My deepest condolences to Mary and  family. A wonderful teacher and mentor. Thank you for making the patients laugh and and putting a smile  on their faces. Thank you for lifting up their spirits during those difficult moments with your wit, humor, and genuine kindness.  Fondly remembering how hard you worked to give your patients the best possible care.  It was an honor to have known you and worked by your side. Rest In Peace Dr. I. 

Dr. Steven Isaacson was my mentor and my deepest influence during my residency training at Columbia. He was kind, principled, and willing to share of himself with everyone around him. I still model my service and care of patients from his teaching.


After I graduated, I have the fondest memories of Dr. I and Mary attending our wedding. It meant so much to me. He was gracious as always - letting Lynn and I know how much he enjoyed the event. Dr. I's presence at our wedding symbolized him in so many ways - always making the extra effort for others, coming through with understated reliability, and blessing us with that intuitive charm that was his unique gift.


We have been in contact less since those Columbia days, but I know that Steve was enjoying spending his retirement days with his family and loved ones. 


I'll carry our memories with me.

“It was but yesterday that we met in a dream…”

In my 37 years in Radiation Oncology, Steven Isaacson was one of the best clinician I ever worked with. I was impressed by his vast knowledge and joy in his profession. He could be demanding and tough, but an incredible teacher to the residents he trained. It was a sad day when I attended his retirement ceremony in Radiation Oncology, but hopeful he would still be around for the many who still looked to him for advice and guidance. Now that he is gone there is a void for all of us who knew him. A void that will never be filled.
Dennis Farrell, RT, MS

We are all so lucky to have had a chance to work with Dr. I and he will be dearly missed and remembered by so many.  His wisdom has shaped generations of trainees in radiation oncology and I have no doubt that I am a better physician because of what he taught me. In just the last few days, I have found myself repeating several of his teaching points to my own residents and have been proud to pass on the knowledge that he gave me.

Mary, I hope you know this: Dr. I was one of the toughest, no-nonsense physicians we (his residents) ever worked with and he set an unforgiving example of how much each of us had to give to our patients. He expected nothing less than the absolute highest level of care to be delivered, and his service was one of the most rewarding of residency.  He was rough around the edges at times, but when you asked him, "How is Mary?" he melted into a lovesick teenager.  He told me more than once of how you met and how lucky he was when you agreed to marry him - thank you for giving this pillar of radiation oncology his finer, more tender, gentle, and human qualities. I am so sorry for your loss. You, and Dr. I, are in the thoughts and prayers of so many of us across the country.

Dr. Isaacson was one of the first attendings I had the honor of working with over 20 years ago. He gave me many tips on my craft that I still use to this day. 

My deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

Mary, my condolences to you and your family.  Dr. Isaacson was my favorite. We would sit and talk about everything.  He definitely will be missed,because he is in
Radiation Oncology. 
Love,
Janet Middleton-Richburg 

We have lost a fine clinician and mentor in Dr. I. I had a wonderful conversation with him last month, and in true Steve fashion he taught me some of the finer points of brain tumor radiation sprinkled in with wisdom from a career well spent and a life well lived. May his memory be for a blessing.

I was one of the nurses who had the opportunity to work with Dr. I. I will never forget my 1st day working with him. He was speaking with a resident. I thought to myself, yikes this guy is tough! As years passed, I noticed countless residents kept in contact with Dr. I. This was long after they became Attendings. They either visit in person or phone him. If he was seeing patients they'd patiently wait to speak with him. I thought to myself, this guy can't be that bad. As I got to know Dr. I, I learned if you were prepared, I mean truly prepared to work and learn, he could be fun to work with. He was always willing to teach, if you wanted to learn. 
At times I would reflect on how it might have been a challenge for him to manage the complicated patients he cared for. After awhile it can be overwhelming emotionally. You have to be smart and empathetic to care for this population. He was smart empathetic and complicated. I was happy to know that he had Mary. When she came around he would instantaneously smile. She was his sunshine on grim days. She was OUR sunshine on rough days. Often times I wish I had her number on speed dial, just so she could cheer him up.
Not only did Dr. I teach the residents, he taught the nurses too. He taught me the importance of being prepared, empathetic, adhering to a schedule and understanding a patient's diagnosis. Not just winging. I appreciated his candor because he'd tell you what you needed to learn. If you worked hard, he appreciated and respected you for it. 
Mary may your fondest memories bring you comfort.

Dr. I was my teacher, mentor, and friend. I’m still in shock that he’s gone. I just spoke to him last week and he seemed fine. We were suppose to meet up again in NJ!

I’ve picked up many of his habits throughout my career and still find myself asking him for advice. Mary, I am so sorry for your loss.

I will miss his jokes, support, wisdom. Thank you Dr. I for everything you’ve done for me.

Dr "I" was the essence of the Columbia-NYP Radiation Oncology department and the mentor, instructor and friend of so many residents in our training program -- he both terrified and sheltered the residents,  helping them get published manuscripts and guiding research.  He expected hard work and dedication- nothing short of what he himself gave. Although he considered our program the "Club Med" of residencies, he was always our great support and guide.  I totally enjoyed him - both his wise humor and sometimes brutal honesty.  When he retired, he kept in touch, even joining our book club and passing along suggestions of appropriate selections.  As the residency coordinator until my retirement this year, Dr "I" is one of my dearest memories.  Every now and then a colorful, unforgettable person crosses your path - that was our Dr. Isaacson.! 

Steve was an exceptional  physician,a great teacher,mentor confidante dear friend
I learned more from him than any other in the field,and his quirky sense of humor
Made the grim daily difficulties  of the field tolerable
I am shocked he is gone and will miss him dearly

Steve was my mentor and friend during my residency. He will be greatly missed. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Mary, I have countless hilarious memories and stories of “Dr I” from residency- he was easily one of the most colorful and memorable attendings I’ve ever trained with.  Both intolerable and deeply lovable at the exact same time, he never compromised for his patients.  He taught generations of Columbia residents the art and science of his craft.  He will be remembered for giving phenomenal advice, both clinical and non-clinical, which was oftentimes laced with his trademark politically incorrect and deeply cynical humor.   He cared so much about his residents.  We lost a superb teacher and friend and I will never forget him.  Mary please accept my deepest  condolences for your loss.   

He was a great teacher during my residency with him at Columbia. He cared so much for everyone around him. I will miss him greatly. 
-Marc Mosbacher

OBITUARY

Steven Isaacson

20 June, 1947 – 24 July, 2022

IJ Morris at Star of David Cemetery of the Palm Beaches

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services