Dr. Douglas Robert Berson, a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, died on August 23rd at 65 years old after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Douglas was known in the community as an honorable physician and generous friend, with unmatched love for life and a deep commitment to intellectual understanding.
Douglas was born on July 2nd, 1959 in Philadelphia, PA, to Irving and Lillian Berson. He completed his undergraduate studies at Lehigh University and went on to earn his medical degree at Medical College of Pennsylvania. He moved to St. Louis to do his residency in Internal Medicine and then fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Barnes Jewish Hospital. Douglas traveled and volunteered at clinics with his wife, Barbara, for a year in India, Nepal, Israel, and throughout Europe. He then established his medical practice, dedicating his 31 year career to compassionately caring for patients in St. Louis and underserved areas in southern Illinois.
Douglas was involved in many communities: judaically in his synagogue, Traditional Congregation; professionally as medical staff at Washington University and multiple hospitals around St. Louis; and recreationally as a longtime member of a local running group. He devotedly lived the Jewish values of tzedek (justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and derech eretz (dignity and respect for all).
Douglas was a spirited student of life who delighted in the pursuit of knowledge and engaging with the world. He was an avid hiker, fisherman, mushroom foraging enthusiast, voracious reader, self-taught winemaker, and photographer. He was fascinated by the natural world– from tree identification to outer space, his love of science was unwavering throughout his life. He had a strong presence, experienced largely through his wit, humor, and felt sincerity. He always demonstrated remarkable strength of character and persistence in times of need.
Beloved husband of Barbara Gaponoff Berson for 36 years; father of Joshua Berson, Dr. Benjamin (Dr. Jenna) Berson and Elizabeth Berson; grandfather of Lilah Berson; brother of Bonnie (Dr. Marc) Zimmerman and Diane Berson; brother-in-law of the Gaponoff siblings: Mark, Sharma, and Yelena; dear uncle, cousin, physician and friend.
Funeral service Monday, August 26, 12:00pm at Traditional Congregation, 12437 Ladue Rd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 with interment to follow at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017. No visitation prior to service. Contributions in his memory may be made to Reel Recovery, https://www.reelrecovery.org/donate (please include [email protected]) or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, https://tinyurl.com/BersonMemorialSloanKettering.
A Rindskopf-Roth Service
