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David Trachtenberg Obituary
Dr. Trachtenberg was born on March 5, 1935, the first child of Joseph and Sarah Trachtenberg. He attended Harvard University, during which time he met the love of his life, Rita Smith, who he wed in 1955. He then attended the New York University School of Medicine, and after graduating completed additional training in psychiatry at the University of Maryland and Duke University Medical Center.
After serving as a doctor in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Trachtenberg settled in the greater Washington, DC area where he engaged in the private practice of psychiatry for more than 50 years. He was thoroughly devoted to the well being of his patients, to the extent that he had to be talked into retiring in his early 80s.
Dr. Trachtenberg was equally devoted to his family, and the years following his retirement were spent enjoying the company of his beloved wife Rita, and the families of his children and grandchildren. He was a lover of art, good food, travel, new technology and gadgets, and Washington, DC politics and sports. He especially enjoyed an engrossing conversation, and was an extraordinary listener and trusted advisor to his friends and family members.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 68 years, Rita Trachtenberg; his two children, Carolyn Wolfe (William, Washington, DC/Palm Beach), and Adam Trachtenberg (Joan, Miami); and two grandchildren, Matthew Edenbaum (Rachael), and Ross Edenbaum (Gabrielle), both of the greater Washington, DC area, and three great-grandchildren, Eloise, Lily, and Emerson. He is also survived by his sister Phyllis Adelson and brother Malcolm Trachtenberg.
Services will be held on Friday, March 1 at 12 p.m. Graveside at King David Memorial Garden, Falls Church, VA.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (https://www.shalomdc.org/?form=donate)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Trachtenberg
Herbert H. Kliegerman
April 27, 2024
Dear Rita,
I don't recall meeting your husband David, but I would like to send my condolences to you. You may recall, that I am Joan's brother. If you would like to contact me, please reach out to me by email and I will be most happy to send you my phone number.
Mary S.
April 7, 2024
Dr.Trachtenberg was a kind and wise therapist. I´m grateful for the care I received. Deepest sympathies to his family.
Tiffany M
March 21, 2024
I was a patient of Dr. Trachtenberg´s until 2008 and was just writing a letter to update him on how my and my father´s lives turned out after my father´s death 11/16/23. I was so saddened to see that he had died when I Googled his name to find his old office´s address. I met Dr. Trachtenberg when I was 15 and began having panic attacks. He was kind, compassionate, supportive, and warm. I am now in solo private psychiatry practice and consider him a mentor based on what he taught me as a patient. He gave me a book at my last session, it is still on my bookshelf, and he was instrumental in my and my father´s lives. My most sincere condolences to his family. He was a wonderful psychiatrist.
Sharon Seiler jellinek
March 10, 2024
Dear Carolyn and Rita,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Trachtenberg. I have only the fondest memories of all of your family. I have tried to desperately reach you Carolyn .. for years. Please reconnect with me. Love to you and your family
Sharon Seiler jellinek
Robert Hyman
March 1, 2024
Condolences from Anne Smith
Susan Wittenberg
March 1, 2024
David was my mentor. We worked together for 10 years and I am thankful for all that I learned from him. He was one of the smartest guy I´ve ever known. Rest in peace my friend.
Arlene Shapiro
February 29, 2024
He was a good friend when we worked together.
Sandra Winnick
February 29, 2024
He also hugged me when I wept.
Robert Hyman
February 29, 2024
Our condolences.
Robert Hyman and Deb Atwood
Sandra Winnick
February 29, 2024
He taught me how to love. He was a very special person.
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