Dr. Irving W. Bailit

Irving W. Bailit, of Newton, MA and Ogunquit, ME (formerly of Needham) died Monday at home, surrounded by his loved ones, after a fruitful life filled with love and caring.

He was born in Brockton, MA almost 101 years ago. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he received his M.D. from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1948. He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII and later served as a battalion medical officer with the First Division, U.S. Marine Corps in Korea (1951-53).

Dr. Bailit opened a practice of pediatrics in Needham in 1954 and later restricted his practice to allergy/immunology. He was beloved by his patients and their grateful parents alike.

Long associated with the Children’s Hospital in Boston, he spent almost 60 years caring for children and later adults as well in his allergy practice. He was on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and on the staffs of the Children’s and Brigham and Women’s Hospitals. He enjoyed the challenge of teaching young physicians in training. After leaving private practice he worked as an allergist at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan.

Irv was an active member of the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement where his endless curiosity motivated him to both take and lead courses.

He was a wonderful and creative cook, an energetic gardener, a loyal friend to birds, animals and humans alike. His joy for reading the newspaper every day, cover to cover, was matched by the pleasure he took in walking the Maine beaches or raking the gravel in his Japanese garden. All who knew him were inspired by his optimism and his vitality for life.

He leaves, in addition to his beloved friend, soul mate and wife, Carol Cole, his son, Michael Bailit and wife Julie of Needham, his daughter Rachel Bailit of Santa Monica, California, and step sons Eric Cole and his partner Hannah Karass of Marblehead, Jeff Cole and wife Lori Kret of Aspen, Colorado. He leaves his adored grandsons David and Eli Bailit and Ethan Cole. He also leaves his sisters Marilyn Lilly of Palm Beach Garden, Florida and Irma Kaplan of Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Bailit was predeceased by his son, David Eric Bailit, his sister Charlotte Sagansky and his brother Dr. Howard Bailit.

A service celebrating Irv Bailit’s life will be held at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham on Friday at 12:30pm, livestream viewing is available using the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/4412864/09b15763b2

Interment will followed at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon.

Contributions may be made in his name to the ACLU to help fight hate and prejudice.