Melvin Hyam Present

Dr. Melvin Hyam Present was born on August 31, 1943 in Chicago, IL. to his parents, Samuel and Mollye. Upon Samuel’s death, Mollye and her sisters, Goldie and Rosalie, raised him. Dr. Present earned his DPM in 1967 from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University. He then served in the US Army for two years at Fort Hood, TX, and was Honorably Discharged in 1969 to begin his podiatry practice of over 50 years in Beverly Hills. He decided to retire last year so he could enjoy more time with friends and family.

Dr. Present loved the Jewish culture, art, music, travel, business ventures and of course, helping others. He was described by many as “an authentic truth seeker.” He was a member of the Chicago Masonic Lodge # 437 for 55 years. He was also a valuable member of the Board at Plaza Towers West Hollywood.

Dr. Present is survived by his cousins, Meyer, Steve and Fred S. Sokol, his personal assistant of 26 years, Christina Rivera, as well as countless friends, associates and dedicated patients. He was a man of few words, but his lessons of life and friendship will carry on in the hearts of all he touched. We have lost a great friend and wonderful human being.

His final resting place is Waldheim Cemetery in Forest Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Jewish Free Loan Association at www.jfla.org.