Dr. Robert Litman Obituary (1947

Word has been received that Dr. Robert Barry Litman, formerly of Danville, CA, and formerly of Ogdensburg, died suddenly on 15 January 2021. A husband, father of four, and new grandfather of one, Dr. Litman was born on 17 November 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Dr. Benjamin and Mrs. Bette Litman. As the second of seven boys, he loved to reminisce about his childhood days in Philadelphia, eating cheesesteaks and attending Phillies games with his brothers, and going on house calls with his father. He graduated from Overbrook High School in 1964 and attended Yale College at the age of 16, from which he graduated three years later with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemistry. He then graduated from Yale University School of Medicine in 1970, where he was awarded a Doctor of Medicine and Master's of Philosophy in Anatomy. He completed his medical residency at Yale University, followed by a residency in general surgery at Bryn Mawr Hospital. In the spring of 1985, he married Niki Litman (née Thomas) and they relocated to California to raise their children and open a new family medical practice in the Bay Area. He practiced medicine for 43 years: in Hamden, CT; Ogdensburg, NY; and San Ramon, CA.A physician revered for his medical acumen, compassionate bedside manner, and brilliance as a diagnostician, he treated thousands of patients over the course of his lifetime. His passion for medicine went far beyond the exam room: he made old-fashioned house calls, authored two medical mystery novels, and served as the proud moderator and medical commentator of "Ask the Doctor," a multiple Telly award-winning show serving the East Bay community for over a decade. Dr. Litman leaves behind an indelible legacy of a man who contained great multitudes: a Yale billiards champion and tennis captain; his kids' proud Little League coach; a skilled guitarist with a love of Bob Dylan and The Beatles; an unmatched movie aficionado and Trivial Pursuit winner; a voracious reader of history, current events, and literature; and most recently a proud and loving Grandpop. He is survived by his three daughters, Riva Belle (John Sciuto), Nadya Beth, and Caila Tess (Alex Remnick); one grandson, John Benjamin; and five brothers (Gary, Larry, Randy, Richard, and Donald Litman). He was predeceased by his wife Niki (2011), his 19-year-old son Benjamin David (2010), and his older brother Terry (Paul) Litman (2004). A traditional Jewish burial service was held at Gan Shalom Cemetery on 21 January, where he will forever rest with his wife and son. Donations can be made in Dr. Litman's memory to his alma mater, Yale School of Medicine, to support the next generation of physicians and promote the same medical research about which he was so passionate. Please select "Alumni Fund - Student Research' when making your contribution. In his memory, the family asks that you watch your favorite movie, enjoy a good meal, and always remember to find the humor in life alongside the ones you love.