Obituary: Dr. David Israel, 60, Radiologist

David A. Israel, MD, PhD, of Newton, died at the age of 60 on Jan. 23, 2014 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease

He was a radiologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute who loved restoring broken items, reported the Boston Globe.

“For Dad, repairing broken items wasn’t just a hobby — it was a philosophy,” his son, Sol of Toronto, wrote in a eulogy for Dr. Israel’s memorial service last week.

“Honestly, the only thing he couldn’t fix in the 45 years I knew him was himself,” his wife, Linda Matchan, a feature writer at the Globe, told the newspaper. “With ALS, you don’t have any hope.”

In addition to his wife of 35 years and son, Sol, Israel is survived by a daughter, Sara Israel of Boston. He was the son of Debbie (Steiman) Israel and the late Manly W. Israel, brother of Susan Kliffer and her husband Frank, Cyd Israel, Gary Israel and his wife Alison Mitchell, and Juli Israel.

Burial was at the Workmans Circle Cemetery in West Roxbury. Memorial observance will be announced.

Please omit flowers. Remembrances may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 or the Champion Fund for ALS, UMass Medicine, Attn: John Hayes, Development Office, 333 South St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.

Read the full obituary here.