry. I was so glad to hear he was in good spirits.
His treatment has allowed me to live a full, healthy, mobile life and I am so grateful. He saw me as a person, took the time to talk to me, not just a patient. I know I will never meet another doctor like him again ~ I will miss him very much.
Thank you, Dr. Ellman!
BONNIE Martino
February 19, 2017
Dear TRACY and boys,
David and I were very saddened to hear of Jonathan's passing. We lost 3 friends last week. So many families's lives changed in an instant. We regret not being able to attend his memorial today. We will send a contribution in his name to the American Cancer Society.
We send prayers for Jonathan and prayers and sympathy to give you strength in this difficult time.
I have wonderful memories of working with Jon, discussing wines and vineyards and eating chocolate chip cookies! Time has flown since that time in the '80's!
Love,
Bonnie and David Martino
Martha Tracy
February 19, 2017
Jon was my coffee-drinking, ground-breaking partner at UCSF in the first ever primary care residency program....we made SO many pithy and witty observations, and we always knew that we were right about every one. We had joint patients during our practices, and I know how much he meant to all of them putting friendship into his practice, because I heard it. A very good friend, whether you saw him often, or infrequently.
Wayne Berman
February 18, 2017
My condolences to the Ellman family.
I first met Dr. Ellman in 2013 and was immediately impressed by his professionalism and warm and healing touch.As a dog trainer we were further bonded by our shared love of animals. I'm sure he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Wayne Ortiz
February 13, 2017
We first met Jonathan in the early 80's and became friends in NO time. He would show up at our door in Truckee with 3 lbs. of Peets coffee, 4 bottles of good red wine he got in a "deal" and his skis.
We lost touch over the years, but he always occupied a very warm and loving spot in our hearts. Just the thought of him would always bring a smile to my face. What a lovely man.
We love you Jon,
Wayne and Darcy Ortiz
Dennyse Stanford
February 11, 2017
Jon helped me through some very difficult times. He was a good friend and a good teacher. He was loved by many and will be missed. Much love always.
Dennyse
February 11, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Wayne, Nancy, David, and Jon (2015)
David Wofsy
February 9, 2017
Jon has been my good friend for 40 years. My life is better for having known him. I remember most vividly his appreciation of family - Tracy, David, and Alex. Having created a family at an older age than he might have expected, he always found special happiness and joy from it. For years, Jon, Wayne, Nancy, and I shared dinners annually at our professional meeting. Those dinners were always the highlight and highest priority at the meeting. We will miss seeing him there, but he will always be with us in spirit and in our hearts.
Ben Zier
February 8, 2017
Jon was a very dear friend to Cindy and myself for many years. We had wonderful schmoozes together and will miss him and his memories so very much
Ben and Cindy Zier
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