The Life of BARRY C. LEMBERSKY MD

 

 

LEMBERSKY
Dr. BARRY C.

 

Age 61, a dedicated and well-respected oncologist at UPMC, died suddenly on Thursday, April 13, 2017. A graduate of the Medical College of Pennsylvania, Dr. Lembersky treated thousands of patients for breast, colon and pancreatic cancer for more than 30 years. His compassion for his patients and expertise in cancer treatment were well-known in his offices at the Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Hospital. Dr. Lembersky's kindness reached beyond his practice. He was a devoted supporter of The Aleph Institute, a non-profit that provides financial, emotional and spiritual assistance to Jews in prisons and mental institutions. His acts of compassion throughout his life embraced the institute's motto - Because No One Should Be Alone or Forgotten. Twelve years ago, Dr. Lembersky created the Patient Assistance Fund to help cancer patients meet the challenges of paying for basic living expenses while receiving treatment. The foundation raised more than $1 million and Dr. Lembersky often expressed his pride and gratitude that every penny went directly to patients in need. He was committed to the next generation of oncologists, mentoring Fellows and hosting an annual dinner at his home at the end of the year. His dedication at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine won him a distinguished teaching award. To his close friends, colleagues and family, Dr. Lembersky was a character with endearing quirks and unusual, varied interests. He loved the history of Homestead where he lived as a young boy. He supported the small Homestead Hebrew Cemetery where his parents, grandparents and great- grandparents are buried. When he learned that genealogist Tammy Hepps was researching the Jewish community of Homestead, Dr. Lembersky helped support her research, spending hours answering her questions, making helpful introductions and giving her a much needed car. Several years ago, Dr. Lembersky decided to create his own compost in his backyard, watching over his worms as they turned food scraps into rich soil for his wife's garden. He was passionate about physical fitness, getting stronger, and challenging himself. He boxed, skied, played golf, biked, and took Pilates classes. He recently participated in the Tough Mudder Obstacles race and as one of the oldest of his colleagues on the team, he was proud to finish climbing, crawling and running through miles of muddy obstacles. Dr. Lembersky had a flair for writing creative and meaningful letters and notes. In fact, many people thanked him for his thank you notes. He even collected the junk mail that came to the house for his children, just so he could forward it to them with a loving note of his own. He loved traveling with his large family and close friends, especially relishing the trips with his brother, sister, and in-laws. He is survived by his wife, Diane Faust; son, David; and daughter, Abby; a brother, Dr. Robert (Sue) Lembersky of Knoxville, TN; and a sister, Roberta (Marven) Goodman of Montreal, Canada; as well as an adoring extended family. Services at Temple Sinai, 5505 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill on Tuesday at 10 a.m. NO PRIOR VISITATION. Interment Homewood Cemetery. The family requests memorial donations be made to the Aleph Institute, 5804 Beacon St., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Website: www.alephne.org. Phone: 412-421-0111. Arrangements entrusted to RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL, INC.
www.ralphschugar.com