Joseph A. Chazan, MD

Joseph A. Chazan, MD, 89, son of the late Sidney and Yetta Chazan, died peacefully on July 26, 2024, in Providence surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Helene and is survived by his devoted partner Vicki Veh, his three loving children Michael and his wife Leslie of Providence, Kathy and her husband Tony of Newton, Massachusetts, and Kimberly and her husband John of Providence, and his nine grandchildren and spouses: Jason and Leslie, Bradley and Amanda, Alex and Kathryn, Tyler, Sydney and Nate, Abby and Ben, Drew, Blake and Clayton, and three great grandchildren: Grace, James and Leo.

Born in Rochester, New York, Joe spent his youth in Buffalo, graduating from Bennett High School. He was a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and the University at Buffalo School of Medicine. While in medical school, he met his beautiful late wife Helene on a blind date. They were married in 1958. They were a devoted, loving couple for 47 years, and their life together was filled with much joy and sunshine.

Dr. Chazan completed his post graduate training at Boston City Hospital – Tufts. He was a renal fellow at the New England Medical Center and the Beth Israel Hospital. Dr. Chazan also served as a doctor in the Public Health Service in Birmingham, Alabama.

Following his training, Dr. Chazan joined the faculty at Brown University School of Medicine where he developed and initiated the kidney dialysis program at Rhode Island Hospital. He served for many years as Clinical Professor of Medicine at Brown University, and Director of Renal Diseases at Miriam Hospital, Memorial Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital. In 1973, Dr. Chazan established the first free-standing dialysis clinic in Rhode Island: The Artificial Kidney Center of Rhode Island. He went on to open eight more clinics in Rhode Island and two in Massachusetts. Dr. Chazan founded and was the long-time president of Nephrology Associates Inc. He strived for excellence every day, and he and his associates provided compassionate patient-centered care.

Dr. Chazan served as Governor, American College of Physicians, RI Chapter. He received numerous awards and recognition for his work as a nephrologist, including The University at Buffalo Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2013, The American Kidney Fund honored Dr. Chazan with its national Caregiver of the Year award.

Joe was proud of his Jewish heritage. He was a member and supporter of Temple Beth-El for over 60 years, serving as President and on the Board of Trustees. He loved celebrating the holidays with his family and sharing traditions.

In 1973, Joe and his late wife Helene began collecting contemporary art, and over the years donated much of their renowned collection to more than 40 museums. Joe had a particular passion for supporting young artists; he was a true patron of the arts with boundless enthusiasm and generosity for the local artist community. He cherished most of all the wonderful and lasting friendships he made with many of the artists. Since 2005, Joe focused on highlighting the work of contemporary Rhode Island artists through initiatives such as public art placements and production of the NetWorks multimedia visual arts project documenting the work of more than 100 accomplished Rhode Island artists.

Joe made significant contributions to RISD as a former trustee and committee member. The RISD Museum presented a selection of objects donated by the Chazans in its 2005 exhibition “Chazans’ Choice.” He supported initiatives at AS220, Southside Community Land Trust, The Wheeler School, WaterFire, The Newport Art Museum, The Steel Yard, Community Music Works, Farm Fresh, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and Rhode Island College through the Chazan Family Gallery.

Committed to creating educational opportunities for others, in 1978, Dr. and Mrs. Chazan established a scholarship in their names at the Rhode Island Foundation for the benefit of The Wheeler School. In 1984, they endowed the Friends of Glass Scholarship at RISD. In 1985, they established a scholarship fund for University at Buffalo medical students.

In 2013, Joe was honored with the Pell Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Arts, and in 2015 he received an honorary doctorate in fine arts from Rhode Island College. In 2019, he received The RISD President’s Medal of Honor.

Lovingly known as Baba by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Joe’s greatest joy was being with his family. For Joe and his late wife Helene, family always came first. He was the much loved and cherished patriarch of the Chazan family, always present, always engaged and interested, generously sharing his wisdom, love and support. He spoke with his children and grandchildren daily and was often surrounded by his adoring family watching Buffalo Bills games, celebrating birthdays, and enjoying sunny days together in Saunderstown. Joe always led by example, encouraging his family to strive for excellence, to give generously and fully to others, and to love, respect, forgive and always support each other. His warmth and kind heart will be greatly missed.

The funeral will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024 at 10:00 am at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. Burial will be private. Shiva to be observed at his late residence on Monday 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Tuesday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on Wednesday at the residence of Kathy and Tony Starr from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

If you are unable to attend funeral service join via livestream at https://www.temple-beth-el.org/live-streaming or click link below.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Temple Beth-El of Providence, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, The Visual Arts Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation, One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903 and WaterFire Providence, 475 Valley Street Providence, RI 02908.

Arrangements are in the care of Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel, Providence. For condolences, www.sugarmansinai.com