Obituary of Jeffrey Altman MD

Dr. Jeffrey Altman, 65, of Glenmont, an obstetrician, an avid and accomplished musician and photographer, and a devoted husband and father, died November 5 at St. Peter's Hospice after a long illness. Dr. Altman was born in New York City to the late Murray and Frances Altman. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen McCann; his three daughters, Abigail (Antoine Canonne) of Paris, France; Sarah (Eric Sloat) of Troy; Cassandra (Chad Caplan) of Albany; his son, Gabriel, of Gainesville, Florida; and his sister, Judith Davis, of Maui, Hawaii. He was predeceased by his stepmother, Barbara, and his siblings, Robert and Jill. Dr. Altman attended Hicksville High School, graduated from the NYU Film School, and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College in 1983. He specialized in obstetric medicine and served at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, and the Whitney Young Health Center in Albany. He was well known as a sole practitioner, with a patient-centered philosophy that challenged more traditional practices. Jeff was a tinkerer and hobbyist who relished each new project. He played saxophone professionally in New York City and Albany with several bands and jazz groups. Most recently he returned to his original artistic passion, and was recognized as a skilled and creative photographer, winning several honors in regional shows. One of his greatest joys was sharing his photographs of family and friends. He was an excellent golfer and cyclist. Being a lifelong Mets fan contributed to his already sardonic sense of humor. In his medical practice and in all of his many other interests, Dr. Altman made hundreds of long-lasting friends who benefitted from his care, compassion and insight and who shared his enthusiasm and joy in a creative life. The family wishes to thank friends, colleagues, and patients who expressed their warmest wishes during Jeff's illness, and St. Peter's Hospice for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jeff's memory may make a Thanksgiving donation in his name to Capital City Rescue Mission (capitalcityrescuemission.com). A memorial service will be held at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 11:00am. Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the chapel on Thursday commencing at 9:30am and all are welcome to remain for the memorial service.