Obituary for William J. Zucker, M.D.
Dr. William J. Zucker of Arlington, Massachusetts passed away on December 22nd at the age of 73. Dr. Zucker was a physician specializing in internal medicine and geriatrics in the Boston area, and he retired several years ago from the Winchester Hospital Medical Group.
Bill, as his friends and family called him, was born in Manhattan and grew up in Ossining, New York. He graduated first in his class at Ossining High School in 1967, and went on to attend Harvard College, from which he graduated in 1971. Dr. Zucker then attended the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and returned to the Boston area to practice medicine.
Dr. Zucker was known for taking challenging medical cases, and he often treated those in need without regard for their financial circumstances. Bill’s patients were receptive to his quiet and calming demeanor, which sat atop his confidence and expertise. His decades long medical career was shaped by his selflessness and integrity.
Bill was a great lover of music, having adapted his classical piano training to play keyboard in a klezmer band, which performed at various local venues as well as the New England Folk Festival. He also often played the piano in improvised sessions with his many musician friends. In his youth, Bill was a competitive sailor, helming the second place boat at the 1966 420 Class US National Championships. He continued to enjoy sailing throughout his life. He was also an accomplished skier.
Bill and his loving partner, Sandra Rothenberg, thoroughly enjoyed walking the woods, parks, and beaches of Massachusetts, kayaking on the Charles, taking annual trips to the ocean in Maine, and traveling throughout Europe. Sandy enjoyed listening to Bill play the piano and would sometimes sing along.
In retirement, Bill remained resolute, active, and focused. At his 50th Harvard College reunion, he delivered a warmly received and widely appreciated lecture about health and active living for seniors. He was in the process of turning his work and experience with elderly patients into a book about aging and wellness.
Bill earnestly cultivated friendships and personal connections, and he never missed an opportunity for a spirited conversation or debate. Throughout his life he lived modestly, honestly, enthusiastically, and with great principle. His passing is a great loss to all who knew him.
Bill was the son of Frances Aronson Zucker and Abraham Zucker. He leaves behind his partner, Sandra Rothenberg, two children, Jacob Zucker and Amiee Lyons, and three grandchildren, Jazz, Lela, and Victoria. He also leaves behind a brother, Dana Zucker, as well as four nieces and nephews and five grandnieces and grandnephews.
A memorial service and viewing will be held at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut Street, Arlington on Friday, December 30th at 12:30pm.
Bill, as his friends and family called him, was born in Manhattan and grew up in Ossining, New York. He graduated first in his class at Ossining High School in 1967, and went on to attend Harvard College, from which he graduated in 1971. Dr. Zucker then attended the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and returned to the Boston area to practice medicine.
Dr. Zucker was known for taking challenging medical cases, and he often treated those in need without regard for their financial circumstances. Bill’s patients were receptive to his quiet and calming demeanor, which sat atop his confidence and expertise. His decades long medical career was shaped by his selflessness and integrity.
Bill was a great lover of music, having adapted his classical piano training to play keyboard in a klezmer band, which performed at various local venues as well as the New England Folk Festival. He also often played the piano in improvised sessions with his many musician friends. In his youth, Bill was a competitive sailor, helming the second place boat at the 1966 420 Class US National Championships. He continued to enjoy sailing throughout his life. He was also an accomplished skier.
Bill and his loving partner, Sandra Rothenberg, thoroughly enjoyed walking the woods, parks, and beaches of Massachusetts, kayaking on the Charles, taking annual trips to the ocean in Maine, and traveling throughout Europe. Sandy enjoyed listening to Bill play the piano and would sometimes sing along.
In retirement, Bill remained resolute, active, and focused. At his 50th Harvard College reunion, he delivered a warmly received and widely appreciated lecture about health and active living for seniors. He was in the process of turning his work and experience with elderly patients into a book about aging and wellness.
Bill earnestly cultivated friendships and personal connections, and he never missed an opportunity for a spirited conversation or debate. Throughout his life he lived modestly, honestly, enthusiastically, and with great principle. His passing is a great loss to all who knew him.
Bill was the son of Frances Aronson Zucker and Abraham Zucker. He leaves behind his partner, Sandra Rothenberg, two children, Jacob Zucker and Amiee Lyons, and three grandchildren, Jazz, Lela, and Victoria. He also leaves behind a brother, Dana Zucker, as well as four nieces and nephews and five grandnieces and grandnephews.
A memorial service and viewing will be held at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut Street, Arlington on Friday, December 30th at 12:30pm.