Elihu York, MD, MPH, 88, of Brunswick, Maine died of natural causes on Sunday May 8, 2016 in the Highlands of Topsham where he lived the last 4 years of his life. Elihu was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 7, 1927 the oldest of four children of Morris Yorshis, MD and Miriam (White) Yorshis. Both parents proceeded Elihu in death. Elihu is survived by his three sisters: Betty Jean Korson (Hatboro, PA); Rosalee (and Marvin) Schorr (Boston, MA); and Emily Kessler (Brookline, MA). Elihu is also survived by his three children and 5 grandchildren: Peter and Jill York (sons Bailey and Wesley) of Naperville, IL; James York, MD (daughters Hannah and Rachel) of Denver CO; Sara (York) Drees and Dennis Drees (daughter Margaret) of Hoffman Estates, IL.

Throughout Elihu’s life his core value was helping his fellow man and doing what was right despite his own interest or gain. Elihu joined the U.S. Army in June 1945 at age 17 upon graduating Methuen High School seeking to do his part as a Jewish American in the face of the realities of WWII. After an honorable discharge in 1947, Elihu attended Tufts College (BA ’50) and Tufts Medical School (M ’54) and pursued medicine to make a difference in the world.

Elihu was classically trained as a cardiology fellow at Stanford University and on the faculty in 1958-60. Elihu established private practice in Bar Harbor, Maine until joining the U.S. Navy in 1963 to work in the budding aerospace medical field in Pensacola, Florida. After successfully learning to fly solo in an airplane, he became a flight surgeon serving on numerous aircraft carrier deployments as the Chief Medical Officer. While on land, he ultimately became the Director of the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute. Working with astronauts in the 1960’s, supporting President Kennedy’s space dreams was a calling for Elihu through scientific research and advancement for mankind.

Elihu earned a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University in 1968 with a focus on aerospace medicine. Public health was a new field of study in the 1960’s and would prove to be impactful on Elihu’s life.

Elihu left active military service in 1971 to establish a private cardiology practice in Brunswick, Maine. Self described as the “Great Separator,” Elihu looked for proactive medical solutions that often didn’t rely on pills and prescriptions; rather emphasizing diet and exercise, which was revolutionary in the early 1970’s. Elihu touched many lives in Brunswick and often talked about bartering his medical services for hand made blankets or pottery.

Elihu rejoined the Navy on active reserve in Pensacola, Florida from 1979- 1982, where he again successfully passed the flight surgeon requirements at age 52 and served as the Director of the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute. Upon retirement from the Navy with the rank of Captain, Elihu served as the Director of Employee and Occupational Health at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT from 1984- 1996. Serving as the Chief Public Health Officer in a large community hospital availed opportunities to make a difference. Elihu served as the Connecticut Governor’s Task Force Director on AIDS; at the forefront of public health in the 1980-90’s.

Elihu believed strongly in academic pursuit. He was elected a Fellow of four learned societies: American College of Physicians; American College of Cardiology; American College of Aerospace Medicine; and American College of Preventative Medicine.

A life long fitness enthusiast, Elihu was a competitive runner in high school (Massachusetts state champion) and college. Elihu ran marathons in the 1970-80’s including 5 Boston’s and was a competitor in the sport of triathlon in its earliest days. Elihu also enjoyed sailing and fondly remembered the classic teak wood boat he sailed in the San Francisco Bay for years. He later enjoyed sailing the coast of Maine and the Carribean.

Elihu was a co-founder of CHANS (Community Health and Nursing Services) in Brunswick, Maine in the mid 1970’s. The shoestring operation started as an adjunct support for the healthcare needs in Brunswick. Today, CHANS provides home healthcare, private duty nursing and hospice services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to CHANS, 60 Baribeau Dr., Brunswick, ME in the name of Elihu York, MD.

Public visitation will be Wednesday May 11, 2016 at the Brackett Funeral home in Brunswick, Maine from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. As a 50- year member of the Unitarian Universalist Church, services will be held 11 am Thursday May 12, 2016 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Brunswick, Maine at 11am. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Brunswick. Memories and condolences can be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.