My pediatrician!! He saved my life from double pneumonia in middle school. Had a bad chance of not surviving too. Everything's been fine and have been doing amazing. He sure is an angel!!
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A Service in Celebration of Eric Booth Karlen, MD
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Dee, Tyler & Ashley,
I was saddened to learn of Eric’s passing. We were roommates together from 1980 – 1981 when we were residents at Hershey Medical Center. He was an exceptionally warm and caring person. I’m sure he was a well-loved pediatrician, husband and father. After I finished my fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases, I joined the staff at New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center in 1986 where I learned that Eric had settled nearby in Norwalk CT. We had spoken on the phone a few times and shared some patients, but never re-connected in person. I was disappointed when you all moved to Georgia in 1993.
I remember in Hershey, Eric enjoyed his waterbed. He also talked about Myrtle Beach as his favorite vacation spot. I have kept it on my bucket list, but never managed to get there. He also enjoy singing, barbershop quartet, if I remember correctly. One of his favorite recipes, simple and tasty, was to bake chicken with mayonnaise in aluminum foil.
I’ve attached two photos. One of him singing during Christmas. I’m not sure who the others in the photo are. The person to his right may be Steve Cyran. The other, when he was on the floors at HMC.
Karl Li
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To the Eric’s family, I send my message of love. Talk about a divine spirit! Out of the blue today, I thought of Eric and decided to Google him to see if he became the doctor he wanted to be. Surprisingly, I learned about his incredible life and family and of his recent passing.
While I was a student at UCLA, I traveled by bus to spend weekends with him during his senior year at UCSB. He was a special boyfriend with a contagious loving spirit of enthusiasm and encouragement. When he left for the Peace Corps, we lost touch with each other. Yet, when my husband, Joe, and I married in 1970, Eric sent a thoughtful and generous gift of a Waterford sugar and creamer.
Eric lived life to its fullest, and I’m so grateful that I was able to share a part of it with him.
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Eric was his cousin Russ Karlen’s best man at our wedding in 1971. We named our first son, born in 1974, Eric Bruce Karlen. Eric was a special friend, the voice of reason, and a grand storyteller with a great sense of humor. I’ll never forget his telling us about a South American adventure where he was trying to engage in conversation with a group of native Bolivian (?) women squatting at the side of the road. He was a treasure, and will surely be missed by all that knew and loved him.
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Dee, we are so sorry to miss the celebration of Eric's amazing life. We will be out of town. But our hearts will be there with you and all the family.
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We were fortunate to be friends and neighbors with Eric & Dee for many years. He was always the life of the party at social gatherings such as Couples Bunco and holiday parties. And, of course, he was such an excellent pediatrician for our children until their adult years. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. Truly missed but not forgotten.
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What an amazing man. So sorry for your loss.
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Dr. Karlen took care of our children from 1995 until 2010 when both children turned 18. We were so blessed to have him as our pediatrician. He was kind, caring, compassionate and always willing to help with whatever we might need. Dr. Karlen was so knowledgeable about learning disabilities and helped us with that through the years. He made a difference in the life of my child who thanks to him, was able to graduate college despite her disabilities. Dr. Karlen mentored and allowed my son to shadow him while attending medical school. My son is now an ER Physician. We send our sympathy and prayers to the Karlen Family. Rest in eternal peace Dr. Karlen knowing you made a difference in this world. Sincerely, The Bergman Family
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Our family had the good fortune to live next door to the Karlens for eighteen years in East Hampton. Our children were close in age, and we enjoyed watching Tyler and Ashley grow into the wonderful adults they are now. We had many shared meals and events-we couldn’t have asked for better neighbors.
Eric was a dear, considerate man, always ready to lend a hand to help a friend. We will miss his bright smile, and the kind words he had for everyone.
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Joe Rey
2023, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.
During our time in EastHampton, we lived just down the block from Dee and Eric. We attended many social gatherings and parties at their lovely home. Eric played briefly in EastHampton's ALTA tennis league and remember playing with him on the team. I just remember that his tennis form was very good! Fond memories indeed. Rest in peace now my friend, prayers and support to Dee and the family! Take care and God Bless.
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I know I repeat what so many others have said: the kindest man I think I have ever known! And he married the kindest woman, Dee, whom I have known for about 50 years. I have been blessed to have known Eric. One of those truly uniquely talented humans!!
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I had just moved to Bronxville and met Eric in the sixth grade. One afternoon he took me to his third floor bedroom, where he put Danny and the juniors playing at the hop on his record player. Eric proceeded to teach me how to do the Lindy dance.
We were very close friends and played many sports together. Just a wonderful, upbeat guy throughout high school. Then we unfortunately lost touch.
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Abaco Islands, The Bahamas
Snuggling Charlie in The Bahamas
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