Sameer Rafla-Demetrious MD

Leading Radiation Oncologist Sameer Rafla-Demetrious MD, PhD, FRCS, FFR, aged 91, beloved and amazing husband, father, and grandfather, passed away the morning of December 23rd, 2021 after a brief illness. Sameer had a successful and fulfilled life. He was adored by his wife of 57 years, Marie Jacqueline, his four daughters and sons-in law, Leila Rafla-Demetrious and John Deysine, Natasha and Andrew Fishman, Mara and Eric Hatzimemos, and Nashwa and Tom Savio, and his twelve grandchildren Lucas, Sam, Ari, Jackson, Max, Jack, Ruby, Holden, Aidan, Annabelle, Shay, and Quinn. Sameer was predeceased by his darling son, Sameer (Sumra). Sameer's life was unique by any standard. Born in Cairo, Egypt, Sameer grew up in humble surroundings and had medical ambitions from an early age. He received his medical diploma from Cairo University Medical School in 1952 and while practicing medicine in Egypt, he obtained additional diplomas in Surgery, Pediatrics, and Radiology. In 1961 Sameer moved to London, England and trained at the Royal Marsden where he completed his degree in Radiation Oncology and also earned a PhD. He moved to Canada with his wife in 1967 after being recruited by the Manitoba Cancer Foundation where he served as an attending physician. Sameer emigrated to the US in 1970 to establish an independent department of Radiation Oncology at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY where he remained Chairman for over 40 years. In addition to his work at Methodist, Sameer single-handedly built Radiation Oncology departments in hospitals across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan including Maimonides, Lutheran, Interfaith, Wyckoff, St. Joseph, and Cabrini medical centers. Today, countless practicing Radiation Oncologists all over the country owe their training to Dr. Sameer Rafla. Sameer gave his family and friends unconditional love and guidance. He and his wife created an extended family that was anchored by weekly family gatherings, raucous vacations, countless birthday celebrations, and holidays filled with warmth and laughter. His unmatched intellect, boundless curiosity, infectious humor, and selfless generosity are unparalleled. He will be missed more than he could ever know. Wake to be held on Monday, December 27th from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Avenue, Staten Island. *Full vaccination required. Funeral mass to be held on Tuesday, December 28th at 11:00 am at Saint George Coptic Orthodox Church, 1105 67th Street, Brooklyn. *Full vaccination required.