Dr. Julius Issacson, retired surgeon, is dead at 87

JULIUS E. ISSACSON, JR., M.D., a retired surgeon with a thriving private practice, who was on staff at Touro Infirmary and St. Charles General Hospital, died on Friday, November 7. He was 87.

A native of New Orleans, Issacson was the son of a doctor and got the desire to become a physician early on. He received his Bachelor’s degree in 1947, his Masters of Science degree in 1949 and his medical degree in 1953, all from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Dr. Issacson served his residency in general surgery at Charity Hospital of Louisiana in New Orleans. Additionally, he served a residency in orthopedic surgery at LSU Medical School in New Orleans and an independent residency in general surgery before becoming an intern at Hotel Dieu Hospital, also in New Orleans.

Professionally, he was a member of the Orleans Parish Medical Society, the Louisiana State Medical Scoiety, the International Academy of Proctology, the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons, the Southeastern Surgical Society, the James Rivers Surgical Society, the New Orleans Out Society, the Southern Medical Association and the American Society of Sports Medicine.

He served as the president and was on the board of directors of the New Orleans Acrobatics Team, the treasurer of the United States Sports Acrobatics Federation (USSAF) for two years and served on the USSAF’s board of directors for four years from 1980-1984.

Dr. Issacson dedicated his life to his family and community. He was the president of the Newman Dads Club and from 1976-1982 served on the Newman School Board of Governors. Additionally, he was the team doctor for the Newman High School football team for 20 years.

Dr. Issacson also volunteered for a number of other causes including COPS2, a citizens support group for the New Orleans Police Department. A longtime member of Temple Sinai, he served from 1975-1977 on the synagogue’s board of directors and was a member of the brotherhood’s board of directors from 1973-1975. He is remembered as a very caring and ethical person.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Babette (née Stern) Isaacson; five daughters Robbin DeWeese (Jan), Kim Plotnick (Fredrick), Juliette (Jill) Lashner(Michael), Gail Isaacson (Marc) and Pamela Micznik (Benjamin); four granddaughters and six grandsons.

A memorial service will take place at Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Ave, on Wednesday November 12, 2014 at 12:00 noon. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Jewish Endowment Foundation, 615 Baronne St., New Orleans, LA 70113 or COPS 2, www.COPS2.org preferred.

Tharp-Sontheimer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.