Dr. Sidney Charles Rabin of West Chester

Dr. Sidney Charles Rabin of West Chester, PA, died on 11/17/17 after a wonderful 93 years. “Sid”, as everyone affectionately knew him, was a much beloved and well-respected Chester County physician, community leader, and amateur entertainer. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of more than 50 years, Dr. Lucy Feiden Rabin, in 2007, and his younger brother Leonard Rabin in 2014.

Sid was born on August 29th, 1924 in Philadelphia to Irvin and Ida Rabinovitz. He attended Bartram High School and graduated with honors. After 2.5 years at Temple University, he was drafted into the US Army, initially as a 1st gunner and later as a combat medic; serving in Europe with the 86th Infantry Division, he helped to liberate parts of Germany and Austria. Upon his return he was admitted to Temple University Medical school, graduating in 1951. He completed his internship at Lankenau Hospital, and he and Lucy later settled in West Chester.

He was appointed to the medical staff at Chester County Hospital in 1953. After 6 years of General Practice, he returned to complete a specialty residency in OBGYN at Philadelphia General Hospital. He and Dr. Joseph Abbott started Chester County OBGYN in the late ‘50’s and practiced together for almost 30 years. He served as Chief of Staff at Chester County from 1975-1977, chairman of the Dept. of OBGYN from 19781982 and served on multiple committees from 19731990. After retirement at 72, Dr. Rabin became a founding board member of Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM).

Sid was an active member of Kesher Israel synagogue for almost 50 years, and of the Chabad House of Chester County more recently. He served as President at Kesher Israel from 1966-1968. He was blessed with an operatic voice and entertained friends, family and receptive audiences all over the world for 8 decades. He was a loyal Rotary member, avid skier, boating enthusiast who loved fishing for flounder and blues in the Atlantic Ocean, and enthusiastically followed multiple Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Phillies and Eagles.

Sid and Lucy were married for 56 years and are survived by four children, Douglas S. Rabin, M.D. (Vivian) of Clifton, N.J., Andrew M. Rabin, M.D. (Liat) of Ganai Tikva, Israel, Valerie Rabin Heald (Garth) of West Chester, and Nancy Rabin Neff (Andrew) of Teaneck, N.J. He was the lov- ing grandfather of 15: Abigail, Esther, BG and Philip Neff; Anna (Alix), Dorie and Arielle Heald; Beatrice, Yosef, Yisroel, Zev and Penny Rabin; and Saguy, Eidan and Etai Rabin. He is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Shiva is being observed at his residence in West Chester. Please contact Kesher Israel Congregation for times.

Donations in his memory may be made to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Chabad Lubavich of Chester County, and Thrive at Hebrew University.