David Sulman

David Sulman, 90, passed away at Agrace Hospice on September 6, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on May 17th, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY to Leo and Caroline (Lefkowitz) Sulman. He graduated from Midwood High School, Columbia University, and SUNY Down State Medical College. He did his residency at University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore and a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Chicago, where he met his first wife Miriam (Singer) Sulman. They married in Chicago in 1964 and then relocated to Springfield, MO where David served two years in the US Public Health Service at the Federal Prison Hospital. In 1966 they moved to Madison, where David served as a physician for 35 years at the University of Wisconsin Student Health Service and the VA Hospital, where he compassionately provided care for generations of students and veterans. He was Associate Professor at UW Medical School. David and Miriam had two children, Rachel, in 1967, and Aaron, in 1969. Miriam died of cancer in 1976. In 1979, David married Anne Altshuler. Their son Joshua was born in 1980, followed by twins Jonathan and Benjamin in 1983. David is survived by Anne, his wife of 45 years, and his children Rachel Shechtman (Yitzchak) of Jerusalem, Aaron (Cecille) of Brookfield, WI, Joshua (Erin McGrath) of Madison, Jonathan (Chaya) of Minneapolis, Benjamin (Fernanda Santos) of Knoxville, TN; his grandchildren, Noah, Jonah, Eve, Eleanor, Jacob, Daniel, and Erica. He was preceded in death by his first wife Miriam; his parents, and older brother Michael. 

David and Anne enjoyed living at Capitol Lakes in downtown Madison since 2019. He was an active member of Beth Israel Center for 57 years. He loved the outdoors, hiking, mountains, classical and folk music, and meals with his family in the screened-in porch of the family home in the Hill Farms neighborhood. We are grateful for the many who have provided compassionate care for David, including the staff at Capitol Lakes, Unit D4/6 at University Hospital, and Agrace Hospice.

David grew up in New York City, but loved backpacking in the mountains, and hitchhiked out west to work at Mt. Rainier and Glacier NPs in his 20s. He drove a red 1979 stick shift Volvo well into the 21st century, in which he taught all 5 children to drive. He enjoyed jokes, Journal Club, and Jewish holiday celebrations with his tight-knit Chavurah; reading Torah at Beth Israel, and family bike rides through the Arboretum. He was often seen mowing the lawn in his “quit whining” t-shirt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Beth Israel Center, Jewish Social Services of Madison or the Sierra Club.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434