Obituary
Donald W. Aaronson, MD, JD, MPH
Beloved husband and loving companion of Julia Aaronson for 65 years. Loving father of Jeffrey Aaronson, Debra (Dr. Kenneth) Polin, and Rabbi Yehuda/Kevin (Annette) Aaronson. Donald had a special relationship with his children. Spending quality family time was his greatest joy. Loving and devoted Zayde to Rachel Aaronson, Joshua Aaronson, Dr. Jennifer (Rabbi Jonathan) Grossman, Jessica Polin, Dr. Ashley (Rabbi Raphi) Mandelstam, Robert Polin, Avigail (Matan) Hazut, Noa (Michael) Attias, Yonah (Ayala) Aaronson and Toviah Aaronson. Beloved Super Zayde to 10 adorable great grandchildren. Devoted brother of Dr. Neil (Adrienne) Aaronson, brother-in-law of Charles (Helene z”l) Davidson. Loving cousin of Marvin z”l and Arde Harris. Uncle to many Nieces, and Nephews. We are grateful to George M., long time devoted family friend. Donald’s life and career were devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and to public service in the Jewish community and the medical field. Donald served in the United States Army before medical school. He graduated from University of Illinois medical school in 1961 and served as a physician for over 40 years in the field of Allergy and Asthma. His patients greatly appreciated his devotion and caring for them. He was the founding physician of Aaronson Asthma and Allergy and partnered with his father Dr. Abe L. Aaronson (z”l). He served as President of the Medical Staff of Lutheran General Hospital. He was instrumental in the founding of the Joint Council of Allergy and Immunology and after serving as its President he assumed the position of director of the organization for 20 years. He was very active in his medical subspecialty organizations, serving as the President of the College of Allergy and Immunology and Vice President of the Academy of Allergy. He was also one of the founding members of Allergists for Israel. In 1977 Donald graduated from DePaul University law school and was successfully admitted into the bar. He utilized his law degree to help advance key physician issues with the government and lectured extensively on the legal issues of medicine. He served as the attorney for the medical staff of Lutheran General hospital for 20 years. After retiring from active medical practice at the age of 69, he obtained his Master’s degree in Public Health from Harvard University in 2003. He was the oldest member of his graduating class. After his graduation from Harvard, he returned to Lutheran General Hospital and the Advocate healthcare system as Director of Patient Safety until his retirement in 2018. During his tenure there he was responsible for a number of successful, important initiatives in the health care system. He was one of the founding members of The Ark and later became the organization’s President. He was also Chairman of the Board at Ida Crown Jewish Academy. The family is grateful for the loving care that Donald received at Buckingham Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of the life of Donald Aaronson may be made to The Ark, 6450 N. California, Chicago IL 60645 www.arkchicago.org or to Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Congregation, 540 W. Melrose, Chicago IL 60657 www.asbi.org Donald’s final resting place will be in Israel. Due to the Coronavirus, Shiva will be appointment. For more information please contact Chicago Jewish Funerals at 847.229.8822
Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals. www.chicagojewishfunerals.com