Husband of 34 years to Elizabeth Heiss and father of Sam and Amelia Heiss Karlin. Brother of Dr. Lawrence Karlin (Judith) of Weston, MA. Uncle of Ben, Jeremy, and Daniel Karlin. Brother-in-law of Linda Heiss (Fred). This family, including numerous cousins, deeply loved him and his absurdist humor, warmth, and unique perspectives.
Steve was born to the late Herbert and Edna (Feld) Karlin and raised in Union, New Jersey. He graduated from Brown University in 1975 where he studied art history and received formal studio training in painting. After Brown, he pivoted to medicine and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1982.
Dr. Karlin devoted his career in psychiatry to caring for the severely mentally ill under the auspices of various community mental health centers in RI and southeastern MA. His compassionate and skilled care was appreciated not only by his many patients through decades of practice, but also by his extended community of colleagues, friends, and friends of his children who gravitated to him for his kindness, wise counsel, and generous acceptance of human frailties. Additionally, Steve devoted countless hours to helping other physicians struggling with behavioral, psychiatric, and addiction troubles as a member of the Physician Health Committee of the Rhode Island Medical Society.
Steve was a talented abstract artist — an accomplished painter and wood sculptor. He was tenacious in his creative pursuits and participated in the design and construction of the family’s remodeled home. A study in motion, Steve was an avid athlete, an active craftsman, and an engaging storyteller. Above all, he was unapologetically himself.
Burial will be private. The family will be sitting shiva at his residence on Monday, July 29th, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. All are welcome.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Association of the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Rhode Island Chapter, 154 Waterman Street, Suite 5B, Providence, RI 02906 or to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904
