Joel Lester Zeffren, M.D., died  December 19, 2013    beloved husband of the late Matilda Zeffren; dear father and father in law of Jacob “Yak” (Corrine) Zeffren, MD of Teaneck, NJ, Barry “Dov” (Tziona) Zeffren, MD, David (Mira) Zeffren of Los Angeles, CA and the late Rabbi Gershon “Jonathan” (Donna) Zeffren; dear grandfather of 19; dear great grandfather of 18; dear brother of Rabbi Burton Zeffren; our dear uncle, cousin and friend.

Dr. Zeffren was the first medical oncologist in St. Louis, in practice for over 50 years. He was the first Chief of Oncology at St. Louis University Medical Center. Dr. Zeffren was on the private attending staff at Jewish Hospital and Missouri Baptist Medical Center for decades. He was renowned for the compassionate care he provided to all of his patients at all hours of the day and night. He was beloved by his colleagues, patients, nurses and staff. In spite of his busy professional career he was deeply involved in the St. Louis Jewish community, first as a founding, lifelong member and former president of Young Israel of St. Louis. He served for many years on the boards of the H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy, the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis and as a co-president of the St. Louis Rabbinical College. Dr. Zeffren’s greatest role was as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and devoted son to his late parents Israel and Jean Zeffren. 

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 20th. Memorial contributions preferred to Young Israel of St. Louis, H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy, Agudas Israel, Torah Prep, Esther Miller Bais Yaakov or Block Yeshiva High School. Visitbergermemorialchapel.com for more information.

BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE