Walter Seymour Stullman MD unexpectedly became ill and passed away on, Wednesday, December 21, surrounded by his loved ones in Alta Bates Hospital. He was 82 years old. Born April 23, 1934 to Morris and Julia Stullman, two eastern European Jews, in Brooklyn, New York and at six years moved to the Bronx where he stayed until marrying his first wife, Molly Eisner. After following in his father’s footsteps and earning a degree at Columbia in pharmacy, he went on to study medicine at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, ultimately specializing in cardiology at UCSF School of Medicine. On completion he joined Highland Hospital in 1970 and in 1971 became chief cardiologist where he worked until last Thursday. He trained over 1200 doctors and it is said saved countless lives. His colleagues describe him as the heart of Highland, an institution, and a legend that inspired many. He loved his work and vowed that he’d stay there until he was, “bumping into walls” and a committee was formed to get him out. Besides having a passion for medicine he also loved; history, politics, music, travelling, the outdoors and sports, especially baseball (his favorite team being the Brooklyn Dodgers). He strongly identified with Jewish culture and wouldn’t hesitate to inform you of the many accomplishments of his people. He was an exercise fanatic and could do 300 pushups at one time and sit-ups, “until the cows come home”. He is survived by; his children, Eric, Lynne, Jess, and Jonah, their spouses, his grandchildren, Morris, Naomi, Ilan, Elise, and Isabel and loving partner, Janet Buckley, her daughter, Stephanie and her children, Chase and Emerson.

A service will be held for Walter’s close friends, colleagues, and family members at Sunset View Mortuary, at 1:00 pm Wednesday, December 28th. A reception for all will be held, details to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Dr. Walter S. Stullman Memorial Fund in Cardiology. Make check payable to Alameda Health System Foundation/Stullman Fund, and mail to: 350 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 900, Oakland, CA 94612 or make online at: www.foundationahs.org, with a note of designation.