It is with sadness we have learned of the death of Eugene L. Bronstein, the father of Carolyn Bronstein, a Vincent de Paul Professor of Communication and an associate dean in the College of Communication. Eugene passed away peacefully on April 29 at the age of 96 in Chicago.
Bronstein was a first generation American born to Jewish European immigrants who sought a better life in the United States and an escape from antisemitism and the violent pogroms experienced in Russia and Poland. Named for labor reformer Eugene V. Debs, he grew up during the Great Depression and learned about socialism, trade unions and the Wobblies, developing a lifelong commitment to the fair treatment of others. Bronstein volunteered for the U.S. Navy in 1941 at the start of World War II, leaving his college studies at the University of Alabama to join the war effort. He served as a seaman apprentice and bugler, and ultimately earned the rank of midshipman.
After WWII, Bronstein earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland Medical School and embarked on his life's work as a pioneering radiation oncologist. As a physician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, he published some of the earliest research on the use of combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy to treat lymphoma. He was a passionate advocate for his patients and a kind, caring physician who extended the lives of thousands of patients, always trying to give them more time with their loved ones.
Bronstein was a devoted husband to Enid, his wife of 60 years, loving father of Carolyn (John Tapper) and Diane Bronstein Wayne (Jeff), as well as a cherished grandfather to David, Lauren and Adam Tapper and Elizabeth and Andrew Wayne. They will miss him immensely and his legacy of love, kindness, decency and respect for others will continue to guide them.
A private family funeral was held with Rabbi Shoshanah Conover of Temple Sholom of Chicago officiating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the traditional Jewish mourning custom of shiva is being observed via Zoom and small group visits.