Robert Zavod, MD

Robert Zavod, M.D., beloved husband of Heather Ide Zavod, passed away on Dec. 26th, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A resident of Haddam, Conn., and of Naples, Fla., he was born on Dec. 15, 1937, in Westchester County, N.Y., and was the son of the late William A. Zavod, M.D., and Lisa I. Zavod.

A graduate of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa., he interned at Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army in Korea and in the U.S. Following his Army service, he spent a year as a medical resident at Montefiore before beginning his radiology residency, which was followed by a fellowship in angiography.

In 1971, he joined Radiologic Associates of Middletown at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Conn., where he practiced radiology for almost 30 years. He was a Corporator of Middlesex Health. A clinical professor of radiology at the Yale University School of Medicine, he taught residents chest radiology part-time for 17 years.

In his spare time, he carved smoking pipes, painted, sang in a trio (The Par Three) with friends, traveled, played golf and tennis, and could fix anything that broke. An avid theater-and-concert-goer, he still loved nothing more than an evening around the table with friends and family. Kind and self-effacing, his thoughtfulness and generosity will be long remembered. In addition to his wife, among those who survive are his adoring family: his daughter, Abigail Zavod, M.D. (Ed Newbert); his son, Matthew B. Zavod, M.D. (Meghan B. Zavod, M.D.); five grandchildren, Zach, Gabe, Caleb, Sam and Saskia; a large extended family (courtesy of his wife); and many friends near and far.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Contributions to honor his memory may be made to the Middlesex Health Hospice Program, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457, or to a charity of one’s choice. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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