Dr. Robert Barry Daroff

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Robert B. Daroff, a luminary in the fields of Neurology and Neuro-Ophthalmology, on January 12, 2025, at the age of 88. His unparalleled contributions to medicine, groundbreaking research, and dedication to patient care have left an enduring legacy in the medical community and beyond.

Born and raised in New York, Dr. Daroff's intellectual brilliance was evident from a young age. At just 15, he was admitted to the University of Chicago as an undergraduate before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in American Studies and served as editor-in-chief of The Daily Pennsylvanian. He continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and completed his residency at Yale University.

Dr. Daroff’s distinguished career included service in the United States Army Medical Corps. During his time in Vietnam, where he was the first neurologist to serve in a combat zone in the history of armed forces, he continued his scientific pursuits by authoring a landmark journal article on cerebral malaria.

In 1980, Dr. Daroff was recruited from the University of Miami to serve as the first Chair of the Department of Neurology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland. His exceptional leadership extended to roles as Chief of Staff of University Hospitals and Associate Dean of the CWRU Medical School. He also served as President of the American Neurological Association, the American Headache Society, and numerous other esteemed organizations.

Dr. Daroff made substantial contributions to medical literature as a prolific editor, author, and scholar. He served as editor-in-chief of NEUROLOGY for a decade and authored hundreds of journal articles. He was author, co-author, and contributor of many books, including Neurology in Clinical Practice, now in its 8th edition. His pioneering research in Neuro-Ophthalmology includes three significant contributions, two of which bear his name: Daroff’s Sign and the Brandt-Daroff Maneuver.

Dr. Daroff’s exemplary work earned numerous accolades, including the A.B. Baker Lifetime Achievement in Neurological Education Award and the University Hospitals Case Medical Center Neurological Institute Leadership Award. The Robert B. Daroff Department of Neurology Excellence in Teaching Award was established at Case Western Reserve University in his honor.

Above all, Dr. Daroff will be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the advancements he inspired.

Dr. Daroff is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jane; his three sons, Charles (Leslie Munsell), Rob (Brian Nagai), and William (Heidi Krizer Daroff); and his cherished grandchildren, Adam (Jourdan), Sophie, Liza, Lily, Reid, and Arianna. He is also survived by his brother Stephen (Linda) and brother-in-law Sanders (Jeannie). He was predeceased by his sister Tracy and brother-in-law Lawrence.

Funeral Services

Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel,1985 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

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Shiva

• Thursday, January 16, immediately following the funeral until 6:00 p.m.

Point East Condominium Community Room

27500 Cedar Rd

Beachwood, OH 44122

• Friday, January 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Point East Condominium Community Room

Tributes and Memorial Gifts

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Robert B. Daroff MD Endowment in Neurological Education at University Hospitals of Cleveland. Gifts can be mailed to: Daroff Endowment, Dept. of Neurology, P.O. Box 94554, Cleveland, OH 44101. Donations may also be made online at www.UHGiving.org/donate. Please note “Daroff Endowment” in the comments section.

May his memory be a blessing.

Fond memories and expression of sympathy may be left at www.bkbmc.com for the Daroff family.