Fred Craig Rothstein MD

Fred Craig Rothstein, MD, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on August 6th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Jackie (née Rosskamm) for over five decades, devoted father to Michele Rothstein and Brian (Tal) Rothstein and the late Kimberly Rothstein. Adoring Papa to Samuel, Sadie, and Asher. Fred was the cherished brother of Gary Rothstein, Joel Rothstein, Lori Glassman (Stuart), and Marc Rothstein (of blessed memory), the loving son of Jerome and Esther (both of blessed memory), and an incredible uncle to all of his nieces and nephews.

A proud graduate of Beachwood High School (1968), Fred earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University (1972) and his medical degree from The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (1976). He completed his residency in pediatrics at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and MetroHealth, followed by fellowship training in pediatric gastroenterology at University Hospitals.

Fred’s professional life was defined by his dedication to children, medicine, and the institutions he served. Fred was revered by his patients and their families and while “late nights with Dr. Rothstein” became a running joke with residents, it spoke to Fred’s deep sense of responsibility to his patients and trainees. A gifted clinician and teacher, he rose from Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital to serve as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. He then led University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center as President from 2003 to 2015, guiding the institution through a period of unprecedented growth and national recognition.

After retiring from his presidency, he continued to serve the community he loved, returning briefly as interim Chair of Pediatrics at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. He was honored as a UH Distinguished Physician, and an endowed position—the Fred C. Rothstein, MD Chief Experience Officer—was created in his name to ensure that his legacy of patient-centered care endures.

Fred’s humility and warmth set him apart. He often said he was “the luckiest guy in the room”—a reflection of his deep gratitude for a life of meaningful work, lifelong friendships, and family. Yet those who knew him best recognized that his “luck” was, in truth, a reflection of his dedication, compassion, and extraordinary vision.

Fred loved music, cars, skiing, the Cleveland Browns, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a man of deep integrity, endless compassion, and limitless generosity. His absence will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Fred’s family and friends are grateful for the incredible staff and empathic care that he received at Cedar Living over the last year, and thankful for the amazing team from Miracle City Hospice who cared for him until the end.

Funeral services will be held at the Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center ,1855 Ansel Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 ( Formally Tifereth Israel-The Temple) on Sunday, August 10th, 2025, at 11am. Interment to follow at Zion Memorial Cemetery (5461 Northfield Road, Bedford, Ohio 44146). Family will receive visitors immediately following interment at Beechmont Country Club until 5:30pm and from 6:30-8:30pm. Shiva will be held at the home of Dr. Brian and Tal Rothstein on Monday, August 11th and Tuesday, August 12th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rothstein Village Transitional Housing for Families at The City Mission (5310 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44103) or The Mt. Sinai Health Foundation (10501 Euclid Avenue, 2nd Floor, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106).

May his memory be for a blessing.

Arrangements under the direction of BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL

Friends who are unable to attend the service may view it, by going to

https://vimeo.com/event/3742882