Samuel E. Schechter, M.D., assistant professor emeritus of clinical medicine and a 1941 alumnus of the School of Medicine, died Monday, May 24, 2004, in University City after a long illness. He was 87.
In addition to his 40-year career at the University, Schechter was a generous supporter.
In honor of his two children who lost their battles with depression, he established the David Joel Schechter and Leslie Schechter Memorial Fund for Research in Depression.
In memory of his wife, who died of pancreatic cancer at age 72 in 1995, he began the annual Rena Schechter Memorial Lecture in Cancer Research.
Most recently, he established the Samuel E. Schechter Professor of Medicine, now held by his longtime friend and colleague Gustav Schonfeld, M.D.
In addition to his gifts to the School of Medicine, Schechter established the Miriam Schechter and Kay Schechter endowed scholarships in Arts & Sciences in honor of his two surviving daughters.
Schechter received the Second Century Award from the School of Medicine in September 2002 in recognition of his significant role as both a member of and a contributor to the medical school.
In 2002, Schechter married Norma Bonham.
Contributions may be made in Schechter’s memory for medical student scholarships to Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8509, 4444 Forest Park Ave., St. Louis MO 63108.
Alternatively, contributions may be sent to the Tribute Fund at the Missouri Botanical Garden (P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166).