Dr. Joseph Robert Gordon passed away on Tuesday night, October 9, 2018, at his home in Ridgefield with his family around him. He was 63.
Dr. Gordon was born in Oakland, California, the son of the late Drs. Leon and Elsa (Leiter) Gordon. He graduated from Stanford University in 1977 and received his medical degree from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine in 1981.
A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Gordon practiced general surgery for over 35 years. Following his surgical training at SUNY Downstate Health Science Center in Brooklyn, New York, he remained on the faculty for several years and was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1991-92. He practiced and taught surgery in the Danbury area since 2002, where he was again honored as Teacher of the Year several times. He was a role model for his residents, esteemed by his colleagues, and beloved by his many patients. Throughout his medical career, he was known for his kindness, his skill, his sensitivity, and his immeasurable patience.
Dr. Gordon is survived by his loving wife Nancy Gordon and his children: Dr. Mallorie Gordon (Josh Felsenfeld), M. Louis Gordon, Anna Gordon, and Gabriel Gordon. He is also survived by his siblings: Dr. Jo Carol (Dr. Jonathan) Hiatt, Jennifer (Robert) Cohen, and Marc Gordon (Sherri Burnett).
In addition to his medical career, Joe loved skiing and cycling. He was a talented craftsman who could fix anything. He particularly enjoyed woodworking and repairing antique clocks. He was a devoted husband and father, brother and uncle, always happy to help anyone at any time.
Dr. Gordon served as Director of the Trauma Department at Danbury Hospital for a number of years and saw firsthand the impact of firearms on victims and families. Those who wish to make a charitable contribution in his memory may donate to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence at giffords.org.
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