Dr. M Joseph Kurstin March 2, 1933 - October 7, 2021

Miami, Florida - Prominent Miami Ophthalmologist, Dr. M. Joseph Kurstin, dies at 88

Dr. Kurstin was born in St. Louis Missouri on March 3, 1933. Part of a large family of 10 uncles and aunts, as well as 22 first cousins, he was the first to move away. After serving in the military in the Korean War, Dr. Kurstin moved to Miami where he first became a pharmacist before following his dream of attending medical school, graduating as both President and first in his class.

Starting in the 1970’s, he built a successful and world-renowned practice in Ophthalmology in Miami, operating on patients from all over Central and South America, Europe, and Japan. Lovingly known by his patients as “El Aleman”, he developed a reputation as an excellent surgeon who showed compassion and care. He practiced for over 40 years until his retirement in 2012 at the age of 80.

In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Kurstin was also known for his worldclass collection of Japanese Netsuke and Inro. Pursuing this passion took him all over the world to obtain amazing pieces, made lifelong friends, and lectured on the history of the art. He shared this passion by writing 4 books on the subject and exhibiting his collection at the Yale Art Museum, EPCOT, the Lowe Art Museum, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and The Tobacco and Salt Museum in Tokyo, Japan.

Dr. M. Joseph Kurstin died in his home on October 7. He was 88.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elena “the best netsuke of this life”; his three children, Gus, Jodie and Annette (Ani); his four grandchildren, Alex, Dagny, Gus and Mia and countless friends worldwide.

The family has requested trees be planted in Israel in his honor through the Jewish National Fund.