Robert S. Chavkin, MD, died on Sabbath Eve, November 22, 2024. He would have celebrated his 92nd birthday on November 30. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents, Bob attended public schools in New York and Philadelphia and graduated in 1954 from the University of Pennsylvania. He attended Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, New York, and graduated with the Class of 1958. While serving as a resident at Baltimore City Hospital, he met Lorie Mowrey. They wed in 1959 and were married for 55 years.
Bob joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a captain while stationed in Tucson, Arizona. Following his discharge, he returned to Syracuse where he entered private practice as a pediatrician. He relocated to Rochester in 1991, and at his wife’s suggestion accepted a position at the Jordan Health Center. He served at Jordan Health for 32 years in a variety of positions, include as a pediatrician, Chief of Pediatrics, Interim Director, and as Assistant to the Medical Director. He retired for the third and final time in 2022. Bob also served as Brigade Surgeon for the 27th Brigade Tenth Mountain Division (LI) of the New York Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1994.
A lifelong and passionate golfer, Bob also enjoyed tennis, puzzles, reading, travel, bridge, and good food and wine. He was on the Board of Directors of Serenity House in Victor, New York. He was an active member of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas in Dewitt, New York, for many years, and he was a member of Congregation Beth El in Geneva, New York.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Lorie in 2014. A proud and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is survived by his children Nisan (Sarah), Amy (Jennie), Lynda, and Brian (Maria); his grandchildren Andrew (Ellen), Eliana, Rachel, Kadya, and Kimmy; and his great granddaughter Sophia.
Graveside Services will be held on WEDNESDAY November 27, 2024 at 1 PM in Boughton Hill Cemetery (1518 NY-444, Victor, New York 14564). CLICK HERE for a map to the cemetery.
