Dr. Kalish was born in the Bronx on August 11, 1930 to the late Jacob and Anna Kalish. He grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Stuyvesant High School.  In 1951, he received a BA from NYU then a Medical Doctorate from SUNY Downstate in 1955.  He interned at Walter Reed Army Hospital then commanded the 385th General Dispensary in France.

Following active duty, Dr. Kalish became a Resident in Pathology at the VA Hospital in the Bronx.  While there, he met a talented and beautiful nurse named Nereide (Nina) Manfrini; they married in 1959.  They lived together in Tuckahoe then Ardsley, NY before relocating to Glen Cove, NY and later Montvale, NJ.  Dr. Kalish took every opportunity to spend time with his four sons, three daughters-in-law, 13 grandchildren, and his adoring wife.  He was extremely proud of all of his children and grandchildren and boasted regularly of their accomplishments. He was a connoisseur of fine food, particularly French cuisine, sushi, and above all, Nina’s cooking.  

Dr. Kalish enjoyed the company of his friends and neighbors and particularly relished a good game of tennis. He grew up as a fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and loved the game of baseball.  In winter, the family frequented the ski slopes of Vermont. He and Nina also loved international travel and were frequent cruise passengers.

Dr. Kalish loved classical music. He played piano and built two harpsichords, one of which is now on display in the music department at Hofstra University. He had a passion for history and was a conservationist in the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt.  

Dr. Kalish’s career included several notable positions.  He Chaired the Department of Pathology at Misericordia Hospital and at North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove.  He was Medical Director of the NSLIJ Core Laboratory.  He held teaching positions at Babies Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and New York Medical College. His passion touched the lives of many patients and colleagues through his nearly 60 years practicing medicine and he was recently appointed as Emeritus Staff by the Board of Trustees of the North Shore LIJ Heath System.

Dr. Kalish is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nina from Montvale NJ; his sister, Leah and brother-in-law, Richard Nekritz of Alexandria, VA; his son Stephen and wife Grace of Washington Township, NJ and their children, Nicole, Katie, Michelle, and Chris; his son Peter and wife Kathy of Clifton Park, NY and their sons, Alex, Andrew, Adam, and Aaron; his son David and wife Randi of Niwot, CO and their children, Matthew, Scott, and Alyse; and his son Chris of Pleasantville, NY and his children, Heather and Devin.  He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dr. Kalish was an inspiration to his family.  He touched many lives as physician, teacher, mentor, husband, father, and grandfather.  A memorial celebration and scholarship have been arranged in his honor.