Dr. Robert M. Jeresaty

Dr. Robert Jeresaty, born on April 30, 1929, in Zahle, Lebanon, was the beloved son of the late Dr. Michel and Annette Jreissati. He passed away peacefully at his home on July 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving children. He lived a remarkable life that proved greatness and humility can exist side by side and where kindness was never overshadowed by accomplishment. Dr. Jeresaty arrived in the United States in 1954 to complete his medical residency, culminating with his Fellowship in Cardiology at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. He began his career in 1958 at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, CT, where he founded the Cardiology Department, serving as its first Chief. Over the course of his 35-year distinguished career, he established himself as one of the leading Cardiologists in his field earning numerous honors including the St. Francis Spirit Award, the Distinguished Physician Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. As the chief authority in Mitral Valve Prolapse, Dr. Jeresaty delivered numerous lectures throughout the world. In 1965, he established the nation’s longest-running Cardiovascular Symposium, bringing to Hartford nationally and internationally known cardiologists. The Symposium named in his honor is now in its 62nd year. Dr. Jeresaty, however, was more than just a pioneer in medicine; he was a gentle soul whose infectious giggle could light up the room. He was a world traveler and voracious reader. It is easier to count the states and countries he had not visited than the ones he had. Later in life, he became the travel guide for his children and grandchildren who acquired his thirst for knowledge. He never missed the nightly news (or a Seinfeld episode); His sense of humor and appreciation for life’s ironies, brought laughter to those around him. His beloved Lebanon was always in his heart; despite the distance, he remained incredibly close to his loving family whose adoration for him spanned generations. This generous, loyal, and honorable man leaves a void that will never be filled. His greatest accomplishment was his beautiful family. He will be deeply missed by his 5 loving children who absolutely adored him: Denise Farrah (David), Michael Jeresaty (Elizabeth), Joseph Jeresaty (Clodagh), Nadine Soucier, and Joanne Callahan (Thomas). He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren who were carved in his heart: Spencer (Alanna) and Alexander (Holly) Farrah, Luke and Blake Jeresaty, Grace and Will Soucier, and Michael and Emma Callahan. He also leaves behind his cherished 7 brothers and sisters in Lebanon, US, and Colombia: Joseph Jreissati (Arlette), Souad Cueter (the late Michel), Marcelle Audi (the late Ned), Nadia Hobeika (the late Ibrahim), Renee Abou-Dib (Fawzi), Maurice Jreissati (Marlene), and Nabil Jreissati (the late Zeina), and numerous devoted nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Cathie, who was undoubtedly waiting for him with a delicious Lebanese feast for this blessed reunion. He is also predeceased by his brother Mounir Jreissati, brothers-in-law Peter (Lorraine) Namnoum, Kenneth Namnoum, Joseph (Amy) Namnoum, and sister-in-law Jane Thomas (Norman). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 3 at 10:00 am at the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT. Burial will follow at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, August 2 from 4-6 pm at the Church of St. Timothy. Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to: Doctors without Borders (dedicated to Lebanon), P.O. Box 5030 Hagerstown, MD 21741.