I didn't know Jeff very well at all. He was an orthopedic surgeon at the hospital I worked at. When we needed him in the emergency room he was always very quick to respond and very helpful. He seemed like a really nice person, and it is saddening that this has happened. To his family and friends, God bless you and give you strength through this trying time.

Greg:
This is Anand Srinivasan (Haworth '85). I just heard this very, very sad news. I have many fond memories of little league with Jeff. My thoughts are with everyone who knew him.

Anand (metro86@aol.com)

Hi Anand,

I have fond memories of Jeff in little league as well. However, they usually involve Jeff striking me out or hitting a home run off of me. :-) Everyone who knew Jeff appreciates your thoughts.

Greg

Jeff was a one of a kind person, who i think will always be remembered for his determination, his love for his family, his love for sports and his funny sayings. I met Jeff when I was 14 years old and to this day, I still find myself quoting him...as Jeff Tamborlane would say "I'm off like a prom dress"...as Jeff Tamborlane would say..."Go Play in heavy traffic" (he liked to say that one-tongue in cheek of course-to my mom)...My family felt very close to Jeff. He spent many afternoons at our pool and came skiing with us a number of times. I remember that he loved one trail, Beartrap, because it always had moguls and he would make me ski it the entire day with him, never getting bored, just wanting to tackle his form.

I was always struck by the connection he had with his grandparents and I loved that his license plate TAMBE 2 was a nod to his grandparents' TAMBE plates. Not many teenagers would acknowledge their grandparents that way.

Jeff was always in incredible shape and very healthy. In high school we used to go out for frozen yogurt almost everyday. One of the last conversations I had with him was a few months ago where he commented how funny it was that times had changed and that "frozen yogurt has too many carbs."

Lastly, I was always so impressed that when Jeff decided he wanted to go to Georgetown as a freshman at Maryland, he made it happen. And when he decided he wanted to go there for Med School, he made that happen too. For a college freshman to get his act together and get into a school like Georgetown shows an almost unimaginable level of focus and determination.

Since I am in New York and Jeff was in Hawaii, I was already missing Jeff, I can't imagine what it will feel like when the reality sets in that his absence is permanent.

With Love,
Allison Jaffin

Greg,

I heard about Jeff today and came across your post. While I haven't seen Jeff, or you, in almost 20 years, I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Jeff was a good friend when we were young, and I have a lot of fond memories of him from our childhood days in Haworth. He is one of the few guys that I hoped to just run into downtown when visiting home, but never did. We may have lost touch years ago, but as you can probably relate to, the bonds we made growing up in that small town were pretty tight. As time passes, I find myself thinking about childhood experiences and good friends, like Jeff, that I have fallen out of touch with. I guess I take comfort in believing that old friends like you and Jeff are still out there, and are occasionally getting a kick out of remembering our shared experiences yourselves. Jeff was a good kid, a trustful friend, and always had a great sense of humor. Our world is indeed a sadder place now that he is gone. My sympathies go out to his family and his many friends (close and removed).

Jeremy Coleman
jthcoleman AT gmail.com

Hi, Greg. I just heard about Jeff's passing and came across your page on a Google search. I'm sorry to hear about his passing. Such a young and vibrant life to be lost at such a young age. That's a beautiful picture of you, Jeff and your daughter. My thoughts are with you and Jeff's family.

Robin Eiseman
reiseman71@hotmail.com

Hello to all-
My family And I will miss this understated/underestimated hero...
For the longest time I have been catching up w/ Jeff's parents locally, always trying to find out where he is now and what he's doing.... I will wonder no more, as Jeff takes a seat next to my beloved brother in heaven.
The memories shared by Anand, Jeremy, Allison & Robin, as well as the sentiments of others shared w/ me this morning after hearing the terrible news, all strike a nerve very close to home.
Jeff will always be a hero to me. He was a role model for me, and not even a year older. He excelled @ soccer, baseball, and every other endeavor he would partake.
My freshman year in high school, there was a bully that would harass me incessantly (sp?), Jeff is the sole individual that gave me the courage to stand up to that bully, and needless to say, that was the last day I had to deal w/ that BS - ALL THANKS TO MY HERO JEFF!
I have trouble putting my feelings into words, that will never do justice to this young man.
He will live in our hearts, minds, actions and memories forever...
With love and remourse.
-Dennis Wood (Haworth '87)
denwood73@yahoo.com

shock and sadness do not begin to describe how i feel. i have so many stories about jeff i wouldn't know where to begin. jeff was not some guy that i grew up with, he was part of my family, and my memories of him go back as far as i can remember. my family tells stories about jeff until this day, some so funny they're hard to repeat. while i had not seen jeff in quite some time, we exchanged emails fairly recently. taking everything for granted, i assumed, as i always did, that we would reconnect at some point. my connection to him going too far and too deep to ever really disappear. hopefully he'll read and see how sorry i am that that never happened. my deepest sympathies to his family and all that were close to him. jeff gershon jeffrey@gershoncompany.com

Very sad news regarding Jeff. I have'nt been able to get it out of my mind since I heard about it this weekend. Jeff was an amazing kid -one of those people who everyone liked. It seemed like he could do anything he set his mind to and I always had the deepest respect for him although I never told him. One year he would decide to play basketball, and he was quickly the best at it. Another year he decided he wanted to play tennis or football and he became the best at that. Then he decided to be a doctor and sure enough, he did it. You name it, he mastered it. I loved playing baseball with him on his dad's Little League team (sorry Annand but we had Jeff:). The practices we had were really great becuase Jeff could be quite funny. We won something like 14 games in a row with our talented lefthanded shortstop/pitcher. I knew if I got on first base Jeff was driving me home, it was as simple as that. Jeff and I pitched every inning but I knew when he threw it was a guaranteed victory. Jeff won MVP that year and he still had one more year to play!!! Unfortunately he broke his leg in the offseason which really bummed me out becuase I was SURE he was going to hit 20 home runs the next year and pitch 5 no-hitters - but he took it really well and it never seemed to bother him.

By high school I rarely talked to Jeff as we were never in the same class, but he always acknowledged me with a 'hello' and remained cordial. He was always kind and respectful as I even remember my mother commenting 'how polite that Jeffrey Tamborlane is' when he would come over my house when we were kids. I distinctly recall one instance where the quality of Jeff's character was on display. We were freshman in high school and two older kids were bullying another kid in the hallway. While everyone else just seemed not to notice or care, Jeff went over and told them to stop and asked if the kid was alright. I always remembered that scene when I thought of Jeff.

I hope you Haworth guys are all doing well (Greg, Annand, Jeff G., and of course my pal J. Coles).

P.S. Greg, If you get any info on the funerary services it would be great if you could post them here.

I just heard about Jeff's passing today. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I saw Mr. Tamborlane about a year ago. When I asked how Jeff was doing you could see just how proud he was by the huge smile that came across his face. At the end of the conversation, it became abundantly clear that he was most proud of Jeff, not for his accomplishments, but for the hard work and dedication Jeff put into everything he had done in life. Jeff could accomplish anything he put his mind too. He was the only person I knew who could develop a "12 pack" of abdominal muscles. I haven't seen Jeff since High School, but do think about him often and all of the fun times we had at school in Haworth. I still live nearby and drive through Haworth on occasion remembering the good times(when Jeff wasn't pitching to you) at memorial field, on the playground at school, or when his Father used to keep us all in check when he coached. The bonds and memories we have growing up in a small town like Haworth are something very special and I know will never be forgotten.

I hope all my old friends from Haworth are doing well. If anyone has any information about the services, please let me know.

John Clarke
johnclarke@optonline.net

Dr Tamborlane did shoulder surgery on my 27 year old daughter, that's how we came to know him. He was wonderful and patient with me and my 20 million questions especially on our first visit to him. I apologized for being annoying with all my questions and his response was that he understood and after all she was still my baby. I fell in love with him on the spot!
His passion for what he did was as obvious as his compassion for his patients. He was a wonderful doctor.
He was so handsome you really did look forward to your next visit.
We will pray for his family as they make their way through this rough time and will remember Dr Tamborlane with a smile every time.

A patients mom

This is too incredible to believe!

I've known Jeff since he was two years old. My mother, Mrs. Mantovani or "Grandma" as he called her, took care of him when his mother Rose had to return to work. He was with my mom until he went to high school and even then he would drop by to see her. He was a very smart little boy and was full of questions, always asking "why." He enjoyed going to the Haworth Swim Club with my mother - he loved the water. This trait followed through to his adult life - he loved to surf.

After he went off to college and later as he did his internship and residency, he would stop by our house to see her and joke with her. He never forgot all the years she took care of him - he loved her. He let her know it, not after she died but while she was still alive. Jeff was a terrific human being.

My prayers are for his mother who will feel his loss every minute of every day.

Teresa Pesce of Haworth

Greg - thanks for the call today. I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff. While I wasn't as close to him as you and your childhood friends, I did very much enjoy hanging out with him. I was just thinking, it was 10 years ago this summer that I first met Jeff, on our trip to Hawaii just before entering grad school. What a blast we had - i'll never forget, I believe Jeff had maybe surfed a couple of times in his life (if I remember correctly), and he went out into this HUGE swell with all the locals. After spending an hour trying to get up on waves that had to be 8 to 10 feet high, Jeff comes in with a bloody nose and the biggest smile on his face. You could tell he was hooked.

As I sit here tonight watching the 49ner pre-season game, I remember the 3 of us going to the 49ner/Giant playoff game at Candlestick a few years back, and sitting in the luxury suites, and Jeff giving former 49ner backup quarterback Steve Bono (who made an appaearance in the box) a really hard time and calling him a "hack." Always a great time. You'll be missed greatly Jeff.

Greg-

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff's parents, relatives and loved ones. Jeff lived life so well because he loved life. That is how I thought of Jeff even before today. He loved life and it showed through into everything he did. I could fill ten of these boxes with my memories of Jeff and his good spirit.

Adam Weisinger
adamweisinger@earthlink.net

Dear Greg,
Thank you for putting that picture of Jeff on your page. I worked with him at Kaiser Hospital on Oahu. My son had broken his arm and was in the summer fun program here which meant alot of swimming. His cast got very wet and Jeff worked us into his schedule, had the cast removed, rexrayed it and suggested it needed to be recasted but understood my son's love of the water. He was so busy that day but took the time out to work us in.
I worked with him also in the clinics and he always went above and beyond the call of duty for his patients. He always cared about their well being and was an excellent surgeon. He will be surely missed and I know he still hears your thoughts and love for him. My love to the family.
Coleen RN

My prayers go out to the Tamborlane family. I am so sorry to hear such sad news. God Bless You Jeff.

Mike McGinley- mmcgin@microsoft.com (Haworth)

This is tragic news, and my deepest sympathies go to Jeff's mom and dad and family. I have so many memories of young Jeff Tamborlane at Haworth Public School, and as many people know, the memories from that precious time run deep. I was just thinking about him the other day when I was remembering September birthdays. It's been over twenty five years since we sat together in Mrs. Park's class, and I still remember him (and his birthday) like it was yesterday. He was a wonderful person, a good friend, a talented athlete, and also a sensitive soul.

He will be missed; God must have big plans for him up there...

Emily Hadlow Fawcett, fawcett@mac.com, San Diego

News of Jeff passing hits home hard. I have great memories of our days in high school especially playing football together. I have run into his Dad on several occassions since we graduated high school and he always brought me up to speed on how Jeff was doing. This made it feel like it wasnt really that long since I saw him last, and I was hopeful to catch up with him after each of the updates. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Tamborlane especially. Jeff will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Brad Moser

One memory of Jeff sticks out clearly in my head. I knew him when he was living in Redondo Beach and doing his residency - he always complained that he had no time to pull girls. At the time we used to say it wasn't the lack of time but the lack of game. One day when i came over to his flat he had an ear to ear grin - after 9 months or whatever crazy amount of time it was - he had finally had some success.

My thoughts go out to Jeff's family and other friends. It is very small comfort now, but he is in a better place.

Shane

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Jeff. Jeff and I trained together in Surgery ( he in orthopaedics and me in general surgery) in New York.
I found him to be a most dedicated and caring professional and a good friend.What a profound loss.
My God grant him peace.

Albert Cooper, MD

It seams so surreal that something like this could happen to such a great person. I haven't seen him in many years, but thinking back, I realize that there is no one else like him. Jeff...well, he was Jeff. He was funny, determined, and loved life. He will be missed greatly.
D. Markmann

Those of us who grew up in Haworth are blessed with memories of good neighbors, close friends, and happy times. Jeff’s batting skills often disturbed my peaceful dandelion picking out in left field. My deepest sympathies go out to the Tamborlane family. Jeff was one of the good guys.
Rod DeRienzo
rodericd@msn.com

My heart and prayers go out to Jeff's family and friends, especially his parents. They are such kind people and I can only imagine the incredible sadness and loss they are feeling. I have not seen Jeff in years but what an incredible man he turned out to be. I know he will be missed terribly.

Blessings to you all...

I almost feel like I shouldn't be posting a message here, since I was a few grades ahead of Jeff at Haworth Public School and I only knew him for a few years when we played on the same Minor League team in Haworth. His dad was our coach along with Steve Saporito. (Rod, I very clearly remember your dandelion picking out in left field, just like it was yesterday!) But I always remembered Jeff as being a good kid and an excellent athlete. He was the home run king and was the main reason we even won at all. He could've bragged and been difficult if he had wanted to, but he didn't. He was always humble when it came to his playing ability. A few years later, Jeff's grandparents were customers on my route when I delivered The Record. I'd often see Mr. Tamborlane there and would ask how Jeff was doing. Even back then, his dad and grandparents were so proud of him. And the last time I saw Jeff was probably about ten years ago when I ran into him in downtown Haworth. We talked for a few minutes and he was still the friendly guy I remembered him as. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this very difficult time. Jeff will always be remembered fondly by so many people.
Steve Nigohosian
dabeatman@optonline.net

I lived with Jeff in Hermosa Beach during his residency. I am smiling as I remember those day with the self proclaimed, "Surfer, Stud, Surgeon." S cubed, Triple S, so many to remember. Jeff was always making me laugh. He loved to go straight from the hospital and head to Whole Foods to buy a pre-made really healthy dinner. God forbid Jeff would put anything unhealthy in the temple of his body. :) A few moments at home and then off to the gym, faithfully. He was VERY disciplined and I can still remember that brown box from Whole Foods every night. When Jeff would come home from working out, or from surfing, he would push me aside in the bathroom mirror and jokingly flex and we'd all say what a stud he was and how many girls would be in love with him. Of course if I didn't say that I'd have to run into my room and lock the door as to avoid the brotherly beat down. :) We had such fun. I'll never forget he met a really great girl and went on a few dates with her. The only problem was that with his residency, whole foods addiction, the gym and having to go to church every Sunday, Jeff couldn't figure out how to fit her in. We sat around one night and he tried to think of what he could sacrifice. I kept negotiating for the girl, but Jeff was Jeff and he has his passions. The girl had to go. Jeff knew what he loved in his life and he stuck with it. I've never met anyone quite like Jeff. :)

It's great to meet people like Jeff in your life. He is not someone you ever forget. He always makes you smile whenever you think of him and he definitely mattered. I'll miss Jeff. I'll miss not getting to see him again. I'll miss further Tamborlane stories.

Karen

I was deeply saddened to learn of Jeff’s passing. When I think of my childhood in Haworth, I always think of Jeff - - a total gem who was a friend to all and who excelled in everything he did. I have wonderful memories playing soccer and baseball with Jeff at Memorial Field, and years later playing tennis with him at the NV courts. Jeff truly was an All-Star both on and off the fields/courts, and I know he will be missed greatly. My deep condolences go out to his mom and dad, and to his entire family.

Holly Levinson

I was very saddend to hear the news about Jeff.
He was a fine young football player and I enjoyed
working with him as a coach.

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Coach Timme

The world in indeed a much sadder place without Jeff. I got to know Jeff through Greg, who was my college roommate and closest friend. He was such a character and I had so much fun whenever he was around. He was truly an original and everybody who he came into contact with knew that he was one of a kind. His sense of humor, for me, was the best part. He always made us laugh - intentionally or not.

There was a summer I spent in D.C. when he was living in Georgetown that I really got to know him well. We used to make fun of Greg incessantly and Jeff would just crack me up with his antics. God I'm going to miss that guy. He was one of those people that I always admired - he seemed to have it all: smart, funny, athletic, attractive, good head on his shoulders, etc.

I'll be praying for him and his family and friends. Jeff if you can hear us, we really miss you buddy.

Amyn

Although I haven't seen Jeff in very long time, I cannot think about my childhood without thinking about him. He and I grew up on the same block in Haworth. His go-cart served as the limo in my mock marriage when I was five years old. I'm pretty sure he was on every little league team I was ever on, and I can still picture him on his green machine tearing down the hill on Terrace Street. I guess he was that cool, older kid that is an essential ingredient in any american childhood. My thoughts go out to his family.

I was really sorry to hear about the loss of Jeff. Losing anyone so young is extremely saddening, but to hear of the life Jeff had lived and led, it makes it that much more difficult. God bless him and my thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Eric Tiscornia

I'm not sure if I should mention about how sad it is that his life was taken away way too soon or if I should mention the fond memories I have of Jeff. I miss hanging out with him in Hermosa. I have great memories dancing with him at Sangria, going back to Karen's apartment and eating pizza... or shall I say him watching his diet so watching us eat pizza.... The last time I saw him was a fun night of sushi in San Francisco....I'm unsure of what happened exactly so I'd be appreciative if someone can share with me anymore details.

Greg, I was so saddened to hear the awful news of Jeff. I often think of our times at the Swim Club on the "late shift" waiting for that crazy lady who did the laps for hours to leave so we could go home. There are so many memories I have of Jeff and I as partners during our Holy Communion to Mr. Tamborlane driving Jeff and I to summer school at OT. Mr. Tamborlane used to call us his "geniuses". Thanks for posting that great picture of Jeff on your site. That is how I'll always remember him with that big grin that made everyone feel so good around him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his parents and Jeff... until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Jacki Sullivan Landry
jacki7272@yahoo.com

I was in Ikea recently and when choosing between two similar things - one with some crazy swedish name and one called Jeff - I chose the Jeff and joked, 'it will remind me of Jeff Tamborlane.' I haven't seen Jeff in more than 10 years, but my parents still live in haworth where Jeff and I grew up on the same block. When I lived with my mom last year during my apartment renovations, I would walk by his house and rattle off the memories: how he would wear a ski mask during summertime manhunt games (competitive doesn't begin to explain Jeff) or how he had this crappy swingset we all played on or how he always had the best new toy - from big wheels to bikes to the TAMBE 2. I would see his mom and marvel at his rockstar globetrotting doctor life. She just wanted him to move home and be closer to her. The last time I saw him he picked me up in haworth. I was only in his car briefly, but in that time, he was trying to recruit me to convince a friend of mine who was about to get married to dump him and go for Jeff. I remember him arguing, "does she know that I'm going to med school? I'm going to be a doctor!" Jeff was confident, which was part of his charm. It's heartening to read from people who knew him later that he didn't lose that charm.

It's funny what Emily wrote about September birthdays, because I always remember haworth friends birthdays, too (including hers - Aug. 20. happy birthday). Greg, thanks for the forum.

I'm really sad to hear about Jeff. I hadn't seen him in a million years, but will remember him as a good guy, always smiling. Never saw the guy in a bad mood, unless Mr. McGuire was yelling at us during Freshman Football. I'm sorry for the Tamborlane's loss and remember how proud Mr. Tamborlane always was of his son. I wasn't surprised to hear he was a surgeon, he always seemed like the guy I'd see running for president someday...Godspeed Jeff!

Jeff had a Dukes of Hazard poster on his garage wall. He had his great grandfathers boxing gloves above his bed. He had a heart the size of a watermelon. He loved his mother and father.

I hope folks don’t mind a second post, but I had one more thing to share that I can’t get out of my head. I was closest to Jeff during the formative years of 10-14. Yes, I remember Jeff’s athletic ability from Little League, and the stiff competition he posed during our annual Field Day at school, but I also remember many conversations re: the important things in life – namely girls.
It was in the 6th grade that we received our formal sex education experience at HPS. I remember being separated from the girls in the grade, since Mrs. Pilotowski had chosen to enlighten them first before turning her sights on us. You would think she was divulging nuclear secrets the way they had us separated and locked down. We were dying to know what was going on across the hall (Mme Konart’s room), and Jeff was the man who volunteered to find out. Feigning an urgent need to go to the bathroom, Jeff left us and was gone for quite a while. I can’t remember for sure if Mrs. P. busted him peering through the single clear pane of glass in the door, but somehow the jig was up and none of us could leave after that. The only intel we had to go on was Jeff’s description of what he had seen. Apparently the girls were all looking at several pictures of flowers – yes, flowers. It seemed strange to me at the time, but that is what Jeff saw. We had covered plant sexual reproduction in biology, with the anthers, stigmas, ovaries, pollination, and all that, so it sounded plausible (what did we know?). It was not until several days later, when our turn came, that we learned Jeff’s flowers weren’t flowers at all, but female reproductive organs: the uterus, fallopian tubes, fimbria, ovaries, etc. Needless to say, we gave it to Jeffrey good for that one, and he laughed right along with us.
Who knows why we remember some of the things we do, but Jeff, and his excited description, comes to mind just about every time I see a diagram of a uterus. A previous post by Amyn hit the nail on the head when said Jeff made him laugh, whether it was intentional or not. That was one of Jeff’s many gifts: his ability to appreciate the humor in all things.

Thanks for the flowers Jeff, along with everything else.

Jeremy C.

jeff was my best friend since college. We met in chemistry class and were friends ever since. I valued his friendship, everytime I had a problem he helped me through it. He taught me how to live life in its fullest. I miss the good times together, most of all talking to him on the phone to help me out of a bad situation. He was always my therapist. He was an amazing selfless person who will be greatly missed
I am pleased I got to see him Hawaii in November and April to see how he was free spirited in his life. I just cant believe that he is gone.

Brett Menmuir

When I think about Jeff I am reminded of so many memorable times during high school - going to parties at his grand parents' house, driving around in his fast car, hanging out in Allison's kitchen and watching him attempt various outlandish fitness techniques. And I still laugh today when I think of the hysterical stories he told me about his residency - especially the one about helping a woman deliver her baby. Let's just say it wasn't his favorite experience. It's hard to even process what a loss this is. My heart goes out to all of Jeff's family and friends.

My Families thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff's parents, relatives and loved ones. Jeff was definately "one of the good guys" growing up in Haworth. Growing up 3 yrs behind him I remember being amazed at his athletic ability, competivenes and his overall funny and caring personality. We used to watch our father's play softball in town on Sundays. And our group of friends watching him play little league all awaiting our chance to be like Jeff and play like Jeff.
He always watched out for us especially as we entered high school. Although I havent seen Jeff in several years, I always got brought up to date by Mr. T. while we got our Saturday haircuts and Just wanted to say thanks for all the memories and you will be greatly missed.

Paul Gallucci

Jeff was one of the first people I met when I moved to Haworth in 1981. I have fond memories of all the times we spent throwing, hitting, and kicking all sorts of balls around our backyards. Having moved from Brooklyn, I was keen on mowing lawns. I remember early on Jeff was very willing to allow me the pleasure of mowing the huge lawn behind and next to his mom's house. I am very sad to think of him no longer being able to enjoy life. It is nice to read comments from so many people whose names raise happy and warm memories. I hope you are all well.

Rose, I can only imagine the pain this causes. I am so very sorry. Mr. T - I have not seen you in years. But, I have thought of you often and always felt that the next time I saw you I would tell you the following: you made my life happier by sharing your time with me as the coach of my soccer team - the Haworth Hornets. That was the single most fun I had playing soccer and it was because of you and the way you enabled all of us to enjoy ourselves. Please know that Jeff will be remembered by many people for the rest of their lives. As for me...I will always remember the times I shared with him, with craig, and with so many other people who have posted to this blog.

You are in my thoughts.

Having even the slightest understanding of the man that Jeff had become makes the loss more sad and senseless, and the memories that much richer.

If there is anything established in his memory, to continue all of the good work he had been doing throughout the world, could you let us all know?

Hopefully all those who loved him will take some comfort in the many lives that he has touched and made a positive impact on.

I personally worked with Dr. Tamborlane here at Kaiser, Hawaii. Dr. Tamborlane was an exceptional human being, there was no other. He had a sharp mouth with a quick come-back. He was a child in mans intellectual body. I often played different roles aside from just being his MA. I was also his housekeeper, secretary, personal shopper, mother, and match maker. I was proud to have worked with such an outstanding physicain, he was definitely admired for his hard work and was the most generous. He often treated the clinic staff to drinks from the coffee cart or candy/snacks from the Candy Man. The word “NO” never existed in his world. He conquered every challenge that was brought onto him and he never turned down anyone. He always placed everyone first before him. Dr. Tamborlane, you will surely be missed. ----Ezme

I was a patient of Dr. Tamborlane's at Kaiser in Hawaii. Obviously, I didn't know him very well personally, but I can say for sure that as a doctor, he totally exuded friendliness and confidence. I could tell he was clearly a very nice guy, and the other posts here verify that. When I first went to see him about my shoulder, my wife came along and when he briefly left the exam room, she immediately commented that he was a total chick magnet/hearthrob. Again, I got a chuckle out of some of the posts here that verified that--I'll definitely have to let my wife know about that. Anyway, Dr. Tamborlane did arthroscopic surgery on my shoulder and did a totally excellent job. My other arm is now giving me trouble so when my regular doctor said he was going to refer me to orthopedics, I was shocked and greatly saddened when he told me I wouldn't be seeing Dr. Tamborlane because he had passed away.

It's sometimes funny how lives intersect. I guess it really is a small world. At Kaiser, they have pamphlet cards in the waiting rooms that have the doctors' photo and bio on them. I always look at them to find out about my doctors' background, experience, etc., so when I first went to Dr. Tamborlane, a took one and noticed that he had done an internship/fellowship at UCLA, my college alma mater. I mentioned it to him, and we shared a few anecdotes about UCLA sports, Southern Cal, Westwood, etc. I'm significantly older than Dr. Tamborlane, but still it was good to know we had something in common. From reading his obit and this blog, however, I was pleasantly surprised to know that there was even more of a connection. I learned that he spent time in San Diego, where I attended Law School. I discovered that he spent time in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I grew up. We also have an East Coast connection, since my wife is from Upstate NY, so I've spent a lot of time there, in NYC where she lived for a while, and in Jersey, where she also lived for a time. The strangest one was that I learned he was the great grandson of former heavy weight boxing champ Gene Tunney. I grew up in Sonoma County, Calif., and my family knew Tunney's son Gene, Jr., who was a public defender and then District Attorney of Sonoma County for many years. I wish I had known about that when I was Dr. Tamborlane's patient, because it would have made for interesting conversation.

In closing, I'd just like to say that as an attorney, I can attest to the fact that many in the legal community can be outright unpleasant jerks. I've often felt that it's almost rare to find truly nice people in my field. I always say that if I had to choose between being known as a good lawyer or as a good person, I'd prefer the latter. I presume that the medical profession can be the same way (at least that was sometimes my experience when dealing with some doctors on a legal basis, and also from what I've seen on ER and other TV shows). But I can say unequivocally that Dr. Tamborlane was definitely both--he was an exceptional physician AND a really nice man. He touched many people's lives in a very positive way and will always be thought of in that way--not only by those of you who were privileged to be close to him, but by those of us who only were lucky enough to experience a fleeting glimpse of him. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. (Thanks Ezme, for telling me about this site.)

--Tim

Jeff was a wonderful unforgettable person and surgeon. He truely cared about his patients, seemed to enjoy taking care of people and was never at a loss of words. The Orthopedic community has lost a budding asset, and we have all lost a caring individual. I did not know him well but I did enjoy working with him and training him. He was generous with his time and skills. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

When I met Jeff, I was in middle school, and the last thing I thought I needed was an older brother. But it soon became apparent that that was exactly what he would become. Whether he was being over-protective or teasing me about my latest crush, I was thrilled to be hanging out with Allison's friend Jeff. He always managed to make me laugh and thinking back to any of those times brings a smile to my face now. Jeff was a significant part of my life growing up, and the memories I have are something I will hold with me forever. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff's family and friends.

Melissa Jaffin

I first met Jeff when I was a Family Practice resident at St. Vincent's - he was the first to teach me how to place a cast. I will remember Jeff as an energetic and compassionate physician who always gave 100%. My deepest condolences to you all. My prayers are with you.

Carmen Teran, M.D.

I trained with Jeff as an Orthopaedic resident. He was a good friend , a brilliant gifted surgeon and a trully unique individual. He had a way about him that brought out the best in others. he treated everyone in the hospital, from housekeepers to administrators as equals. He took a sincere interest in the lives of everyone around him, and was somehow always available when needed. Jeff I miss you, the entire hospital is in mourning. We have lost our favorite son.
My heart goes out to his dear mother, and his wonderful father and grandmother.
We are all better people to have had Jeff in our lives
May God rest his soul.
Yehuda Kleinman, MD

I had the honor of being friends with The Doc for 22 years, and experience some of the best times of my life with him. From watching him sleep in Mr. Veon’s class, playing on the tennis team, hanging out in The Tombs, Ocean City, Long Beach, La Jolla, Hawaii,and Fiji. The Doc was the guy I always bragged about:Surgeon,surfer(the boy would hit 20ft waves),numerous medical missions in India,Guatemala,Hondoraus,Fiji,St.Lucia,to living the dream on the North Shore of Hawaii, and most important I was proud to have Jeff be a part of my family. Words can't describe the void left behind by his passing, he touched so many lives and I only wish he was still here.

Eric Levine
eml1972@hotmail.com

We had the great pleasure of meeting Jeff during his time in Southern California. Eric Levine his dear friend introduced my husband and I to Jeff and we had nothing but fun every time we got together, whether it was surfing in Mexico and spending Thanksgiving together or spending time in the South Bay, Jeff was always the funniest, smartest, fun spirited sole around. He will be greatly missed and our deepest symphathy to his family in friends. Jeff is in a peaceful place.
Love,
Gregg & Denise

MR T. AND MY MOTHER HAD DATED FOR SEVERAL YEARS, SO I HAD SEVERAL CHANCES TO HANG WITH JEFF AS A KID. HE WAS AN AMAZING ATHLETE, STUDENT, AND ALL AROUND PERSON AND THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT HE WOULD BE ANYTHING SHORT OF A SUCESS IN LIFE. ALTHOUGH I HAVENT SEEN HIM IN YEARS, I HAVE SEEN MR T. A FEW TIMES AND IT WAS ALWAYS SO GREAT TO HEAR ALL THE THING THAT JEFF HAS BEEN UP TO AND HOW FAR HE HAS GOTTEN IN HIS CAREER. HE WAS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT I LOOKED UP TO AND ADMIRED LIKE SO MANY OTHERS. HE WILL BE VERY MISSED BY EVERYONE THAT KNEW HIM, BUT HE WILL LIVE ON IN OUR MEMORIES FOREVER.

GOODBYE JEFF
WE WILL MISS YOU

DAVID POMERANTZ
DMPOMERANTZ@OPTONLINE.NET

Forgive me if I do not do Jeff justice with my feelings on his passing. Quite simply, Jeff was the man. Spend 5 minutes with him, and he made you feel like you were the man (or woman). I was fortunate to have Jeff in my life since med school. He was intelligent, though he would rather you not know it. He was one of the best athletes I have ever seen, out of sheer will and desire (genetics help of course). He was kind to everyone around him, well-liked, funny, great surgeon, great friend, etc, etc, etc....like I said - the man. I will miss him and all that we would have done together in the future.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Oh..and he loved to surf.

Very well said my man.....you did him lots of justice

Levine

I got to know Jeff over the past few years through his friend Eric L. We would go down to La Jolla and crash on his bare bones apt. I remember the first time heading to the "Doc's" house and thinking it was going to be a lavish place, then walking in and seeing a surf board, gatorade bottle, and can of peanut butter. I remember thinking, "this guy's a doctor?" Then after spending time with him, you soon realized that Jeff loved the real things in life. Friends, family, his hobbies, and his work. He was one of the most caring people I ever had the privilege of knowing. Jeff took the time to call and wish me luck on my surgery 2 weeks ago and I remember thinking how nice it was for him to remember me like that. I am sure he had 10,000 other things to do. That is the kind of man Jeff was, a truly selfless human being. I will miss you man.

Dave Galley
drgalley50@hotmail.com

I knew Jeff growing up as a kid because he and my brother Howie were good friends. I ran into him a few years ago when we were both stranded in LA due to a snow storm in the East. He was so nice. Making sure I had a place to stay and could get a flight out, etc... We were able to catch up for a bit while we both waited in line that morning. But I always remember him being like that -- never treating me like his friends kid sister, but just being a nice guy. The comments on this page are testament to that, as I recognize many of the names from years ago -- and you can see how he is remembered with fond memories, and how many people will miss him.

My deepest condolences to Jeff's family and friends. I have many fond memories of Jeff, mostly from the Haworth Tennis Courts.

Stephanie Doody Castiglia

I feel like I shouldn't be posting a comment since I hadn't known Jeff for very long. My boyfriend and I met Jeff last year in Fiji, and then he was nice enough to let us stay w/ him 2 months later at his NICE place when I had to go to O'ahu for a conference. I can appreciate Allison's post about Jeff's funny comments, and I liked Paul's story about Jeff's surfing enthusiasm. Even in the short time that we knew Jeff, we could tell that he was a one-of-a-kind person. Though the postings make me feel sad that the world has lost a great person, everyone's stories about Jeff are so funny and they make me smile. He seemed like an incredible (yet humble) athlete who had a kind heart, a natural ability to make people laugh (even unintentionally), a strong determination, a clever wit, and many other fine qualities. Thank you, Greg, for this forum. Jeff's passing is truly a sad loss. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and everyone that was fortunate enough to have known him. We will never forget him. (I have a picture of Jeff and 2 of his residency friends from our Fiji trip last year if anyone wants a copy.)

Hi Greg,

This is a great way to pay tribute to Jeff.. Thank you for doing this.

Per your blog, he was an awesome athlete and an even better person. I have fond memories of Jeff and will surely miss him. I will always remember the good human being that he was and how beautiful his soul IS! The one thing I will regret is that I did not get to see Jeff in a very long time.

To Jeff's Parents... You had definitely done something wonderful to have had a son like Jeff. Be Proud and Cherish his memories as I know a lot of us (his friends) will do so!!

May Almighty God bless his soul and I am sure he is in a much better place. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff's family and friends, and may God give everyone the strength to cope with the loss of such a wonderful human being.

Ali-Zain Rahim

I remember Jeff as one of the nicest, friendliest people I've met in my life. I haven't seen him for years and years but am certainly unsurprised by the outpouring of emotion and fond memories in his honor. I hope that all of those that were closest to him can find some solace in knowing how much he touched everyone he knew.

Laura Schooler
schoolied@hotmail.com

My husband and I knew Jeff when he lived in Long Beach, NY.

I would run into him all the time at the gym. Once I took a pilates class with him, he marched up the the front of the class while I found a corner in the back. I don't think it will come as a surprise to anyone reading this, that his form was better than the instructor! He also loved to surf, I can remember walking down to the beach during a storm to check out the waves and there was Jeff, running with his board into the water.

He was such a great guy, always smiling and so sweet. I just remembered how he flirted with the cleaning lady at the gym, he was so nice to her, no one else even noticed her.

My prayers go out to his family and all his friends. I'm so sorry that I will not be able to attend his funeral. If anyone has a suggestion as to a charity I can donate to in his name and his parents address I would really appreciate it.

May God bless your soul, Jeff. I know that you are in better place, but the earth will not be the same with out you.

Stephanie Rischert
ser0627@aol.com

We were greatly saddened to hear the news. Jeff was THOUGHTFUL, KIND, CARING and we cannot begin to enumerate the many wonderful qualities he possessed. He touched everyone he encountered in a very special way. We at NYUHJD loved and respected him. He was a beautiful soul and we will miss him dearly.

We will love you forever.

His friends at NYUHJD

I met Jeff when he was an intern at Harbor UCLA. We kept in touch over the years and then I worked with him again when he was a sports fellow at UCSD. My husband went surfing with him a few times in La Jolla... I even tried to set him up on a date at a Superbowl party. He was always a kind, gentle, funny person I loved to hang out with... he had a way of making people laugh! I am shocked by this horribly sad news... I wish his family all the very best during this difficult time. I will never forget Jeff.

IN MEMORY OF JEFFREY TAMBORLANE AND THE COUNTLESS LIVES HE TOUCHED
(sung to "hey there delilah" by the plain white t's)

hey there dear jeffrey, we've been thinking some about you
you're a thousand miles away, and boy today we sure do miss you- yes we do
our lives won't be the same without you- i swear it's true
hey there dear jeffrey don't you worry about the distance
we're right here i you get lonely- give this song another listen; close your eyes
listen to our voices held up high- we're by your side
oh, if you had only seen- oh, what life could've been
oh, if you had only seen- oh, what life could've been, what life could've been
hey there dear jeffrey, i know times are gettin' hard but just believe me boy things will be better soon; i promise you- you'll have it good
you'll have the life you knew you could; my word is good
hey there dear jeffrey, i've got so much left to say
if every simple song i sang to you could take your pain away, i'd sing it all
then you would never have to fall- you'd have it all
oh, if you had only seen- oh, what you meant to me
oh, if you had only seen- oh, what you meant to me
i remember how you loved to surf- so dedicated to your work; you wouldn't have it any other way
so gentle, quiet and intense; you burned so bright we all took sight of the love you gave us every single day
dear jeffrey, i can promise you that by the time you get through the world will never, ever be the same- you are a flame
hey there dear jeffrey, you be good and rest real easy
i hope that someday we'll meet again, but now while we're apart i promise you, we'll keep you with us in our hearts
please know we'll all be missing you- wish there was more that we could do
hey there dear jeffrey, we love you- this one's for you

I am privileged to have been a part of Jeff's life in the last 5 years, especially in the last few months. I met Jeff on my first year of residency and he was in his third year of training. (He included my bag of junk food (it was over my allowed meal budget in the hospital) on his tray of yogurt and something, and then proceeded in giving me a lecture about healthy eating.) Needless to say, he shared the bag and we ended the meal on a bet - that he was going to be married, or at least consider it, in 5 years, that would have been this year. Every year we would revisit the bet and he would brag that I will never win. As our careers took shape, his brought him to the opposite end of the continent while i stayed behind in NY, and our personal lives evolved, he remained a friend, a confidant, and much more. I got known to his friends as 'mirasol' just because "i like it" (only to confuse them when i would introduce myself otherwise). He was supportive during the ups-and-downs in my life and was surprisingly vocal against some of the choices I made for myself - he was usually easy-going and go-with-the flow with what i did.

Jeff lived the life he thought and felt he could be best at. Everything that has been said here of him is so true. He was passionate about his surfing – thank goodness for surf reports 24/7 otherwise it was a non-stop check of where the best waves were along the coast and he was not one to give up a chance to challenge more waves anywhere he could. He was even more passionate about his surgical career, it defined him and he was always wanting to pay forward by volunteering his time and service to those in need of his skills. He was a son any parent would be proud of - he was protective of his Dad's or Mom's visit wherever he was – Long Beach, La Jolla, Waialua, or St. Lucia. He enjoyed playing the role of " Uncle Jeff" to his friends' kids, especially when he was the godfather – he was pretty good with holidays. He was always on the look-out to match his close friends, (Eric, take note) with a quip "who knows, it will work out this time". He was basically a good-hearted, simply nice person, an irreplaceable gem.

We revisited the bet a few weeks ago, as we were counting down to this month, and I thought I detected some chance that I might actually win it on the 'consider part', he laughed. A few days later, he reminded me that he was going to win it hands down. I guess he did just that. I know that he was happy with what he had achieved at this point of his life - a great career, a chance to surf at anytime of the day, and having great friends and family.

Thanks, Jeff, for allowing me into your life especially these last few months and days. My world will never be the same again and I will miss you very much. May you rest in peace.

mirasol

ps. i know peanut butter, vanilla ice-cream, yogurt, and vanilla soy milk will never be the same again for me.

Mirasol: With your story, I am now remembering how disappointed I felt at one moment when my boyfriend and I stayed with Jeff in Waialua because I opened-up his refrigerator one afternoon when I had the "munchies" and only HEALTHY items were inside: yogurt, vanilla soy milk (like you said), vegetables, and maybe some fruit (unless it had too many carbs for him?). I didn't have much luck in the rest of the kitchen either in my quest for potato chips and other junk food. Well, we were going to stop at a store anyway on our way to a surf spot, so he took us to his local health food store. I picked-out a couple of things and he ended-up paying for it with his (healthy) stuff. I also remember him telling the store clerk to keep the leftover change which was NOT coin change, there were dollar bills left over. Jeff was generous on so many levels in so many ways.....and ALWAYS HEALTHY with his food.

Jeff has been my friend ever since I came to the US. He became my best friend through college and medical school. Whenever I had a problem Jeff was always there, he always got me through the tough times. He taught me how to live my life to the fullest, to always see the humour in things when things were bad. I will miss the times talking through things and just hanging out, whether on the beach or just watching TV. His friendship was unconditional which will be greatly missed. I will always cherish the times we had together forever. The world has lost an incredible person who was loved by anyone he touched

I will miss you Jeff
Brett Menmuir

I too was on the Oriole's. We went from "worst to first". Winning was much more fun and Jeff and Mr. Tamborlane were part of that. Greg, thanks for stirring up the memories of what we knew and did not know about Jeff. I did know about him being a doctor because my mom sees Rose a lot around the hood, and of course always raved about Jeff. Pretty amazing all the stories of the lives he touched. He will be missed and I agree with Denis that he is with Craig, another Oriole.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

When I first met Jeff in college he was living with this guy who had a girlfriend, he was such a great guy he would vacate the room for a night or so. He would just roll up to my room dragging this egg crate mattress and pillow, plop down and go to sleep. I liked to stay up all hours but he would plug in his alarm clock (the dream machine which was always referred to as a dream machine – he never called it an alarm clock) turn out my reading light say goodnight and insist we go to bed.

Jeff had determined by then that he was going to be a doctor. He would often spend five and six hours in the library every night studying. I would try to talk him into knocking off early, as I was an English major and did so little work. I’d say, “Jeff we are going to the tombs at eight come on man.” The first time he said, “yeah I’ll me ya there.” I honestly thought he was going to meet me there. After waiting all night for him to come that turned into our pat phrase. I often tried unsuccessfully to subvert him. On Friday nights we would go out though – he would occasionally relent. We would have a lot of fun.

He often would come home on a Sunday night, later when we were roommates and drag me to mass. Jeff was really going for the spiritual enrichment, but I would go because this Jesuit was one tough customer. I am not going to name names but this guy would always have these fire and brimstone sermons – usually about prostitutes and tax collectors, or something to that effect. We would laugh ourselves silly.

We had a couple events in our Henle apartment after a night on the town that used to really crack us up, though. One time we took all the screens out and we had screen Olympics. This was a fairly august competition where two of us would hold up the screen and one of us would take a running start and try to jump through it. As roommates, Jeff and I lived in such squalor that we used to share the bottom bunk. Whoever went to sleep first slept on the bottom, sheets were totally interchangeable. When we moved out of that apartment we all paid a record fine for damages. Looking back I am both disgusted and nostalgic. No one ever was able to hold us accountable for shrub diving in front of the science center and breaking the halyard while swinging from the flag pole.

Foods - Fast Fettosh Falafel and Snapple ice tea. Nothing else to say.

One time I met this girl who I wanted to take out, but I didn’t have any cash. I asked Jeff for a loan and he gave me his bankcard. You should know that the PIN on his RIGGS card was 1-2-3-4. I am not kidding - it really was 1-2-3-4. He told me to take sixty dollars out. He had eighty in the account. I protested but he insisted. That was his level of generosity. He would give you anything.

The summer between our sophomore and junior year, Jeff did some research at Yale. He came and stayed at my parent’s house for a few weeks. He and my dad would go to the movies together. They were always going to see movies like passenger 57 and Batman Returns. In depth conversation would develop about the plots over breakfast (serious conversation for serious movies, they mocked me for a pseudo-intellectual).

Intellectually he was brilliant at sciences. Orgo and bio were no problem for Jeff. He was a horrible writer though. I mean it was really bad. I think he considered writing soft. I know I wrote most of his English papers, and I remember him giving me a draft of his medical school personal statement that, when I read it aloud made us totally silly. The ideas were there but it was high comedy. I had agreed to help him with it and he just threw down whatever knowing I would fix it. It was a pleasure because Jeff was always there for me. Later when I was applying to medical school Jeff went to see everyone in the dean’s office for me. He played a major role in my acceptance to med school.

I don’t need to say how much he loved his mom and dad. They were nuts about him too. His grandparents also loved him. His grandmother had major dental work done in dc when we were in college. I mean tons of novacaine, she could barley speak, but she insisted on taking us out to lunch. I remember she ate oysters – I mean that was all she could eat – oysters - but Tambe was in town and that meant Tambe2 was going to lunch. They were all so gracious to me. I loved being with them because they always treated me like family.

The day before we graduated my grandfather died at Georgetown Hospital. I went home and woke Jeff up and I was balling. I mean crying like a kid. I was really hysterical. He just put his hand on my head and let me blubber. He was my brother

When he came to my wedding, he took me aside to confidentially tell me that my wife was hot. He did it to crack me up. That was pretty funny too. It was classic.

Some pat Jeffrey phrases – the aforementioned “I’m off like a prom dress.”, “your super situated and that means your bumming” (never really got that one but he said it a lot), of course “I’ll meet you there”. There are many more, but they are not for public consumption.

I played catch up to Jeffrey since we met. Everything I have done as an undergrad, medical student, and surgeon pale when compared to Jeffrey’s career. When I went in this morning to round I tried to imagine how Jeff was on rounds, I never really witnessed that but I am sure that his patients loved him. I am sure that he gave them everyday the same things he gave me when I needed them – some good natured ribbing, a smile, a joke, a reassuring touch. He was larger than life. Some people are like that and somehow it is parasitic - they suck the life out of everyone and they use it, and it makes them shine. Not Jeff, he reflected it and gave it out and that made you feel better and it actually made you a better person.

This is a heart breaking tragedy. We are all lessened by Jeff’s passing. I talked to him all day today though, from the moment I woke up, during my cases, and even now as I write this. I know he is listening. He probably is laughing at me a little, which makes me happy. How about this…whatever you do put a quarter of the effort that Jeff put in to what he did and I guarantee that you will be wildly successful. Follow his example. I have been doing that since we met. In fact I’ve been thinking all day that maybe I should learn to surf.

One thing Jeff would say if you take up surfing..."pretty good." He would be very happy to have another convert into the sport.

m

I have been a friend of Jeff's father since Jeff was in High School.I've never met a father prouder of his son than Jeff's.
We often talk about Jeff and his father beams while discussing his many accomplishments.Jeff's father would do anything for his son
and Jeff is a great son.They recently often vacationed together
and Jeff's father looked forward to spending his retirement years
close to Jeff.The first time I met Jeff,I was immediately impressed.I can't imagine the pain his father is suffering at the loss of his only child.I pray Jeff's father will take comfort in realizing the many lives his son has touched and what a great successful and charitable person his son had become.My condolences go out to Jeff's entire family and friends.

Russ Bailey

I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff. My mom called to tell me the news this morning, remembering how I always had a massive crush on him in high school. He was just such a nice, solid guy, and I'll never forget cheering for him during football games or our morning chats every day in homeroom. I was always looking forward to seeing him someday at our reunion. It's ironic that I spend my career writing about orthopedic technology and find out that all this time he's been an orthopedic surgeon. I'll be sure to keep him in my prayers.
Jennifer Whitney
jennl_1998@yahoo.com

jeff has been in and out of my life since we were toddlers together in haworth. he teased me so much and knew how to press my buttons so well ... he drove me crazy but i loved him and i loved his attention. he would always try to charm my parents ... they loved him like a son and also knew that he drove me crazy. it was so funny and i look back on all of that with a big smile on my face.
my husband is an orthopaedics resident and jeff would periodically check in to see how he was doing and make fun of him for choosing pediatrics orthopaedics over the other specialties. he would also say to me, with my husband right there, that if things didn't work out with the pedi guy, he would marry me because he would be able to provide me with more as a sports guy... hawaii, sun, travel... we would all be laughing... as i grew older, i was able to appreciate his teasing and really enjoy his humor. he really was hilarious.
recently, my mother, my husband, my daughter and i were fortunate enough to meet jeff out in san diego in february at an orthopaedics conference. i was so happy to introduce him to my daughter, anabel. i included a photo of the two of them in greg's photo library. as usual, jeff offered any help or advice to my husband in his pursuit of a fellowship. and, as usual, jeff told my mother that if things didn't work out with the pedi guy, he would marry me and, this time, take the kid too.
i know he will be greatly missed by so many people. i loved reading about jeff from so many different perspectives... perspectives that i had no idea about but ones that i could fully appreciate because his kindness and humor were present in every situation.
my love and prayers go out to mr. and mrs. tamborlane and the family.

I just learned of this very sad news today and am still in shock. I have been a friend of Jeff since college. I spent many a night at the Tombs with him during our three years at Georgetown - but even more days and nights with him in the library. Jeff was definately a hard working guy and was always willing to help others. I will always remember his healthy eatting (he was the only person I knew who would eat a bran muffin and snapple ice tea for a late night snack) and love of surfing. I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff about 2 years ago in Hawaii. I will miss Jeff dearly. My heart goes out to his parents - my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am a Neuroradiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Honolulu, Hawaii. The first time I met Jeff. Was on a very busy Sat. I was the only Radiologist and he came and was frantically pacing up and down behind me and his presence bothered me. I turned around and said "WHO ARE YOU?" He said I am Dr. Tamborlane and I am looking for the MRI doctor on call. I have been paging for about 3 hours and no one is answering me and I have this very sick child that needs surgery and I need to look at the MRI scans. I said are they brain scans and he said no extremity. So I told him that musculoskeltal MRI was not my area of expertise but that I could go over the films with him. The films were quite abnormal and between the two of us we were able to interpet the films and he rushed off to the operating room and saved the childs leg and life! I never introduced myself to him and never saw him again until about 3 months later in August on another very busy call day. He was on call and I was doing a double shift alone. I had injured my rotator cuff and as we physicians tend to procrastinate. I did not get an MRI until that busy Sat. I looked at my images and knew that I had a tear. I paged Jeff because he was on call. He answered me immediately and said that he was in surgery and would come down and look at my images when he was finished. He had at least 6 more surgeries and did not get down to see me until about 745 p.m 15 minutes before the end of my shift. When he walked in to the reading room. He had that wonderful grin on his face (Isaac please contact Ria Rose? She will give you a copy of a photo with that wonderful grin) HE said OH MY GOD! You are the one who helped me saved that kids leg and life that day! He never forgot and was grateful! I was planning a long trip to remote areas in Italy. The first Month vacation in my life. I begged him to allow me to take the trip and do the surgery after the trip and he said absolutely not. Your muscles are starting to atrophy and it will be impossible to repair later. So he schelduled my surgery at the earliest date to accomodate me he DID MY SURGERY ON HIS DAY OFF! MY Surgery was successful and he allowed me to go to Italy, Spain and France. He insisted that I only visit major cities in case I needed medical attention. He had travelled extensively for his young age.
As a patient's mom said in her comment! He was so nice, kind compassionate ,intelligent and handsome. I too looked forward to my office visits. I could not drive so my husband accompanied me to each visit and adored Jeffry as well. He was so accomodating to my busy work scheldule and would squeeze me in anytime I wanted. He also answered my millions of questions and promptly returned my numerous phone calls and pages immediately. He will truly be missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to his parents and grandparents!

Aloha,
Jeff
Maria Noitakis M.D.

I am Jeff's cousin and I have just read each and every one of these posts - they are truly amazing and have left me speechless. I just wanted to add one memory that keeps popping into my head. The summer Jeff was in CT working at Yale, he would stop at our house in the evenings. I remember talking to him about which AP classes to take as I did sit-ups drenched in sweat from a 6 mile run. He said, "Amy, take it easy... pace yourself" and I knew for a fact that it was not a piece of advice that he would have followed. My sister, brother and I LOVED Jeff and admired him for his ability to speak his mind. We all envied his ability to follow in our father's footsteps in a way that we did not. I am sick with sadness and pray for understanding. Thank you for all these wonderful stories that have offered insight into who Jeff was as a friend and a colleague - they mean so much to our family.
Amy Tamborlane Steffen

I met Jeff when he began working for Kaiser in Hawaii. My memory of Jeff will stay with me forever as he had such a beautiful smile always bright eyed and ready to roll. After a few months of coming to Hawaii, he hosted a party for everyone at his house down on the Northshore, which happened to be a few blocks from where I grew up. It was so much fun as he watched everyone mingle & get to know him. It was a beautiful & peaceful place that overlooked the surf. His house was filled with surfboards lined across the wall. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends as I knew he loved all of us in a special way. He will be greatly missed.

What can be said about, Dr. Tamborlane or "Tambo"(as we liked to call him) that hasn't already been said.
I'm one of the Ortho Techs, who worked with him at Kaiser, he was a really great guy, always wanted to know our family, see pictures of our kids. "Tambo" was so giving, caring, concerned of everyones well-being, he just wanted evryone to be happy and healthy. I enjoyed working with him, he was adored by his patients. I've lost a good friend, and physician, whom I enjoyed working with,and just talking too. I'm truely blessed to have met Dr. Tamborlane, and will always remember him.
To the family of Dr. Tamborlane, my condolences on your loss, your son was a very special person.
- Carol

The “DOC” is one of those guys you will never forget.
DOC was a great friend, a great humanitarian, a great intellect, and a great athlete.
One can not put into words the loss that is felt.
• Jeff introduced me to the West Coast. (First time I got on a surf board)
• Jeff introduced me to Utah. (First time I attempted to ski deep powder)
• Jeff then moved to Hawaii. (First time I saw guys surf 15+ ft waves)
Jeff was the guy that introduced me to new and challenging things.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff’s family and friends.

Michael Elmes

My thoughts and prayers go out to all Jeff's family and friends. I can only hope and pray that these beautiful stories and kind words give you some peace in your heart. May God Bless You. Joanne Stickerling

Jeff was a great guy and a real winner. I knew Jeff as an undergraduate and medical student at Georgetown. Thinking back we played rugby, several intermural sports, countless pickup rugby, and basketball games together, shared many classes, and had many mutual friends. His official rugby name was TAZ, short for Tasmanian Devil. He was a tremendous athlete with boundless energy and he ran around the field like the cartoon character. He might have homered in every at bat one softball season. He was very competitive but had a happy-go-lucky way about him which was always likable. He took great care of his friends, his teammates, and his patients. He drove a little too fast in North Carolina once, but that resulted only in minimal time in the cooler. (Jeff would have laughed at that last line). The world lost a force of nature. By God he was a force for good.
Cheers Jeff, you are missed. You and your family are in our prayers. Dan Will, MD

The thought of Jeff brings forth a flood of memories: Georgetown, Henle Apt. 69 and Dave Bruno, St. Thomas and Eric Levine, rugby on the mall, intramural football games on Kehoe field, riding our bikes to work out down near G.W., Randy Panetta making of fun of Jeff's little shrieks when something grossed him out. All of these memories include a vision of him smiling, about to laugh, with his bow legs and mischievous grin. He was the man. I remember telling him that he should come out for rugby, thinking he wouldn't last a day. The guy was incredible, fast as hell, tenacious, one of the most determined souls to ever walk the planet. He dominated the rugby pitch as he dominated all the other endeavors he put his mind to. I am shocked at his passing, and so sad for his friends and parents. Jeff was one of a kind. He will be dearly missed. Unfortunately I didn't keep in touch with him after he left for residency. I wish I would have. I guess I assumed that he would always be there and that we would catch up over a beer at the Tombs down the line. Jeff, I miss you and I hope that we can grab that beer someday, somewhere. I know that if there is a heaven, you are dominating it. You are the man, and you are missed. -MPurvis

I heard of this tragic news last night, but I still cannot believe that it is real. I have probably not talked to or seen Jeff for some 15 years, but I never forgot about what a true friend he really was to me (as he was to so many). Jeff was an amazing individual, truly one of a kind. Jeff was there for me during some very difficult times in my life, and I will always be grateful to him for that. I have so many nice memories of Jeff, and I will now hold them even closer to my heart. My deepest sympathies go out to Mr.T and Jeff's Mom and to all his family and friends. Jeff, you will never be forgotten.

Ewald Michael Behrens

It was a shock to hear this sad news. I grew up in Haworth with Jeff. I am impressed with how he matured over the years. In our 7th grade math class, with Mrs. Froelich, I remember turning around and seeing Jeff sitting with a bandana over his face, like a bandit. It cracked a lot of us up, maybe even Mrs. Froelich. By the time we were in high school math together, in Mrs. Molnar's class, I remember his relief at receiving a good grade when our tests were given back. It was obvious how much he wanted to please his parents. It made me smile to hear that he'd become a doctor. He was obviously very driven, and it sounds like he did some wonderful work with patients and as a volunteer. My family's deep sympathy goes out to his parents, family and loved ones. You'll be reunited in heaven one day.

With sympathy,
Aileen Kurjian Hartunian

I can't recall when I first met Jeff - perhaps in Kindergarten or first grade - he was a friend for many years and a good one at that - He was a tremendous athlete and when were on the same team he was always the all star - the best I ever did was hit a few balls off him and he never let me forget that game. You had to play a very good game at any sport to overcome Jeff's combination of drive and talent. I think our Junior year of High School we played 50 rounds of Mini Golf - you always wanted to be on Jeff's team as it was inevitable that he would pull it out at the last minute. He was a generous guy but he always had enough for his TCBY or a trip to Emilys diner for that late night bran muffin. He was dedicted and driven - he studied night and day when we roomed together at U Maryland focused like a laser on getting into Georgetown, although we did play quite a lot of Ping Pong in the 7th floor lounge and some serious Nintendo Golf. I remember a good place to find him if one was looking was at his grandparents - who he adored and watching him and his grandfather interact was priceless. As a kid he was unlike any other, strong principles, strong personality, charming, loyal, honest, talented and with a strong will - as an adult the posts above are testament that he became the kind of man many of us aspire to be.

TNT you were truly Dyno o mite

D. Colli

Dr. Jeff Tamborlane was truly a wonderful unforgetable person and surgeon. A intelligent and intellectual man who was like a child. Full of energy, always willing to listen and help if he could. He truly cared about his patients, friends and loved ones and was never at a loss for words. He was always active and helped others and loved sports and mainly loved his mother and father and spending time with them. He enjoyed the holidays when I would bring in baked totally from scratch, oatmean and peanut butter cookes and a fresh pumpkin pie (from the pumpkin not can). He was very gratiful and appreciated of life and everyone. He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Barb S.

“The Doc” taught me how to surf and I have been surfing ever since. His compassion, purpose, and drive will always inspire me!

I met Jeff when we were lowly interns in LA and kept in close contact with him over these many years. We continued to exchange notes on our orthopaedic residency training as well as our first jobs at Kaiser. Jeff meant enough to me that I refused to let distance weaken our friendship. My wife and I have many fond memories of our times with Jeff, and we are both devastated by his loss.
I was always amazed at how people were drawn to Jeff, how he could walk into a room and immediately, everyone's mood lifted. He had an amazing, extensive group of friends and I had the honor of meeting several of his closest friends over the years including Greg, Eric and Brett. You guys meant the world to him and he always spoke so highly of you. For those I didn't meet, I share with you my enormous sadness.
I never had the privelege of meeting Jeff's parents, but my heart goes out to you for your incomprehsible loss. Jeff spoke so lovingly and fondly about you constantly.
In life, very few people come along with the integrity, humor, charisma, athleticism, brilliance and loyalty that Jeff possessed. I am truly blessed that I had my time with him. Jeff packed more in his short life than most of us will in a regular lifetime. He will be missed immensely and remembered eternally.
I feel as if I lost a brother.

Gene Bobroff
genebobroff@yahoo.com

I was so sorry to hear of Jeff's death. I knew him only briefly when he visited our clinic on the big island. He was always so pleasant, hard working, and conscientious. He answered my questions promptly and was always so gracious. We chatted several times and I only wish that I could have gotten to know him better. Everyone at the clinic is devastated. If someone could post or e-mail me his parents' addresses, I would appreciate it. Several people would like to send his parents' notes. My condolences to everyone.

Rose Price
60 Terrace Street
Haworth, NJ 07641

It's just so hard to believe he's gone.

I remember Jeffrey as a little boy sitting in my Grandma's house - doing is homework, playing, eating and always smiling. I remember Jeff making his first communion. He brought my Grandmother so much joy. They'd spend summers at the swim club. It was such a special relationship. We watched him grow up but we always called him "Little Jeff".

Jeffrey never forgot Grandma, he always came back to see her and she would light up. I remember when my Grandma was in the hospital about five years ago. She didn't have long. Jeff came to visit her and said, "Don't worry Grandma, I'll take care of you." She was so proud of him and how much he'd achieved. "Little Jeff, A DOCTOR!" she would proudly exclaim.

I know they're taking care of each other now.

Love and prayers,
Regina Pesce

Even though I did not know Jeff long he was a wonderfully Spiritually driven person. Always caring for everyone before himself and always smiling. I can see how he would want to help make the world a better place and that his strong family ties helped him to become the man, the Doctor, the person. It was a shock when I heard that he had left the physical world to join the spiritual world, but knowing that he is now watching over us, listening, caring, guiding, in that realm is a gift. He provided to all many miracles and blessings. Jeff will truly be missed in this physical world.
It is so wonderful to read all that you and other family and friends have written.
It is so wonderful of Greg to have set up this site so individuals as myself could share what is in our hearts to his family.
Blessings of Love and Light,
Barb
abbykats@yahoo.com

I am so sad to hear of Jeff's passing. I have such great high school memories of him - hanging out, talking for hours on the phone, watching him play tennis...
I feel so fortunate that he was part of my life and know that his memory will live forever in all that he touched. My deepest sympathies to all of his friends and family.
Meredith Boylan Garth
meredithgarth@hotmail.com

An overwhelming amount of my favorite memories and stories from high school, college, and post college involve Jeff. I had lost touch with him directly over the last few years, and this i regret. I last saw him in early 2006, where he was his same old fun, outlandish, outspoken self. He gave me the thumbs up on my girlfriend @ the time and now wife, which mattered to me. What Jeff thought mattered, even if we weren't as close. It has been said in this forum by others, but worth repeating, Jeff was an ORIGINAL and genuine, i don't honestly think i'll ever meet anyone like him again. Whenever I told a "Jeff" story (and their are a ton of them) I always referred to him as my good friend Jeff.

See you again one day my friend

Jamie Michaelson

"Little Jeff" I am deeply saddened about the loss of my dear friend and neighbor Jeff Tamborlane. He was a big part of my childhood and now as I drive down our street, all I see is him as a kid riding his bicycle with a baseball cap on. He had a lot to offer and everything to live for. He was good hearted, successful, handsome, and loved by many. He was everyone's friend. My sister and I spent a lot of time with him growing up and we remember him fondly at eachothers' houses. I think that anyone who grew up in Haworth knows their childhood friendships stayed with them in their hearts even if they didnt stay in touch during their adult lives. It had been a while that I had seen Jeff, but was lucky enough to have dinner with him last September for his birthday. I was very grateful for that...who could ever have known it would be the last time. You'll always be in my thougts and prayers. Deepest sympathies to his parents and family. We''ll miss you.

I found out about Jeff's passing from work at Kaiser. There was a memorial service for him at the hospital on Tue. I was stunned. Jeff was one of the few orthopedic physicians on Oahu who also covered our Big Island clinics & has been providing that service consistently for several years.....a much needed service for our Big Island patients. Anyone who worked or lived on Oahu would all agree that traveling to the neighbor islands for work is challenging. It's a tough schedule to sustain because the traveling wears on people after while; I have done it myself from time to time. I admire Jeff for having maintained that schedule to care for so many of our Big Island patients. It takes discipline. I see from this forum that this is one of Jeff's many remarkable qualities.

Although we never formally met at work, we did meet once when he took care of my daughter as a patient in late 2005. I was impressed by his clinical judgement, excellent interpersonal skills, & most of all his humbleness. Like many before me have mentioned, he had a way of capturing the attention of his audience. I still remember some of the things we talked about during our casual conversation. He told me he is from New Jersey and has been in school almost all his life. I told him all that schooling has totally paid off & that he is set for life. He laughed. Before leaving his office, he handed me his business card & told me if I needed anything more or have any questions later, just give him a call. He was very sincere. I left the appointment with my daughter completely satisfied.....did I mentioned I asked him plenty worrywart questions during the visit & he still offered me to call him if I come up with more later. I haven't met too many people like that.

We lost a good physician & a good human being. He will surely be missed & be remembered by me. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Take good care. Jeff, you too.

Yushiu Kinlaw

My earliest memory of Jeffrey was his "Fonzie" imitation, (age 2), prompted by his mother,Rose. The Trademark Tamborlane Smile would follow, knowing he had just pleased his audience! Terrace Street in Haworth always had heavy traffic ... "Big Wheels" could always be heard. Living across the street from Jeffrey, my daughter, Nicole & a myriad of kids had the run of the yard _ that is, ALL the yards on Terrace Street! Occasionally, we unoffially 'closed' the street for "Big Wheel" races & refreshments. "Snack Wells" also conjure up Rose's constant search for Jeffrey's favorite cookie. Everyone was on alert when Foodtown received a new shipment! Jeff, his Dad, / Coach instilled in him his passion of sports ... all those YEARS at Memorial Field! The greatest gift you can give someone is TIME. Both Rose and Jeff gave their time to Jeffrey, each in their own way. When reading all these touching remembrances of Jeffrey by his friends and colleagues, it is apparent that Jeffrey learned and lived by this. I'm sorry I do not remember exactlly the last time I saw Jeffrey, but I did tell him I expected free medical advice! He responded with that winning smile - which I took as a YES! Jeffrey leaves behind a loving family and a legion of friends, with treasured memories - all too soon, but an unforgettabhe legacy. Heartfelt condolences to Rose and Jeff, and all those fortunate enough to consider him a friend. Karen Zarycki

jeff and i spoke several times about his flying to the Big Island every two weeks from the very beginning. i'm guilty in suggesting to him that maybe after a year, he should reconsider it esp when he would sound so tired after a trip. he would humor me but he never considered it because he liked the people he worked with in Big Island, felt his presence was not only needed but also welcomed, and the tiredness? - he took it in stride.

It is with great sadness that I sit here today to write words in memory of a person whom I knew and more importantly who shared the same childhood I did growing up in a town I hold very close to my heart. As kids growing up, Jeff and I ran the same bases in little league, listened to the same coaches in high school and ran onto the same fields to play football. More importantly, however, we both shared in the experiences of growing up in a little 3square mile town.

Often, people who I've come across and who have heard me speak about where I grew up find it difficult to understand why I love Haworth as much as I do. To be honest I'm not sure I understand either. I do know, however, that the friends I made and corner-cut "squares" I enjoyed were all from a time when innocence, love of friendship and family as well as a sense of safety permeated from every street. I was blessed to have grown up in such a town and to have met and befriended the very same people who have written the beautiful words in memory of Jeff above and below this little missive.

Jeff will be missed but he will always be remembered, at least in my mind, every time I see a little kid run onto the playing fields of Haworth.

~Gerard

David Pinchefsky here. Sorry to hear the news. My prayers go out to his family and friends.

I grew up with Jeff in Haworth and he was a great friend, classmate and teammate to me for many years. Jeff was the guy who stood up for me when I didn't stand up for myself. The guy who could always make you laugh and bring a smile to your face when times were tough. And he was the kind of guy you always wanted on your side.
I haven't seen Jeff since highschool, but every time I heard something about him from a mutual acquantance I marvelled and was so proud of his many successes. It is strange the little things we remember, but there's one memory about Jeffrey Tamborlane I never forgot. We played baseball together for many years. His dad, Mr. T, was our coach for most of those years. At the start of every inning when it was our turn to take the field, as I was putting on my catching gear and Jeff was getting ready to take the mound, he'd say "Let's go have some fun, Billy." He always knew what really mattered.
The news of his passing hit me very hard and my deepest condolences go out to Rose, Jeff Sr., and all of his family. I will miss you dearly Jeff.
Bill Zois
Haworth '86

It's hard for me to even imagine having a Christmas go by with out Jeff coming over. It's crazier even to think that he just doesn't live next door anymore. Fortunately, I got to grow up next door to Jeff. My brother Dave and I used to play Dukes of Hazzard and they used to fight over who'd be Bo or Luke. And I was the girl on the back of the go cart that Jeff made. I remember Dave and Jeff fighting over who'd be my best man??? Crazy, but awesom. I had 2 big brothers. We used to ride our big wheels down his driveway until Rose would yell at us. The list goes on. Jeff was a GREAT friend, part of the Christensen family and we will surely miss him.
I know he's been a great physician, helping so many others and that's the way I will always remember Jeff - thinking of others before himself. My thoughts go out to all of us mourning, especially to his family.

Like everyone I am stunned, shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Little Jeff. We grew up together in Haworth and even though I am a couple of years older than him, we were always close back then. Rose and my mom were good friends and we were at each other's homes a lot. I have many memories of Jeff - dinners, holidays, swim club visits and even baths together (when we were just babies, of course!). What a way to drag us all into the reality of life - and death. Love each day like it is your last is not a cliche - with the terrible loss of little Jeff, we are all made too aware of it's horrible truth. He was a fun guy with a great sense of humor. I was lucky enough to see him when he visited and then lived in L.A. I will miss him and can only hope he is in a better place with a lot of excellent waves. My sympathies to everyone - Rose, Bill, Big Jeff and all of his friends all over the world.

jen well put.

Greetings. I also did not know Jeff very well, but I do remember back in the days that he was a kind person. It's sad to find out this information. I would not have have known until Eric Ditches sent me an email about it at work. My condolences to his family & friends.
~Anthony Corvelli '90

My family and I were saddened to hear the news. I too grew up in Haworth and have many memories of Jeff - most of which involved fun times on the fields and at the swim club. Jeff was a great athlete and a terrific person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Kathy Gregory Schwartz

I was very sad to hear the news of Jeff's passing. Although we lost touch after high school, I have fond memories of what an upstanding, nice, honest, well liked (the list goes on) person Jeff was. Reading all of these posts about Jeff remind me what a special person he was and how much he will be missed. It is obvious he had a great impact on many people who were lucky enough to have known him.

Scott Winrow sdmiler@aol.com

When Jeff was growing up, he was an important part of our family. He was a cute, good-natured boy, and we had wonderful times with him for many years; we loved him like a son/brother. Although we rarely saw him after he went to college, we continued to think about him, and we always laughed when we recalled the many funny incidents that occurred when we were with him. We cherish our memories of Jeff, and he will always have a special place in our hearts. Words cannot express our sorrow at this time. We feel that we all have lost a truly good person and friend. Our deepest sympathies to Rose and Jeff, and everyone else who knew him and loved him.

Maria, Mel, Elissa, Kim and Jeff Gershon

I was overwhelmed with grief when I heard the horrible news. Two close friends from college had called me, and told me of Jeff's passing. Jeff and I went to college and medical school together. Unfortunately, I had lost touch with Jeff, and feel saddened to learn about all his remarkable achievements on this website. He was very intelligent, very funny and painfully sarcastic. He was a very loyal friend. He was always there for his friends and family. Jeff acted "rough around the edges". His snide comments, and sharp tongue made for many gut-splitting laughs. On the inside, he was a sensitive soul. Jeff, you are in my thoughts. God bless you and your family. -Randy Panetta

Aloha family and friends of Dr. Tamborlane--I am a Big Island (Hilo) patient of Dr. Tamborlane and very much appreciated his kindness, sense of humor, dedication and professionalism. He impressed me with his caring personality, especially when knee trouble could have kept me from outrigger paddling indefinitely. As an athlete and a surgeon, he understood the dilemma of needing to schedule surgery when it would cause the least down time for my practice schedule. He did my surgery in January on Oahu and I was so appreciative of his concern for me there, because he knew the trip back and forth from the Big Island would be hard on me with crutches. He even made arrangements for a follow-up visitation when he was on the Big Island so I wouldn't have to make the trip back to Oahu. Maybe we Big Island patients don't express our appreciation to the Kaiser doctors who travel back and forth from Oahu, but we do and I tried to always remember to thank Dr. Tamborlane for making the trip. At one of my follow-up appointments in Hilo, I remember his comment about the new green shoes I was wearing: "Those are really pretty but I'm worried that you might twist your ankle in them." I thought it was so cute and funny at the same time but it meant that he was concerned about my recovery. I also got a kick out of the scribbles he made on my knee before surgery. As he said, "just making sure I've got the right places for the incisions." The pre-op nurses came by, saw the scribbles, laughed and said, "Dr. Tamborlane has been here!" He is dearly missed by his Kaiser co-workers, staff and patients, both on Oahu and the Big Island. Such a tremendous loss at the height of his medical career. But, Dr. Tamborlane lived a full life and has left a huge, positive mark on everyone. These postings are testimonies to how well-loved he was by all. My prayers go out to his many fans--family, friends, Kaiser staff and patients. Mahalo Dr. Tamborlane for serving your life with compassion, Ellen Okuma

I was one of Jeff's instructors during his orthopaedic residency here in New York. Jeff was a beautiful, warm person and instantly "lit up the room". Supervising him and teaching him the art of orthopaedic surgery was easy. He was intelligent and showed that he was going to be an excellent surgeon. I knew Jeff for four years, and that time went all too fast. I was happy for him yet sad for myself that I was losing an excellent resident when he graduated. When I first met him I liked him instantly- but that is the measure of Jeff. We always had fun in the OR while getting the job done. He would want to try a new technique in the OR and me being sort set in my ways would prefer my standard approach. Then it would come; "Dr. O'Connor that is sooo old school." He entered the program as a student and left as a teacher.

My two sons knew him as Dr. Jeff and he was an instant friend to them (in their eyes- they were 5 and 4 years old when they knew him) and still ask about him.

I am still devastated and in disbelief of this sadness. My most heartfelt sympathy and condolences go to his family and friends. I have attached a photo that I found that was at Candlewood Lake, Conn in 8/2001. I tried for hours to get my sons in the water but they were afraid. Jeff came down and in 2 minutes he had them in.

God bless you Jeff and may you find peace.

Daniel O'Connor, MD

Overwhelming Kindness.

Endless Generosity

Unconditional Support

Generous Humanitarianism….

The universe trembled when Jeffrey left us. Hawaii had wildfires, meteor showers, and a close call with a hurricane. I believe that the collective grief worldwide has caused these.

Jeffrey was world wide. He had friends and patients on every continent.

To say I loved him like my brother is an understatement akin to saying the sun is warm.

Many of you knew Jeffrey from when he was young, and knew him as a great guy. But let me tell you about the mountain of a man Jeffrey developed into. We lived together in medical school and down the street from each other in residency and one island over from each other in Hawaii. We spoke every day and visited often.

When I met Jeffrey, he was a senior in college and on the rugby team. I watched him grow into an incredibly mature compassionate highly skilled surgeon. And a gentle, kind, tolerant human being. His dedication to his patients equaled his dedication to friends and family. He was friends with the housekeepers in the hospital but couldn’t name the CEO. Material possessions to Jeffrey were truly just thing that cluttered up his life. Money was something to do good with, and to use to help people. Anyone who was ever in any kind of pain had a friend in Jeffrey. I have witnessed him performing incredible acts of generosity to perfect strangers.

Jeffrey excelled me in everything. He was a better Surgeon, a better surfer, and a better humanitarian. He went on medical missions about 13 times he went to India, Guatemala, Vietnam, Cambodia, and last month to st. lucia. I went with him on one to Fiji and we operated together and I kept promising to go again. Two weeks ago he came to my hospital and guided me through a surgery that I find difficult, but that is easy for him. The weekend before he passed he came and stayed at my house. We golfed and we went to the beach, and I missed out on his last surf session. He introduced me to my wife and picked out this suit and tie for me two months ago before our oral boards examination. I have spent the last week wondering how I am going to make it without Jeffrey.

This is how I am going to try. I am going to walk gentler and be kind and forgiving like Jeffrey. I am going to look after my body better like Jeffrey. I am going to do more medical missions to honor his memory. I am going to Smile because he can’t. Watch sunsets because he cant.

Jeffrey’s legacy is growing. UCSD, one of the most prestigious sports medicine fellowships in the US has begun the Jeffrey Tamborlane annual best fellow award.

The organization he performed missions for will begin a new division in his name.

He will live on in the hearts and minds of the people he touched. He will live on in the hands of surgeons he taught. In the arms and legs of people he has healed. And in the sunsets that he came to appreciate over the last few months.

All of us in San Diego w/ Sharp Rees-Stealy fellowship family, are so very sad of Jeff's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are w/ his family and friends.

Kendra Johnson, Dr. J. Miles and Leanne Palacios

I recently heard about Jeff's passing from my cousins Lou and Mike's parents who live near me here in Florida. I was deeply saddened when I heard the news. I am many years older than Jeff but I do remember him and his father very well. Every once in a while I used to help coach his soccer team in Haworth with Mr. Zois and Mr. Hatab. The one thing I will always remember about Jeff was his incredible smile as a young boy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May God bless him and may he rest in peace.
Lou Fiscella
Haworth 79

This was one of the saddest things I have heard in a long time. I am 9 years older than Jeff and hadn't seen him in years, but he was one of the nicest, cutest, sweetest kids I ever knew and, although I ran into him once or twice after he graduated high school, I'm sorry I didn't get to know him better as an adult. I was one of the "big kids" in Haworth that he knew and he was always great to be around. He was unique in that at a very young age, he wasn't self-centered like most kids. He was always interested in what you had to say.
I remember playing a lot of ping pong with him (and Greg - who was another exceptional kid) at the swim club and teaching him to play basketball and other sports at Memorial Field. I always enjoyed his company and, of course, his father's. The world lost a gem...

Greg, I’m so sorry to hear this terrible news. Jeff was a great kid growing up, and from what I’ve been reading matured into an incredible individual. His Grandparents lived directly behind the house across the street from us. Anytime Jeff would visit them, he would cross the yard ring our bell and ask to play. We would kick the soccer ball around or throw a baseball. He was an extremely athletic talent. My parents were so fond of him. I am so deeply saddened. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all who knew him.

Michael Fiscella

We, as current patients, were surprised and deeply saddended and crying at his sudden death which we found out about today. What a loss to medicine and to family and friends. We had an excellent surgery process with him for a very serious and still recurring injury that few surgeons have ever done. We could say more but the rest of the posts tell the story. May he rest at the Lords side and give inspiration to other surgeons. Dr. Tam, check in with my only son, Jacob who was up there already. He would have made a fine surgeon too and is always good for a laugh. Or just go fishing with him and my dad!

Aloha Nui

Gail and Bobb. Kona

Greg, this is Rachel Flotard.
I'm stumbling across the news about Jeff tonight, and humbly send my heart to you, Jeff's family, and old friends on this post.
It's amazing how even after 16 years, I can still see orthodontics pushed to their limits as Jeff's galactic high-school smile tested titanium. What a charming and hilarious person I remember, and now so amazed by his accomplishments in medicine and friendship.

Thank you for posting that wonderful photo of you, Jeff and your daughter.

Love from Seattle,WA
Rachel

I played baseball with Jeff my first year in Haworth little league. He was the Best Player in the league. No matter if you struck out or made an error He always encouraged the younger and less talented to become better. Then he would crack a couple of home runs over the center field fence to lead his team to victory.
The last time I saw him was at the gym before he went to medical school. He was thrilled about becoming a Doctor. I'm sure he was a great Doctor. Of course, I'm very sad to hear this news. My heart goes out to his Dad, who I knew as a kid, and his family.

I know you are exploring the medical field in your new life.. I remember the good times you, your mom, Mark my son and I have shared from Montauk to Buffalo and more. You and Mark are now happy and sharing everlasting happiness
Love Cousin Gloria

It doesn’t take long to realize how quickly Jeff infects your life.
I first met Jeff in residency as his senior orthopedic resident. He was a character from the start – bright, eager, and cocky, but in a good way. He was a hyper little puppy. We had a very small residency program where each resident had to get along and be reliable – there was really no place to hide. It was not long before Jeff established himself as an eager learner, a wonderful caring person, and a gifted surgeon. It also wasn’t long either before Jeff exhibited some of his quirks. He had an unhealthy passion in surfing in subzero weather, a very close relationship with his family, a phobia of fats in his foods, and a desire to workout above any other human needs or wants.
Jeff made residency fun. We pushed ourselves to be better, more efficient, more proficient physicians. We constantly sought to try out a new procedure, develop a new technique, or get a study ready for presentation. We surfed the web in the name of “orthopedic research” **wink,wink** (almost got in trouble by the hospital administrators and many computers subsequently went into lockdown and were confiscated for awhile). He was a favorite amongst the elderly female patients whom he would call “Grandma” and would give them a hug at the end of a clinic visit. For several weeks, I had the female nurses drooling for him after I posted photos of him flexing topless (six pack and all) on the computer screens in the ERs, ORs, patient floors, and clinics. Although embarrassed, he never did seem to be in a hurry to remove the pictures.
When my daughter was born, Jeff was one of the first people to ask to hold her. Up until that point, she had never screamed or cried more in anyone else’s arms. Jeff felt so badly about scaring her and wanted so badly to have this baby like him that on his next conference trip which happened to be in Hershey Park he bought her baby dish and cup set. Even now, my daughter, now 7, still eats from it.
To this day, one memory stands out as quintessential Jeff. A couple of the residents had been accepted in presenting their respective research at a national orthopedic meeting in Orlando, FL. It was his first accepted research paper and presentation. Some went alone, others brought their wives/girlfriends, but not Jeff; he invited his mother. There he was at the podium, dressed in a suit, just about to present his paper in front of some of the most prestigious surgeons in the world and standing about fifteen feet away in the middle of audience was his mother standing proudly in the middle of the aisle, clicking away, and taking pictures! Jeff was there grinning with his patented goofy smile. The session didn’t start until Jeff’s mom sat down. It was such an odd, precious and sincere moment.
At one of our year end dinners at Peter Luger’s Steakhouse, Jeff was upset that his “game” with the ladies was subpar and not to his satisfaction. It took about a dozen of us to convince him that after so many years of such disciplined healthy eating with a diet lacking in fats and cholesterol that his libido, testosterone levels as well as other counts were probably at all time lows. Up until that point, no one in the residency had ever seen Jeff eat an entire steak and, believe it or not, a huge ice cream sundae whipped cream, fudge, nuts and all so quickly and with such gusto. There are pictures of that rare event, if I could only find them…
After graduation, Jeff’s star really started shining. He completed a sports medicine program, continued his charity work in far off lands, and situated himself in Hawaii where he could enjoy his two passions – orthopedics and surfing. With our co-resident and one of Jeff’s closest friends, Rick, already out there, I thought they would be an unstoppable pair in the islands. It looked to be such an ideal situation. I kept in contact with Jeff fairly regularly from random cold calls and calls from time to time on advice concerning an interesting case that came by the office.
I leave these fond anecdotes to not only share but to help me make some sense of it all, and to fill in some of the emptiness. Any more recent thoughts are just too be painful to bear.
Jeff, I will miss you sincerely and emulate your caring, generosity, and professionalism always. My most sincere condolences to his family.
David Y. Lin, MD
davelin@aol.com

I was deeply saddened today when I found out that Jeff had passed. He was my fathers orthopedist last summer after my dad had been hit by a car. I was helping him to one of his appointments when I had a chance to meet jeff. I talked to him for a minute or two and told him that I had broken my ankle 6 months prior and it had been misdiagnosed in Sweden where I had been playing professional basketball. Although I was covered by Kaiser, I was a part of the Georgia region so there was a lot red tape and policies about seeing a doctor out of region (Hawaii region) for a non emergency situation. This did not matter to Dr. Tamborlane and he immediately got me an appointment with him the next week. I had to return to Sweden to play another season of basketball and was only going to be visiting in Hawaii for 3 weeks. In that time, Dr. Tamborlane saw me 4 times, ordered me x-rays and 2 MRI's, just to make sure that I would be okay to play basketball by the seasons start, and I never had to pay a dime. I'm not sure how he worked that out with my HMO, but it speaks volumes as to what a generous and compassionate person he was. On top of that he also really helped my dad through his injuries and he really connected to every person he came in contact with. Although I only knew him for a short time, I looked to him as a friend more than a doctor. In his busy schedule we talked about not just my injury but surfing, hawaii, New York where I went to college, and Georgetown. I just wanted to share my experiece with Dr. Tamborlane and to let you know that you are not alone in your loss. I hope that it makes you smile to know that there are people like my father and I, whom Jeff left a lasting impression on.

Aloha,
Ryan P. Carr

I knew Jeff during his orthopedic residency here in New York. And he is ALL, what everybody said about him and more. He always has a smile or a "hello" to anybody that comes his way. I am going to miss "the daddy".

Judy,Nora, Marilyn, Luz, Krystyna,especially Margaret and all the nurses and or techs that worked with him for the years that he was here at SJQH, are going to miss him very much. It is still shocking, painful and very sad to think that we are not going to see Jeff- smile and bother us again.

Our prayers go to his parents and family, and friends.
Mylene

Dear Greg,
My heart goes out to The Entire Tamborlane family, Mr. Tamborlane, and you too, as I know how close you were to him. I met Jeff when I moved to Haworth in 1980, we were in 2nd grade. In fact, I remember when I first met him, it was after a magic trick, Greg and I performed in front of the class, he wanted to know how it worked, Truthfully Greg and I truly didn't know how, we just simply picked a card from the deck, and guessed it correctly, and somehow Jeff was determined to figure out how it worked....I should have known then from day one, he was a tremendous hard worker that always gave 110 percent effort in everything he did, whether it was teaching younger kids, or protecting them(and me too), he always put himself on the line, when he never had too. He was a very thoughtful and caring human being....
Among other things, he taught me how to drink milk...He downed milk better than anyone in the world!!! (you all knew that, it just hasn't been written yet) I happened to be on every little league baseball team, he was on. And he & Craig Woods too, I'll never forget won all the time, every season (Fellowship & Steinmetz teams) I'll never forget (in 1984) how he was given the Darryl Strawberry autographed ball, and the Dwight Gooden autographed ball by the league, for being the best homerun king and strikeout pitcher...at the same time! They should have given him the lifetime achievement award, for all he did on that field. I remember the car rides, Mr. Tamborlane gave us, to play Soccer in all star games (traveling games) all around North Jersey. Nobody but Shelly Babaica, and I, were witnesses to how much class and respect was given to him from kids in the North Jersey area, while being on that soccer traveling team. He was a witness to a banana kick goal, which he worked with me on, so many, many times, from the corner... Everyone knew him by name, he stood up for me, when other kids on the team dominanted on the field, so I just simply kept feeding him the ball from the defense (Mr. Tamborlane always said I had a big foot!) He dazzled people and scored at will, however he would always trot back after scoring to thank me, he was a Great Sportsman, HE WAS A CLASS ACT!!!!
Jeff was better than all the rest, he was the simply best, and he succeed in everything he ever did! I'm proud to know and hear he was a successful doctor and saved lives. I'm privileged to have been in his life while at The Haworth Public School. I just wished I could have thanked him, maybe someday I will...While out here in California, I always thought that I would bump into him, by the ocean or in Hermosa? I now know, That Will Never Happen...I just always thought I'd see him again, the last time I saw him, we were in NYC w/Greg ....he was freshman in college, going to Georgetown, he gently punched me in the arm and wished me goodluck, I'll never forget it, and he told me I'd see him again on the west coast, even though I was headed for New Orleans for college, I guess he knew me all too well, that I would be in California, (Los Angeles to be specific) as I talked about the great weather in California, and other opportunites here...I believe Greg, and other Haworthians are such great people with such busy lives, that I tried my best not to disturb or interrupt, and hopefully "kethup" as Jeff would say, in good time....I truly miss all of you Haworthians, and pray often, that we all will see each other one day and "kethup"....Take it easy, Til then and God Bless, The Classy Humanitarian, Jeff Tamborlane! He will be missed, but May he never ever be forgotten!

Howard Strum
Howardstrum53@aol.com

I was deeply sadden to hear the passing of Jeff Tamborlane (9/28/1972 - 8/10/2007).
He was a good friend of mine during high school and we had some great times.
My condolences go out to his family and closest friends.
Always had a smile, never had any problems with anyone in school and was an honest to God great guy.
You will be missed Jeff, I will say a special pray for you in my Temple.
"Zichroncha Levracha" this basically means RIP in Hebrew.

Assaf Ben-Haim
assaf@zmood.com
NVRHSD - 1990

I was just forwarded your blog, Greg, from a friend of the family. I am unbelievably saddened by the news of Jeff's passing. Like so many have already said, I too have wonderful memories of Jeff and our time together in grade school. He always had such a strong and stable spirit and a warm comforting presence. I remember always thinking of him as the big brother I never had. It's been so many years since I've seen him but even this many years later, the memories are just as powerful. It's truly heartbreaking and my thoughts are with all of his family and loved ones. It's wonderful to see just how many lives he touched. Amanda Harding Polson

It is with saddness and shock that I post to this blog today. Rose, Mr. T, and Jeff's friends/loved ones...I am so sorry to hear of this terrible loss. My father called me today to let me know. I have fond memories of Haworth Public School and Jeff was definately a reason for that.
From all the posts listed above, it is obvious that he truly made a difference in people's lives. He is misses and I will keep his family in my prayers.
Gwen Bernardo Spath
gwen@classpath.com

Dear Greg,

I just learned of Jeff's passing moments ago. I am in complete shock and deeply saddened by the news. My deepest sympathies go out to Jeff's family. I have not talked to you or to many of the people I see who have posted from Haworth, NJ and Northern Valley in a good 20 years or so, but seeing all of your names and heart-felt words has moved me beyond belief.

My memories of Jeff are all good ones. As I sit here composing this entry, a smile crosses my face as I think back to those days when we used to play on the playground or walk home from school together during those elementary school years in NJ. I met him in Kindergarten and at times in my early childhood and teen years was fortunate enough to be good friends with Jeff.

He had an amazing ability to make people smile and laugh. (Reading Jeremy Coleman's post about the fallopian tubes and Jeff referring to them as "flowers" -brought a rush of memories back to me of all the times Jeff and I would laugh about so many random things.) I always wondered what happened to him and would hear bits and pieces of his progress through life from others somehow connected by our small home town of Haworth. He, among others, I have subconsciously wished to run into randomly at a CVS or ShopRite while home for the holidays, but have not had the fortunate opportunity to do so.

One was always comfortable around him. He was one of those people who had a big heart and wasn't afraid to show it or share it with others. He will be missed by so many. Again, my deepest sympathies to the Tamborlanes and to you Greg. We all loved Jeff in our own way and always will.

-Suzanne Kao (Haworth '84; Northern Valley Regional '90)
skao@hrk-law.com

That was supposed to be Haworth 1986. I'm already forgetting how much time has passed. We will miss Jeff, dearly.

Jeffrey Tamborlane, so much character in just 1 perfect soul. I had the priviledge of meeting Jeffrey while he was in his residency in New York. I remember how he would always try to save the day and fix everyone's problems; whether it was giving his cell phone number to his patients, or agreeing to be a date for a wedding for some random woman he had barely knew, or how he would offer his beachside "crib" to anyone who was in the area without any hidden intention, or how he would take me out for ice cream at Cold Stone whenever I was in town and bored. The best part of Jeffrey was how he had the most pure intentions, almost childlike. He really just wanted to play all day, whether it was at the gym, watching his large repertoire of MTV shows, or surfing, he just enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. I had the biggest crush on him, but he just could not seem to fit me into his play schedule. I remember he had a special relationship with my parents and he was always so touched about how much they adored him. He even got my 74- year old father tickets for the U.S Open for no reason at all, just because he thought my dad would like it. I also visited him in Hawaii for 3 weeks, and he offered his home to me and my boyfriend. He was so generous with all that he had and would never think twice about giving you the shirt off his back. His happiest moments were spent during surgery, at the gym, and then coming home with some ridiculously healthy dinner and watching MTV in his work- out clothes or surfing shorts, and having ice cream for dessert. There are so many unique things about Jeffrey that were so perfect, like how he had a fancy coffee maker and fancy coffee in his apartment just for visitors, since he did not even drink coffee. Or how he would invite perfect strangers into his home any day and not even think twice about it. I remember when I went to visit him in Hawaii, a very nice couple from Japan was also visiting and he just handed over the keys to his car and told them not to worry because if they crashed his car, it was no big deal since it was replaceable. He also had two of everything in his home, back- up soy milk, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc. Cheesecake and ice cream were some of his simple pleasures. He had a separate room in his place in Hawaii just for his prize collection of 15 surf boards, which were his most prized possessions and which he was so generous with, he would let absolutely anyone use, even the amateurs. Whether he was in New York or Hawaii, he always lived more than 35- 40 minutes from work because he always had to live near the water for "the surf." There were so many perfect things about our Jeffrey, but I think my favorite was his genuine kindness and generosity. He was a real live Mother Theresa, with all of his trips to underprivileged countries every year and all of the countless times he spent every day trying to help anyone and everyone in need any way he could. He was a hero and I was privileged to call him a friend. I miss his infectious smile. - Ajita (amina@mail.amc.edu)

jeff was a good sergon i was his last paitent before he went on his vacation every day in the hospital he would visit me in the morning at lunch and at night i had just found out today that he paseed away from his sub doctor i was shocked

I met Jeff while living in Hawaii. I injured my knee while playing volleyball and the only orthopedist available in Kona was leaving on vacation for a month. My primary physician called Jeff and asked him if he could squeeze me into his busy schedule during his visit to Hilo. Jeff, as we all know him, did not hesitate to say yes. Since I met Jeff, he was always willing to help me and answer my questions about my knee injury. I just had my third surgery on the same knee and can't help but think about Jeff and how kind and caring he was to everyone he knew. Jeff and I became friends, and I am happy that I was able to see him a few weeks before his passing during his visit to California. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. We all miss you Jeff...and Happy Birthday.

I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Jeff's passing. I just recently lost my father and have been looking for some of my old friends and Jeff was definitely one of them. Him and I met in highschool and all I can remember is just laughing. We had some great times and we kept in touch during college but just drifted apart after that. I just send my best to his family and hope that they know what an amazing person he was and just remember his great smile, personality and laugher.

I was fortunate enough to train with Jeff during orthopedic surgery residency. Not only was he an amazing surgeon but generous and funloving. He was my friend and I was looking forward to spending time with him when we were both done with residency. I miss him dearly. May God bless his soul and his family.

-Neo Stefanides M.D.

In a month's time, it would be a year when I got Eric's call to let me know that "Jeff is gone." A year yet I have to check this site so often to convince myself that he is really gone. He is indeed missed.

One year ago today was the worst day of my life. I literally fell to my knees when I heard Jeff was gone.

Today , however, is a day to be positive. I remember all the good things about Jeffrey, and how he made me a better person, and made this a better world. How many people do you know who make this a better world. It is a short list, and Jeffrey was at the top.

He really, by example, taught me to be a better person. I keep trying, but I never can seem to be as good as he was. But I am better than I would have been if I had never known him.

In one month I will have my first child . If it is a boy, we will name him Jeffrey, and hope that he may grow to be as good a man as his namesake.

For anyone reading this blog, august 10 will never be just another day. Just remember fondly how much better your life is because of the life of Jeffrey Tamborlane. Give thanks that you knew him. And try to be a little more like him, and the world will be a little better place.

Rick Goding

ric, unfortunately, i have to use this site to extend my congratulations. jeff would have been most excited of your good news, especially your child, and a son at that! again, congatulations and the best always.

mirasol

Hi
I am Jeff's First cousin, and I am sure I was the closest to him, since he was the oldest and I was the second oldest...>>>> I am so happy to hear that you are going to name your child after him....I debated... My Son Miles who is 10.5 months old His DUE date was Jeff's Birthday.. Sept 28th... Long story short.. I went into labor one day early, on the 27th.... in the morning.. we almost had to do a c section but we didn't because Miles was born 11:30 pm ONe half an hour before Jeff's b-day, my original due date....Here is the kicker... My husband's family is fron TURKEY, so my daughter who is 3 looks like my husband.. Miles my son.. LOOKS LIKE Jeff...and my Dad's side of the Tamborlane side of the family...... It is weird...anyway.. if you go to www.meltambo.blogspot.com you can see pics of my son.. born ONE day before Jeff's birthday..hard days ahead.... GOD I MISS HIM SO MUCH.. Thanks for listening...
xoxo
Melissa TAMBO Wilson...

Today was definitely a bittersweet day for me. We celebrated our daughter's 2nd birthday with family and friends and it was truly a magnificent day. The souls of children are a wonderful thing. However, I could not help but think of my friend Jeffrey and how nice it would have been if he was there to celebrate with us. I know he was looking down, however, undoubtedly about to catch the next set of waves. Peace out, Jeff!

-Greg

Today is the second anniversary of Jeff's death and I have just learned of his passing. Years ago, I was his girlfriend. Today, I mourn the loss of his life. Only tears today. I love you Jeff.

I was just looking for Dr Tamborlane today. I smashed my thumb and was looking up Ortho..doctors at Kaiser. I don't know how he died but it happened only four months after my last visit with him over a terrific rotator cuff surgery he performed for me. It is sad news and as his former girlfriend mentioned it's been two years. All the best to family and friends. If someone wants to tell me what happened I would be interested.