It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden death of our beloved husband, father, friend, and doctor, Richard S. Meltzer on Monday, September 17, 2007.

We cannot imagine a kinder, more generous, and supportive human being. He spent his life working wholeheartedly to care for his patients, and was an incredibly loving and devoted husband and father. He had a boundless enthusiasm for life. Not only did he push himself to be the best he could be, he was also the force behind us achieving our dreams. He believed so strongly in all of us that there was no aspiration that could not be met.

He was born September 6, 1948 in New York, NY to the late Ezra and Hilda Meltzer. He grew up in White Plains, NY and was valedictorian of the class of 1966 Valhalla High School, then attended Harvard College and Medical School. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at the NY Hospital - Cornell Medical Center and Cardiology Fellowship at Stanford University. He received a PhD equivalent at the Thorax Center in Holland and spent the next thirty years as a well-respected and hard working cardiologist and professor in New York City, Rochester, NY and Las Cruces, NM.

He had a profound and impressive knowledge not only of cardiology, but also of history, language, travel and so much more. There was never a time when he had learned enough, his already vast foundation of wisdom was continually being expanded. He had a young and vibrant mentality, which translated into a love of physical activity. With full enthusiasm he gathered together friends and family to join him on numerous marathons, triathlons, camping, and ski trips. His greatest joy was sharing these experiences with those around him.

The emptiness this incredible man has left behind can never be filled, but the extraordinary mark imprinted on each of us will be carried on for all the years to come. Surviving are his wife of thirty-six years, Colette Meltzer; daughters, Michelle Meltzer and Sara Meltzer; brother, Robert Meltzer; and extended family.

Contributions may be made in memory of Dr. Meltzer to: The Hilda and Ezra Meltzer Memorial Award, payable to The Israel Heart Society, at Twin Towers 2, Room 1323, 35 Jabotinsky Str., IL-52511 , Ramat-Gan, Israel. If preferred, donations can be forwarded by Organ Mountains Cardiology at 4351 E. Lohman, Suite 101, Las Cruces, NM 88011.