Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (the College of Podiatric Medicine) is deeply saddened by the passing of Irvin I. Donick, DPM, FACFAS, Class of 1963: beloved husband, father, grandfather, esteemed Hall of Fame member, author, trusted physician, mentor and friend.
Born in Poland in 1937, Irv spent childhood in hiding during the Holocaust. Upon emigrating to the United States at just 10 years old, his life was the epitome of an American success story. He quickly learned to speak English, skipped grades 1-8 and graduated from high school on time thanks in part to the love of his life, Barbara Glassman, whom he met at age 15 and helped him with his schoolwork. Irv and Barbara were married for 61 years and lived a wonderful life together, traveling to all 50 states and over 100 different countries
Dr. Donick attended the University of Maryland, College Park before moving on to earn his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the College of Podiatric Medicine in 1963. In the years that followed, Dr. Donick went on to complete a Residency in Foot Surgery at Kern Hospital in Detroit, MI. Dr. Donick was a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery. Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Donick had given back to the profession both nationally and internationally through various teaching positions as well, with positions including Director, Maryland Podiatry Residency Program; Professor, Essex Community College; Instructor, University of MD, Department of Family Practice; Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine; and as Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Donick also served as a Visiting Professor at the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem Israel in 1989.
Throughout his career as a podiatrist, Dr. Donick was the recipient of many honors including National Academics of Practice Distinguished Practitioners Award; Baltimore Magazine's Top Physician, 1995; Meritorious Service Award, Board of Trustees and House of Delegates, American Podiatric Medical Association; Distinguished Service Award, MD Podiatric Medical Association; Education Service Award 25 years as Director of Maryland Podiatric Residency Program; Award of Podiatry Residency Training, Health and Education Council, Podiatric Residency Programs; and Special Award of Contribution to Podiatric Education Region VIII, American Podiatric Medical Association. Following retirement from his position at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, MD, Dr. Donick continued to be honored by his profession, including the Distinguished Emeritus Staff by Board of Directors of GBMC; Honorary Staff by Board of Directors, University of Maryland Medical Center; and Honorary Staff by Board of Directors, University of Maryland St. Joseph's Medical Center.
First and foremost, Irv always found time to help his many friends and family. He was loved and admired by all and despite his successful career and many accomplishments, was incredibly modest, valuing his family over all else. It is said that Dr. Donick had more enthusiasm for life than one can imagine and was passionate about all his many hobbies. When asked how he was, his response was always, “somewhere between excellent and perfect”. Perfect his how those who knew and loved him will always remember him.
Dr. Donick passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday, August 11th, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Donick (nee Glassman); children, Debby (Brian) Cochran, Richard (Stephanie) Donick, and Dr. Suzi (Dr. Aaron) Siegel; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Haley), Samson, Allison, Alex, Jake, Mitchell, Shelley, Katie, Gabi, Ben and Ethan. He was predeceased by his parents, Shirley and Jack Donick.
The Irvin I. Donick Endowed Scholarship Fund at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine was established in 2018. The endowed scholarship serves as a way to honor the life of Dr. Donick, who was a 1963 graduate of the college and was recently inducted into the KSUCPM Hall of Fame. The scholarship is awarded annually each fall and supports third or fourth year students at KSUCPM who demonstrate a financial need, while maintaining a 3.5 GPA or above. Donations to this scholarship can be made in Dr. Donick’s honor by visiting www.kent.edu/cpm/support and selecting Dr. Donick’s scholarship fund or by mailing a check made payable to the Kent State University Foundation
Attn: Patrick Riley Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine
6000 Rockside Woods Blvd.
Independence, OH 44131