Joseph A. Jarzobski, M.D.
April 3, 1940 – November 19, 2020
Dr. Joseph Anthony Jarzobski “Dr. J”, 80, of Omaha, passed away on November 19, 2020.
Dr. J was born on April 3,1940 to Marie “Curly” (D’Alessandro) and Edward “Eddie” Jarzobski in Worcester, MA. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in Worcester in 1958, he went on to study at the College of Holy Cross in Worcester and then received his medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha in 1965, specializing in Cardiology. After graduating from medical school, Dr. J joined Dr. Hugh Levin at Bergen Mercy Cardiology Specialist where he worked for 53 years.
High school sweethearts, Dr. J married his cherished wife, Geraldine “Jerry” (Rahaim) in Worcester in 1962. Joe and Jerry spent 63 years together, having four children, Patricia “Patty,” Anthony “Tony,” Edward “Eddie” and Joanne. They loved to travel around the world with their friends and host the biggest celebrations in their home, the pool was always open.
Dr. J was dedicated to providing for his family and giving them the life he felt they deserved and the chance to chase their dreams. His family meant more to him than anything else. He was unendingly proud of his children, and always tried his best to support them. Dr. J lived by one motto: do the right thing and he always did the right thing. Dr. J was a devout member of St. Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church in Omaha since the early 1970’s.
Dr. J was a devoted Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics fan. He waited 64 years to watch the Sox win the World Series at America’s most beloved ballpark (Fenway Park) in 2004 and never missed an opportunity to sing “Sweet Caroline” during the 7th inning stretch. Dr. J rarely missed a College World Series Game or Creighton game; he would often be found watching his granddaughters play softball or basketball in his free time.
Dr. J loved Mickey Mouse, loved to shoot hoops and had a fierce left-handed hook shot, loved to go for a run and ran many races, and especially enjoyed finishing his day swimming laps in his pool; Cape Cod was his second home and there never were too many beach days or too much lobster.
Anyone who knew Dr. J knew that he was a loving father, an attentive husband and devoted doctor, working hard to help his patients live longer lives.
Dr. J was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Jerry; his four children: Patty (Emily), Tony (Brenda), Eddie (Stacia) and Joanne; and his four beautiful granddaughters: Nicole, Katelyn, Alexis and Kensie, and a multitude of grand-dogs in several states who will miss his excessive treat tossing.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Heart Association, Operation Smile and Alzheimer’s Foundation. Due to Covid-19, burial and services will be private.
To view a broadcast of the Mass, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the homepage any time Monday after 2pm.
29 Comments
My heart goes out to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Lahteines.
My sincere condolences…prayers for the family
The whole family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss, especially in this horrible time. We pray for peace for you all as well. All our love, the Andersons
To Doctor’s wife and his Family I’am So Sorry to hear this Dr J was my Husband and oldest Son Doctor they both had all the faith in the world in him my Husband and Doctor would talk sports a lot My sincere condolences MaryLou DeGeorge
Dr. J was a treasure to know and work with. My deepest sympathy.
Many thoughts and prayers for the family. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to work for him many years ago. He always had a smile on his face and went above and beyond for his patients.
My sympathies to Dr. J’s family. I enjoyed working with him in the cardiology clinic. He was a kind, gentle man. We definitely missed him when he retired. I’ll keep my memories of his close!
Well stated. I worked with Dr J as well for a long time here at Bergan.. He is a physician I respected and thought a lot of. With deepest sympathy to his family
Well said Tara & Sandy ~ I started my medical career years ago working as an EKG tech with Dr. J! Rest in Paradise & prayers of healing comfort to your loved ones.
We are just heartbroken for the entire family. We are offering prayers for comfort and strength through these difficult times. Dr. J was a truly remarkable man.
To Jerry and children my deepest sympathy. Joe was my first friend as we lived across the street from each other on Seward Street. We started school together at Sacred Heart when we were 4 years old (Joe was 3 months younger than me). It was nearly a half mile walk up Shrewsbury Street, home for lunch then back again .About the 5th grade the school opened a cafeteria and we didn’t have to walk home for lunch. We walked to school for 13 years graduating in 1957. I’m happy to say that I talked him into asking Jerry to our senior prom. Not that he didn’t like Jerry, he was just so darn shy. It was the best advise I ever gave anyone. I love you Joe and Jerry…..always will. Ed
My prayers go out to the family. Dr. J was a great man and will be missed.
I am a nurse. I worked with Dr. J. (and Dr. Levin) at the old Lutheran Medical Center when critical care medicine/nursing was still in its infancy. Dr. J. was our medical director — a role he took seriously. He was always there for the nurses and spent hours teaching and supporting us. He was such a respected physician in the medical community and was the Chief of Staff for a time. I will always remember his sense of humor and his wise counsel. Dr. J and Jerry threw the best summer parties — and were always so generous with inviting the critical care staff to them. Dr. J. was my dad’s doctor — and my dad still gives credit to Dr. J. for saving his life. Jerry, sending my sincere condolences. I still remember his pride and devotion to his family. He was a remarkable physician and person and I feel lucky to have known him.
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Joe was a great man and had a big heart. He always helped others and loved his family very much. He was a good friend to my husband and a great brother in law. Joe will be truly missed and I love all of you.Godbless
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
My sincere condolences. He was a great man and so kind. I enjoyed working with him and my thoughts and prayers to his whole family-he will truly be missed.
Dr. J was a great man. There is no one like him. Sending my deepest condolences to the family.
To the Jarzobski family my heart felt condolences. He was an awesome doctor and a wonderful man to work for. Spent many fun days at his pool parties and holiday parties. I’m sure he will be greatly missed!
Dr. J was a tremendous individual and top notch physician. He will be fondly remembered by all.
Much sorrow, I believe l am still alive thanks to Dr. J
My deepest condolences and healing prayers to the family. Dr. J was truly and incredible person and his loss is felt deeply. He was an excellent cardiologist and kind and generous person. He always took wonderful care and stood up for his old Bergan CCU and cath lab nurses. I had a pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. J for almost 30 yrs and will always remember his smiles and his zest for life. We love you Dr. J. You will be truly missed!
Met Dr. J. when I was an Accident Investigator for Omaha Police, our paths crossed at Lutheran Medical Center and Bergan Mercy. He always took time to talk with the men and women in Blue; a down-to-earth, kind and funny (when needed) type of guy. Much later in life, I experienced chest pains and went to Bergan, guess who took care of me? Dr. J. My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this great man. Go be with GOD, Dr. J.
To Joanne, whom I enjoyed tremendously in my 8th grade class at Beveridge: I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss, Joanne. You became my go-to example of how to make effective study notes after you initially balked at having to do them. I suggested that your dad didn’t memorize all
the medical texts he’d been required to read. God bless your dad, you and your family, Joanne. – “Mr. Y,” Scott Yahnke
Thank you, Mr Y!
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the Jarzobski family, Eddie and I grew up together and still remain great friends. Some of my fondest memories as a child were going to over to Dr J and Jerry’s house to go swimming or watch a game. They are such a warm and genuine family. They always made me and the rest of the neighborhood welcome. It was my second home. A spot in my heart that remains today and always.
Bless you all during this most difficult time.
I remember when the cardiac department opened at Bergan on 5th floor, at the time I was working on 5, but not cardiac. Later in 1990 I was in Cardiac Rehab, mostly with the in house patients, so saw Dr J many times and enjoyed our conversations and watching his good care he provided his patients. So sorry for your loss,
I am truly sorry for your loss, I worked with Dr. J for many many years, he was an admirable person who was very dedicated to his patients and to making the cardiology practice such a great success but more importantly how he showed his appreciation to all staff who worked with him. I was lucky to have known him.
Sending prayers and love to the Jarzobski family..
My mom Marge( or as he’ d say “ Maaage”) was the office manager as the practice started and worked closely with Dr, J for 40 years. We always felt welcome to many summer pool parties and BBQs. There were even some stories told of many fun New Years Eve parties Dr. J threw years ago! Not only was he a generous and caring boss but he was my dads Cardiologist for 20 years I also had the privilege to work beside Dr. J, both in the hospital and later in the Cardiology Clinic,for 30 years.
That’s ALOT of years spent providing excellent care and excellent example of not only a physician but a friend..
I am so sorry we could not be there in person to support you at his services, but as Father said, you could feel the church was FILLED with those who loved him! We will hold those fond memories close forever.. Love, Marge Reynolds Fitzsimmons, Chuck in spirit, and “ The Reynolds Girls” (Lynn, Kim, and Karen)
We are blessed to have know and enjoyed this Son, Husband, Father, Physician, and Servant of God. Our deepest condolences to the family who accompanied him and shared in his love.
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