Obituary of David Pankin, MD
Dr. David Pankin, MD, of Ridgefield Drive in Voorheesville, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 13 at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland with his devoted and loving wife, Bibs Mendleson Pankin, at his side.
Dr. Pankin is survived by his wife, Bibs and six children: Adam, Tanya, Jordan (Nita), Ann, Jared (Kelly) and Teri (Patrick). He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Elizabeth Minna, Abby Elena, Abby Louise, Jacob, Eli, Jack, Nicholas and Leo.
David Pankin was born in Brooklyn, NY to parents Paul and Theresa Pankin on March 3, 1933, the last of four children. He grew up in Brooklyn and attended James Madison High School, graduating early with honors. He then went on earn his undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College. Deciding on a career in medicine, he moved to Albany to attend Albany Medical School, from which he graduated in 1957.
In the early 1960’s Dr. Pankin went into private practice in Internal Medicine with a particular focus in Cardiology. Throughout a medical career spanning four decades Dr. Pankin maintained his private practice in addition to other activities in the medical field. As a doctor he served as a Captain in the United States Army Reserves in the late 1960’s and he was one of the founding physicians of the Capital District Physicians Health Plan (CDPHP). For many years Dr. Pankin served as Chief of Medicine at Child’s Hospital and Nursing Home. He was passionate about medicine and enthusiastically shared his knowledge as a teacher at Albany Medical School and by mentoring medical students in his own practice. A well-respected member of Albany’s medical community, Dr. Pankin is remembered by colleagues and patients alike as an intelligent, kind and compassionate doctor who always had time for his patients whether on rounds, in the office or out in public where he was often recognized and greeted fondly.
Dr. Pankin’s love for medicine was reflected in his professional and personal life as many of his lifelong friendships began during his early medical training, including those with Dr. Henry Tulgan and Dr. Jack Poggi.
Aside from medicine, Dr. Pankin had many interests. He was a patron of the arts and enjoyed art, music, theatre, ballet and especially opera. He enjoyed attending live opera performances at the MET at Lincoln Center in New York City and classical concerts and ballet at SPAC in Saratoga. He was an avid stamp collector and liked to grow vegetables in his backyard and make his own pickles. He liked travel and vacationing in Maine, where lobster was often on the menu, and boating on Lake George with his family.
Dr.Pankin will be very much missed by family, friends, former patients and the medical community.
The family would like to offer special thanks to all of the medical professionals who have provided their care and expertise along the way, and also to the staff at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland.
Funeral services will be a private family affair.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
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