Dr. Samuel Mitchell Bluefarb was not only a respected and renown dermatologist practicing for 37 years, but also a husband, father, teacher, and proud American veteran who served his country as an Army physician being inducted on May 26, 1937 as a First Lieutenant. Dr. Bluefarb was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Oct. 15, 1912 to Mr. and Mrs. Sol and Pauline Bluefarb, passed away June 7, 2007. Soon after receiving his M.D. degree, Dr. Bluefarb became a certified member of the American Board of Dermatology and Syphilology. He interned at the Cook County Hospital from 1937 to 1938. Moving to New York City, Dr. Bluefarb served his residency at famous Bellevue Hospital from 1939 to 1941. Returning to Chicago, Samuel Bluefarb became Chairman of the Dermatology Department at the Cook County Hospital from 1952 to l958 and the attending dermatologist at the Lakeside Veterans Administration Hospital from 1954 to 1978. Dr. Bluefarb was also a teacher and trainer holding the position and title of Professor of Dermatology at Northwestern University Medical School from 1962 to 1978. Later in his teaching career he was a Professor of Dermatology at the University of South Florida from 1985 to 1988. During his years in Florida, Dr. Bluefarb also held the Chairmanship of the Department of Dermatology at the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Hospital from 1984 to 1987. The titles do not end here. Dr. Bluefarb was also an author and respected expert in his field having written over 125 books and articles. Honors bestowed on Dr. Bluefarb are many. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and Syphilology and its director in 1969. He was a member of the American College of Physicians of the American Medical Association. Member of the Illinois Medical Society and past President of the Dermatology Section. Past President of the Chicago Dermatology Society. Member of the American Dermatology Association and the Noah Worcester Dermatology Society. In retirement at 91, Dr. Bluefarb moved to the Big Island in 2003 and lived with his son Richard Bluefarb and daughter-in-law Cheri Bluefarb until his passing at the age of 94. Dr. Bluefarb specifically asked to be buried as a veteran and we honor him as such today. Dr. Bluefarb is survived by his son Richard Alan Bluefarb; his granddaughter Samantha Kilia Bluefarb; and his daughter-in-law Cheri Bluefarb. Sharing in the grief of Dr. Bluefarb’s passing are his stepson Dr. Fred Pollock; stepdaughter Nancy Pollock; and stepgrandchildren Jacob, Lealah, Joe, and Gabe Pollock. May Dr. Bluefarb’s soul rest in peace and may his spirit live on. Funeral Services to be held at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery on Friday, June 15, 2007 at noon. Arrangements are being handled by A Hui Hou Funeral and Tribute Services.Dr. Bluefarb will be given a full military funeral and burial with honor guard and bugle taps. The American Flag that draped Dr. Bluefarb’s coffin will be presented to his granddaughter, Samantha Bluefarb. 808-325-5949.
