Simmy Bank

Simmy (“Simcha”) Bank, M.D., internationally respected gastroenterologist, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, teacher, mentor, and friend, died peacefully at the age of 94 on June 22, 2026.

Born in Moorreesburg, South Africa, on August 28, 1931, Simmy was the fourth and youngest child of Abraham and Rebecca (née Kahn) Bank. He built a distinguished medical career that spanned more than six decades and three continents. He trained in Cape Town and London before practicing in South Africa and later immigrating to the United States, where he became a highly regarded physician, educator, and researcher.

Simmy published extensively and contributed significantly to the advancement of gastroenterology. He was among the generation of physicians who helped establish modern gastroenterology in South Africa and served as Chief of Gastroenterology both at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town and at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He also was Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Early in his career in Cape Town, he was part of the medical team led by Christiaan Barnard that performed the world’s first human heart transplant in 1967.

His research on pancreatic disease earned international recognition and advanced both the scientific understanding of gastrointestinal disorders and the care of countless patients. Throughout his career, he remained deeply committed to teaching, mentoring generations of physicians and fellows who carried forward his dedication to excellence in medicine.

Music occupied a special place in his heart. A bass-baritone, he began singing in choirs in South Africa as a young man. Family lore held that fellow choristers were sometimes assigned to stand beside him to make sure his enthusiasm did not lead him to come in a little too early. After settling on Long Island, one of the first things he did was join the Great Neck Choral Society, where he continued to sing for many years. He remained a music lover throughout his life, with a particular love for opera.

Simmy was endlessly curious about the world around him. He followed the news closely, loved history, and was a crack tennis player in his younger years, winning several local tournaments. He remained an enthusiastic fan of the game and rarely missed an opportunity to watch tennis.

Simmy was known for his warmth and sense of humor. He was always ready with a joke and delighted in making others laugh. Simmy was an avid swimmer and beach-goer. He loved welcoming family and friends and was a gracious host. He found pleasure in simple routines, whether taking a drive, going to the supermarket, watching television, or spending time with those he loved. He rarely passed up peanuts or chocolate and was famous among family members for reviewing every restaurant check with meticulous care.

Simmy shared 70 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sybil Bank (née Velkes). He is survived by Sybil; his children, Larry (Rebecca Blank), Robert (Alan Cohen), and Kevin (Melissa Scanlan); his grandchildren, Anna (Jeremy Zafran), Jacob (Sonja Swenson), Isabelle Scanlan-Bank (Lakshya Budhiraja), and Jeremy; and his great-grandchildren, Simon, Eli, Leila, Nina, and James.

Donations in Simmy’s memory may be made to WNET (Channel 13) or the Great Neck Choral Society.