Jerome Dovberg

DR. JEROME “JERRY” DOVBERG

It is with profound sadness that The Dovberg Family announces the passing of Dr. Jerome L. Dovberg on April 12, 2021.  He was our beloved Husband, Father, Zaydie, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and Friend.  

“Jerry” was born in 1945, the first child and only son, to the late Nessie and Maurice Dovberg, in Philadelphia, PA.  As an older brother, he grew up protecting, supporting, and loving his four younger sisters.  He and his wife Sandi (née Lassoff), had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2020.

Jerry graduated from Lincoln High School, Temple University, and The Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, all in Philadelphia.  After completing Medical School, the Army commissioned him to be the Chief of the Podiatry Clinic at The Pentagon, and later, at Dewitt Army Hospital, in Fort Belvoir, VA. While there, he worked in different departments of the hospital. One night, while on duty in the ER, he heard screaming coming from the bathroom.  Upon investigation, he found a young woman in labor.  Right there, that night, he delivered a baby boy. 

Jerry and Sandi, and their three children, settled in Northern Virginia after his military service ended.  He went into private practice and successfully ran three offices.

He was a Diplomat and a respected Board Certified Surgeon.  In addition to his mastery of traditional surgical procedures, he also developed his own innovative techniques in the operating room.  His intricate foot strappings of athletes and entertainers enabled them to play their sports, perform on stage, and even run marathons, while they were still injured.

A devoted doctor for over 45 years, he often saw patients return with their children, and grandchildren. Having a great sense of humor, he was always joking with his patients.  One patient shared, “An appointment with Dr. D. was like visiting a friend, laughing and having a good time, while receiving excellent care.” 

His compassion for people extended outside of the office, too.  Jerry was the kind of man that would rescue people on the side of the road, assist at the scene of an accident, or rush to someone’s aid in a time of crisis.  He was always a ‘Super Man’ to his family, and he actually lived it.  One time, as a young man working on his car in the driveway, the jack slipped, and the car fell on him.  His adrenaline surged, and in seconds, he did the unthinkable.  Witnesses from the neighborhood were stunned, and astonished, as they watched Jerry lift a 2 ton vehicle off of his legs, and then walk into the house.  

A highlight in Jerry’s life was vacationing with his family.  His favorite was their annual trip to the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten.  Another love was smooth jazz. The family went on jazz cruises and attended live concerts and festivals nationwide.  Although Jerry was never professionally trained, he played the “piano by ear.”  He was also a talented artist.  His works included detailed pencil drawings, and pen and ink illustrations.

Jerry and Sandi attended several United States Presidential Inaugural Balls, as well as many fundraisers.  One memorable evening was “Jazzmatazz”, a black-tie gala benefiting a children's hospital.  At this event, when the final song began, Jerry was chosen from the audience to sing on stage with The Persuasions.  As it ended, Jerry belted out his final note on a bent knee - arms spread wide - to a standing ovation.  To quote The Washington Post, “He was smooth, he was sweaty, and he was having the time of his life.”

He was a member of many Jewish organizations and a devoted supporter of the State of Israel. He was a proud member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and he was a FreeMason. 

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sandi Dovberg; daughter, Mindi Dovberg; sons, Michael Dovberg (Dana), and Jeff Dovberg.  His granddaughters, Maya and Mila; grandsons, Mazen and Mylo; His sisters, Sandy Brown, Sherie Hershman (Mark), Debbie Molotsky (Dwight), and Deena Ginsberg (Gary).

Over his 75 years on this Earth, Jerry’s magnetic, “larger than life” personality was felt by everyone who met him.  From adorable little boy to affectionate grandfather, the love and pride he felt for his entire family was a powerful force.  Equally, they all loved, admired and adored him.  He will be deeply missed.

In memory of Dr. Jerome L. Dovberg, contributions may be made to:  

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC.