Dr. R. Bruce Donoff

Dr. Bruce Donoff, age 83, of Chestnut Hill, MA on December 25, 2025. Beloved husband of Madelyn (Buchalter) Donoff. Loving father of Elizabeth Donoff and Daniel Donoff. Fond brother-in-law of Alice Buchalter. Cherished cousin, friend, colleague, teacher of so many.

Bruce was a respected oral and maxillofacial surgeon, renowned scholar and academic leader. He served as Chairman and Chief of Service at the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery before serving as Dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine for 28 years. He led with a strong moral compass and respect for diverse opinions. Bruce was a strong advocate for healthcare for all. He especially valued his time serving on the board of the Community Health Center of Cape Cod.

Above all, Bruce was a loving husband and father, and a devoted friend. He and Mady shared a long, loving marriage and just celebrated their 61st anniversary. Bruce was especially proud of their adult children, Elizabeth and Daniel, and relished in the time spent with them.

Bruce loved his time on Cape Cod with family and friends, a challenging but fun round of golf, and a good read, both fiction and non-fiction. He was a kind, caring and generous soul who will be missed by the many who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Or Emet Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury.

To livestream the service, https://www.templeemanuel.com/livestream-links/

Shiva will be announced at the service.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA 02459, or Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Office of Development, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, earmarked for the Donoff Scholars DMD Scholarship.