Robert B. Yudell MD

Charlotte - Robert B. Yudell, MD, 87, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, June 26th, 2017, while vacationing with his beloved wife, Anne. Bob was born in New York City on January 2nd, 1930, of immigrant parents from Russia and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. At the age of 12, his father, a military merchant, moved the family to New Bern. Bob graduated from high school at age 16 to attend Duke University for undergraduate and then medical school. He accredited Duke for "saving his life" with scholarship funds when his father suddenly passed away his sophomore year.

When he met Anne Borow, it was love at first sight. They married in 1953. After finishing medical school, they moved to Massachusetts, where he served as a Lt. Commander in both the Marines and the Navy. He continued his medical training in Washington, DC, earning his specialty in Ophthalmology. The family moved to Charlotte in 1960, where Bob started his own private practice which later became Laurel Eye Associates. As an accomplished surgeon, he was selected to be the Chief of Ophthalmology at both Presbyterian and Mercy Hospitals. At the forefront of his field, he performed the first intraocular lens implant surgery in North Carolina.

Bob was an active and philanthropic supporter of the arts and the community at large. Once retired, he volunteered by performing eye exams for the Lions Club. Bob was a lifelong member and former President of Temple Beth El. He was one of the founding visionaries of Shalom Park. Bob was an avid tennis player for the past 50 years, playing regularly in Charlotte and Myrtle Beach. Pickleball became his next racquet sport and he played tennis or pickleball almost every day. Bob loved the Carolina Coast and returned there often with his family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Anne, of 63 years, and four daughters: Nancy Yudell, Wendy Rose (Sandy), Sherry Yudell (Larry Raines, fiancé) and Emily Freudenberger (Ronald). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Adam Segal (Ashley), Mark Segal, Sarah Rose (Zack Schwartz), Nina Rose, Eve Freudenberger, and Max Freudenberger.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 29th, at the Hebrew Cemetery, 1801 Statesville Ave., Charlotte, with Rabbi Asher Knight officiating. A Memorial Shiva Service will be held 6:00 PM Thursday at Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Temple Beth El General Fund, 5101 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226 at TempleBethel.org or to Duke University at www.Duke.edu. You may also contribute to a charity of your choice.