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Seth Dragiff Charney M.D.

Seth Charney Obituary

Seth Dragiff Charney, M.D. 64, died peacefully at home on March 8, 2009 in San Francisco, CA. Devoted son of the late Morris and Nettie Charney. Survived by his beloved siblings, Dr. Jonathan Charney and Dr. Maria Diaz and by Deborah Braff and Dr. Robert Braff. Loving uncle of Samuel Charney, Aaron Charney, Danielle Braff Karpinos and Vadim Karpinos, Jeremy Braff and Johanna Braff. Great uncle of Anya Nessa Karpinos. Father of his favorite dog, Noodle. A graduate of Brooklyn College and Yale Medical School, he practiced psychiatry in San Francisco and he owned real estate throughout California. He will be forever missed and remembered for his generosity, wit, dedication to Israel and Judaism, and curiosity about the world. He was a lifetime champion of human rights causes. A Chapel Service will be held Thursday, March 12, 2009, 12:00 noon at Sherman's Flatbush Memorial Chapel, 1283 Coney Island Ave. Bklyn. NY. Interment to follow Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, N.Y. A memorial service will be held April 5, 2009 at 3 p.m. at Sha Ar Cahaz, 290 Dolores Ave., San Francisco, CA. Contributions should be sent to the Bay Area Physicians for Human Rights, P.O. Box 14188, San Francisco, CA, 94114-0188 or a Jewish charity of your choice.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 12, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Mary Ann Kelso

March 19, 2021

I knew Seth when he spent a summer at Montana state in Bozeman, Montana. I loved him. 1962

Bo Schenkman

March 25, 2010

Dear Jonathan and Deborah,
I only very recently got to know about the loss of Seth, and I send you my condolences. Seth was often a guest to my parents home in Stockholm, when he was a student here, and he was much liked by us. There are now unfortunately many years since I last saw Seth. I can understand the loss that you feel.

Thomas Steven Overbye

February 10, 2010

Please accept my belated condolences.
It was with great sadness that I read the In Memoriam section of the Brooklyn College Magazine. Seth and I were lab partners in 1963, which developed into a too short friendship. Over dinner at his family's apartment, his father suggested that I go into education. It was a compelling discussion at a turning point in my life. I owe much of my success to the Charney influence as I imagine many others do. They will be missed by many.

February 8, 2010

Seth was a vital force even in our formative years from Jr. High through H.S. and as undergrads at Brooklyn College. His intelligence and humanity were evident in equal measure even then. Although he left this world too soon, his contribution undoubtedly far exceeded the accomplishments of any one lifetime.
May the Almighty forever shelter him, and may his soul be bound up in life eternal.
Shalom, Barbara Hartill Vanderheyden

Eduardo Francisco

October 21, 2009

On the trajectory of life, the process of learning and teaching is certainly of extreme value. The importance is that you can make great impression anywhere, anytime, regardless of your physical state. Seth has certainly taught me how to appreciate what is real and of value. Seth's love for people was real and sincere without barriers nor pre-judgment. Seth truly loved people for what they were. He sensed them.
Dear Deborah, Jonathan, I sympathize with you on missing your brother. I also share with you the presence of a good friend.

October 9, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of Seth's death. We were his SF neighbors since 1998 and enjoyed his friendship over the years. We have been in CT since 2008 and lost touch; we were unaware he was so ill. Seth was a very special man who loved his family dearly and who lived a rich and meaningful life. My condolences to you all.

Susan and Joe Higgins

Dimi Stevenson

October 6, 2009

Memories of Seth go back to our youth-he was always, warm, whimsical and such a wonderful friend.
My sincere condolences to his equally wonderful family.
I was happy to have at least seen him one last time and found his life had been a wonderful success.

Lynn Hoffman

July 13, 2009

I remember Seth as the funny eccentric kid who loved the outdoors and his french horn and his family. I was looking for him on google, hoping to maybe get together on my next trip west. Let's not wait too long for things like that.

Lynn

Marc Gottschall

April 26, 2009

Dear Deborah and Jonathan,
Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting either of you, I have had the distinct honor of knowing Seth since 1987 when I first met him at the lab I worked at in San Francisco. Seth had come in to have his blood drawn, and I happened to be the person that performed the task. He asked my boss, a close friend of his, if he could get my phone number and I am eternally grateful that I said yes. Seth was a very warm and loving person with a beautiful spirit who added so much to my life. We had lost contact of each other for several years and I had reconnected with him two weeks prior to his passing. I am grateful to whatever forces brought us back together and he was still the same wonderful man I had always known. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting his Mom on one of her visits to the Bay Area and it was obvious where Seth got his warmth and caring.
My heart goes out to the two of you and all of Seth's extended family at this time! I will never forget what an impact Seth made in my life!! I will miss him so much!

Hillary Charney

April 26, 2009

Dear Deborah and Jonathan,

I am so saddened to learn of Seth's death. Scott and I have wonderful memories of him coming to visit us when we were all younger--when he climbed out the window of my parents' home to go walk downtown to read the historical plaques on the bridges.

I never quite understood why we all lost touch, but I just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you with sadness for Seth and with love.

Your cousin, Hillary

Alexander Holliday

April 6, 2009

Dear Deborah,

Although I signed the guest book on March 15, I am writing again to ask you to contact me ([email protected]) when you are able to. I realize that it might take some time. I come to New York from time to time and it would mean very much to me to see you again.

With deepest sympathy,

Alexander Holliday

Abraham Himmelman

March 31, 2009

In over forty one years of friendship we share uncountable moments of joy many of them with Netty a Morris.His unique seance of humor, inexhaustible curiosity for knowledge and profound love for his family is and inspiration to life. Seth will be very much missed. Devora, Jonatan and Family please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Abraham Himmelman.

Michael L. Brachfeld

March 23, 2009

Dear Jonathan,
It was unbelievable to me when I heard about Seth. It was a joy to hear about him again in the last few years and to remember him from our high school days.
It is profound sadness that I felt when I heard this so unexpected news. All I can do is wish you and your family better days ahead and wonderful memories of a truly great person. He will not be forgotten by so many people.
---Michael

Ariel & Silvia Goobar

March 20, 2009

Dear Jonathan and Deborah,
the entire Swedish and Argentinian family sends their condolences for your great loss. It was only thanks to Seth's interest in the family history that we discovered in the mid 80's that we are related. After that, we spent some wonderful time in the SF Bay Area and Seth was always there to show us all the secrets of the city and surroundings. Having an Asian meal with Seth and friends was always a "must" whenever we visited California.
It was a great pleasure and honor to have Seth and Jonathan at our wedding party in Stockholm.
We will miss Seth's sense of humor, his warmth and generosity. He will always have a place in our hearts.

Ken Gorczyca

March 18, 2009

Deborah and Jonathan,
I am saddened by the loss of your brother and my friend Seth. I met him at a BAPHR fundraiser in 1984, and he quickly became my friend and mentor. I also became Noodle's veterinarian. We once traveled to Costa Rica together. I will miss his broad knowledge of history, culture, travels and politics. He leaves San Fransisco with many friends and colleages.

Brian Kelley

March 18, 2009

Deborah and Jonathon:
It is truly sad that all of us have lost a dear friend...a kind, generous and thoughtful, loving soul. Seth was a wonderful friend to me and he will be missed, yet his spirit will live on.

With sincere condolences,

Steve Herzberg

March 16, 2009

It was with the greatest sorrow that I heard about the death of my old friend from medical school. We had so many good times together. I so well remember his idealism and sense of humor.

Alexander Holliday

March 15, 2009

Although it has been years, over three decades, since I last saw Seth, I have thought of him often and fondly, remembering the many wonderful experiences we shared and acknowledging the extensive impact he had on my life in a formative stage. His dedication to his family was unshakeable, his thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, and his struggle to support righteousness was unflagging. Were it not for the observant eyes of my sister, who saw the notice of his passing and called me, I would not have even known of this tragically early end to his life.

To his brother Jonathan, whom I met only once, to his sister Deborah, whom I saw on a number of occasions, and to the later generations, whom I never met, I extend my condolences. I was not able to find a regular address to which to send a proper letter. Please forgive this very informal method of conveying my sympathy. I regret that I could not have been present on March 12.

Just two days before hearing the sad news from my sister, I was speaking to the mother of my godchild and I told her a very moving story about tolerance which Seth's mother told me back in 1972 and which I have repeated countless times in the ensuing years. It has never failed to move the listener. From Seth and his family I have many stories which have accompanied me and guided me throughout the years. His wit, his warmth, and his perception about human nature are what we who knew him will yearn for. But those are the parts of him which will be with us forever.

Johanna Braff

March 14, 2009

Uncle Seth was the most wonderful man in the world and anybody who knew him could attest to that. I miss you already Uncle Seth. I give you lots of hugs. x

Danielle Karpinos

March 14, 2009

We miss you terribly, Uncle Seth.

Nate Herrington

March 13, 2009

Seth was a wonderful person, always giving of himself to others.
He will be missed greatly!

Doug & Betsy Domoto

March 12, 2009

Dear Jonathan and Deborah,

It is with deep sadness that we read of Seth's death. Just two weeks ago, I talked with him while visiting relatives in the Bay Area. He mentioned his disease, but I had no idea he was so seriously ill. Warm memories from the past linger with us, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts. We will always remember with great joy the times we spent with your parents - you and Seth in New York, Texas, and San Francisco. He followed his heart - and through his work he made a difference. He will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, honesty, and kindnesses.
For us, we will remember him for his love of life and his wonderful sense of humor.

With deepest sympathy

Robert Speer

March 12, 2009

Dear Deborah and Jonathan,

Seth will now be with Nettie and Morris and we will always cherish the fond memories that we all shared with your family.

With Much Love,

Robert, John and Ming

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