Stephen C. Margolis, M.D. October 14, 1939 - July 18, 2022
Miami Beach, Florida - Persistence + Patience = Perfection. The motto of the patriarch of the Margolis family that he instilled in his grandchildren, Dr. Stephen Carl Margolis, M.D., affectionately known as Pop, passed away at the age of 82 on Monday, July 18, 2022, overlooking the ocean in Miami Beach, Florida. During his last hours he was surrounded by his loving wife of 61 years, Harriet, and his four children – Elyse, Jeffrey, Adam, and Cheryl – comforting him with tremendous love and support during his stage of transition.
It would be difficult to think of a more appropriate specialty for a doctor of unbound compassion and care – the heart was his calling. Specializing in cardiology and internal medicine, Dr. Margolis was a devoted physician for more than 40 years, who loved his patients as much as they adored him. Dr. Margolis was instrumental during the early years at Baptist Hospital in developing the cardiac care unit and laying the foundation for its excellence in cardiology today. He served terms as both the Chief of Cardiology and Chief of Internal Medicine. Dr. Margolis also served for several years as the Assistant Medical Director to The Metro Dade Fire Rescue, where he advised paramedics and fire rescue on the most effective techniques for treating cardiac emergencies in real-time and helped establish the protocol for effective communications between paramedics and emergency rooms used to this day.
Dr. Margolis was born October 14, 1939, to Dr. Joseph Benjamin & Sue Gordon Margolis, at St. Frances Hospital on Miami Beach, just one mile from where he passed away. He is survived by his beloved wife and lifelong partner, Harriet Levy Margolis, his high school sweetheart whom he married in 1961. He is also survived by his children, Elyse Dermer, Jeffrey Margolis (Alice), Adam Margolis (Jacqueline), and Cheryl Margolis Blum (Darren); grandchildren - Jay Dermer (Kari), Joshua Dermer, Jonah Dermer, Ryan Margolis, Lauren Margolis, Jake Blum, Brittany Blum, Lindsay Blum, Kendall Margolis, Noah Margolis, and great-granddaughter, Liora Dermer.
Dr. Margolis grew up in Miami Beach and graduated from Miami Beach Senior High in 1957. After graduation, he went on to attend the University of Florida where he became a proud member of the Pi-Lamb fraternity and established several lifelong friendships. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Miami where he earned both his Master’s in Physiology and degree in medicine, after which he served residencies in both internal medicine and cardiology.
Following his career in medicine, Dr. Margolis shifted focus to other loves and passions– taking care of his rose garden, biking, boating, fishing, exercising, and following local sports teams. However, nothing came close to his ultimate love– taking up the role of devoted grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren above all else.
Services were held at Temple Beth Am on Wednesday, July 20.
Dr. Margolis filled the hearts of his family with love every day of his life and he will be missed beyond measure.
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS