Y. Jacob Schinazi, M.D., 87

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Y. Jacob “Jack” Schinazi, M.D. passed away Jan. 29.  He was the beloved husband of Helen Schinazi, M.D. for 56 years.  Born in Cairo, Egypt, he was the son of the late Solomon and Renèe (Abadi) Schinazi.

He earned his medical degree from Cairo University, with post-graduate degrees and training in England and the United States.  He was in private practice for many years, assistant professor at Brown University and Boston University.  He served as president of the New England Ophthalmological Society (NEOS), as well as of the Rhode Island Ophthalmological Society.  During his tenure at NEOS he created the Educational Trust Fund, one of his proudest contributions to the future of the field.

An old-school physician, his profession was the gift of sight, yet his true gift was making each patient feel truly seen. Known for his calming presence, and welcoming, gentle soul, he was always an entirely present listener, rich with meaningful pearls shared at the right moment.   Loved by all who knew him, he will be dearly missed. 

Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons Alan Schinazi and his wife, Bre Goldsmith, and Robert Schinazi and his wife, Lauren DeRosset; sister Laurette Galapo; and grandson Robert Jacob Schinazi.

Contributions in his memory may be made to The New England Ophthalmological Society's Educational Trust Fund, http://www.neos-eyes.org/Donations.  

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