Dr. Philip B. Nedelman

Philip Bernard Nedelman, M.D., a dedicated physician and cherished member of the Braintree community, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, surrounded by family. At the age of 90, Phil’s life was characterized by a steadfast commitment to caring for others, a love of adventure, and a genuine kindness that touched many lives.

Born on August 3, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of Lillian and Arthur Nedelman. Born five years to the day after his older brother Stanley, Phil followed his brother’s path into medicine, attending the University of Cincinnati and the school’s College of Medicine. After retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy serving as a flight surgeon initially in Philadelphia and later at Weymouth Naval Air Base, Phil made the decision to settle in Braintree, where he would spend the rest of his life serving his community and family.

Phil’s career at South Shore Hospital spanned more than five decades, beginning in February of 1964, making him their longest-tenured medical professional at SSH to date. In 1968, he opened his own practice, Braintree Family Physician, eventually located on Grove Street, where he became known affectionately as “Doc” or “Doctor Ned” by countless patients and families. He witnessed many changes to the medical field including many that he was at the forefront of, being one of the first physicians on the South Shore to employ a nurse practitioner and serving as President of the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Northeastern and UMass Medical Schools. His dedication to medicine was evident until the very end, as he continued working in telemedicine this past week, driven by his passion to help others.

Despite an exterior that could seem formidable, Phil was a gentle and caring soul. He loved the outdoors, particularly hunting seasons in Vermont, where he enjoyed spending time in quiet reflection as well as in the thrill of the hunt, with each Vermont day ending with a fabulous meal surrounded by loved ones. He contributed greatly to his community, not only as a trusted doctor and physician for the Braintree Public Schools but also as a supporter of Braintree High School athletics, serving as the football team’s physician and earning induction into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He served on the Board of Health until his death, including several terms as Chair, and hosted a medical TV show on BCAM. He was known for his good humor, happily stepping in as Santa Claus during winter holiday celebrations for his beloved Town of Braintree when not serving on the Ski Patrol at Blue Hills Ski Area.

A true outdoorsman and adventurer, Phil enjoyed riding his ATVs, driving his boat, and even operating his All Terrain Mule on the public ways of Vermont, much to the chagrin of the Rutland County Sheriff’s Office. His love for the water extended to scuba diving, where he would harvest lobsters in Boston Harbor or entertain tourists at the New England Aquarium. Behind his boat on an inner tube was a thrill ride, and if he caught you standing in the stern, he couldn’t resist gunning the boat and placing you in the water. Perhaps his professional skill set led him to conclude he could repair any injury, topping it off the summer he brought a parasail to

the lake in Vermont, launching cousin Christopher Sage into a tree and then down into the shallows. No one was safe from his antics.

Phil is survived by his wife, Dorothy O’Flaherty Nedelman, known to many as Charity, and his children: Mark Nedelman (Judie) of Florida, Gary Nedelman (Susan) of New Hampshire, Neil Nedelman (Janet) of Middleboro, and Kathryn Nedelman Herbst (Peter Jr.) of Braintree. His pride in his grandchildren—Emily D’Annolfo, Melissa Birt, Sophia Cummings, Lucy Nedelman, Abigail Herbst and William Herbst —was boundless, as was his love for his great-grandchildren Mila, Cobie and Sadie. His love for his family was eclipsed only by his love for his beloved Weimaraners. Though he later cheered for the Michigan Wolverines, he maintained close ties with his Ohio family, including his late brother Stanley, niece Kim Nedelman Fish, and nephew Rick Nedelman and thoroughly enjoyed a reunion with Skyline Chili on the menu. He also leaves behind his brothers-in-law John “Jack” O’Flaherty of Vermont and Kevin O’Flaherty of Florida, sister-in-law Phyllis Nedelman of Ohio, and many beloved cousins from the Callahan, Sage, and Brennan families.

Phil loved Braintree as his patients and family loved him, and he most cherished the last nine years living next door to his favorite (and only!) daughter’s family, allowing him to spend his last decade immersed in the day to day joy and chaos of family.

A member of Braintree’s Temple B’Nai Shalom for 60 years, family and friends are invited to celebrate the Doc’s life at his funeral service at Stanetsky Memorial Chapels, 475 Washington Street, Canton, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be accessible via livestream with the link below. A Shiva and gathering of remembrance will be held from 4 to 8 PM at Leo’s Events and Restaurant, 589 Granite Street, Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phil’s memory may be made in his honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation www.michaeljfox.org reflecting the legacy of kindness, dedication, and community service he leaves behind.