Allen Brooks Shevach, M.D.'s Obituary
Allen Brooks Shevach passed away on January 25, 2018. He fought his disease the same way he lived his life – with dignity, humor and gave it 110%. Born in Miami Beach, Fl on July 13, 1940 to Dr. Randolph and Helen Shevach. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Allen Jr., and son, Billy. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Liz, his daughter Kathryn, his grandson Joshua Shevach, his sister Eileen Maxfield, sister in law and brother in law Connie Gatta and Alan Levine, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.Allen graduated from Miami Beach High School and attended The Johns Hopkins University where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Epsilon Delta. After graduating in his junior year he was awarded a full scholarship to the State University of NY, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY. He graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha. He did an internship and one year of surgical residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital. He had planned to be a Pediatric Surgeon, but during his residency he was asked to fill in for an obstetrician who was ill. He loved this aspect of medicine and the experience was life changing. He spent two years as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard. After serving that time he completed his Obstetrics/Gynecology residency at the U. of Florida. He opened a solo practice in 1973 and moved to Ft. Myers because it was a small town and reminded him of Miami Beach when he was growing up. He was a committed and gifted physician who loved his patients and his work.He was passionate about running ( ran 13 marathons including Boston, N.Y. and Miami), politics, travel, planting and tending to his Royal Palms, following the stock market, reading 2-3 books at a time, live theater, Henny Youngman and his Miami Dolphins, but nothing defined his life more than his love for his family and friends.He served and chaired many organizations in Ft. Myers, but his greatest pride is what he is leaving for the future where he has established scholarships for Lee County students through the SW Florida Community Foundation, The U. of Florida Obstetrics/Gynecology department for research and The Billy Shevach Scholarship Foundation through the FM Track Club.While modest in nature he had a quick and wonderful sense of humor, an optimistic outlook, a warm and caring heart and was loved by so many whose lives he touched. He lived his life with honor, integrity and kindness.“A life that touches others goes on forever” – author unknown.Funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday January 28, at Temple Beth El, 16225 Winkler Road, FM. Burial after the service will be private. The family will sit Shiva at the Shevach residence on Monday, January 29 at 6:00pm.Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice.
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