Obituary of Irwin G. Karron

Dr. Irwin G. Karron Passed away on June 24, 2011 at age 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elaine; devoted children, Andrew, Ruth & Jeffrey Karron and their spouses; grandchildren, Sarah & Alexander Nutman, Julia & Lucas Karron and Elizabeth & Susannah Karron; and sister, Clarice Olinger. He is predeceased by his sister, Judy Hymes. A graduate of New York University Medical School, Dr. Karron was in private practice in Rochester and taught at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. Funeral Services were held in Sharon, MA. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 30, 2011 from 7-9 PM at 430 Corwin Road. Click here for directions to the house of mourning. Some thoughts about Dr. Karron: Irwin was born and grew up in New York City. He was a talented student, and graduated from high school at 16, from New York University College at 19 and from NYU Medical School at 22. After completing his training, he served in the US Army Medical Corps and cared for soldiers suffering from tuberculosis and other war-related diseases. After marrying Elaine, he moved to Rochester and began his private practice in internal medicine. He had a special interest in chest disease and was instrumental in developing the pulmonary medicine program at the University of Rochester Medical School, where he served as a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine for over 30 years. He was particularly recognized for his diagnostic skill in difficult cases, his compassion in caring for his patients and their families, and his devotion to training young doctors. One of the great sources of comfort to the family during his illness in his later years was how his colleagues in the medical community, some of whom he’d trained, worked to ensure he received the best possible care. He was a devoted and loving parent. He and Mom believed strongly in education and throughout our childhood he devoted himself to ensuring that we had every opportunity to learn and grow. From reading to us every night when we were little, to taking us with him when he played tennis at the crack of dawn, to taking us to classical music concerts and movies and theater (all of which he loved -- he was a wonderfully cultured man), to taking us with him to the hospital, he shared his interests and passions and love of learning with us. He was a true partner to my mother not only in raising the family but in helping her to pursue her own interests and dreams. When, after the children were grown, she decided to pursue a longtime interest in law and attend law school at Cornell, he encouraged and supported her even though it meant some commuting for several years. And when my mother’s mother became ill during that time, he welcomed her into their home and made her last years happy. One of his defining characteristics was that he knew who he was and what he believed was right and wrong. Behind a modest and gentle style lay a will of steel. He resigned from the AMA when it opposed Medicare and Medicaid and other cornerstones of healthcare for the poor and aged. He provided free care to members of the local food coop, because he believed in what they were trying to do and knew they otherwise could not get care. Home Brighton, New York Birthplace New York, New York Donations