Dr. Melvin Joel Fratkin

Dr. Melvin Joel Fratkin of Richmond, Virginia passed away on August 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 85. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Dorothy Fratkin. He is survived by Joyce, his devoted wife of 63 years; two brothers Barry (Winnie) and Michael (Barbara) of Bluffton, SC; brother-in-law Ralph Navon (Alicia); three sons: Dr. Andy Fratkin (Lisa), David Fratkin (Esther) and Kevin Fratkin (Paige) of Indian Land, SC; grandchildren Jacob Fratkin (Nicole) of Charlotte, NC, Nicole Friedenberg (Zachary), Harrison Fratkin of Denver, CO, Justin Fratkin, Jillian Fratkin and great grandchildren Camden and Sloane Fratkin, Jordan and Ruby Friedenberg and numerous nephews and nieces.

He had a distinguished career at VCU Health (Medical College of Virginia) where he served as Vice Chairman Department of Radiology and Chairman of the Division of Nuclear Medicine for many years. His professional memberships included the American Medical Association, American Physicians Fellowship for the Israel Medical Association, Medical Society of Virginia, the Richmond Academy of Medicine, and the Society of Nuclear Medicine.

He was awarded Best Doctors in America: Southeast Region; Continuing Education Award MCV; Continuing Medical Education Physicians Recognition Award, AMA; and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha and Sigma Zeta honorary medical fraternities.

Melvin was an exceptional student at Douglas Freeman High School where he was President of the student body and a standout track and basketball player. He was inducted in the Douglas Freeman Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023. He attended Duke University where he graduated with honors in three years. After graduating, he received his doctorate from MCV before serving as a Captain in the Air Force. He returned to Richmond to start his residency in internal medicine and endocrinology. Over the next 47 years, he provided care, researched, wrote many scientific papers and taught numerous medical students and residents. He retired from his distinguished career in 2017 as a tenured faculty member.

In retirement he resumed his love for watercolor painting specializing in family pet portraits. He enjoyed golf, reading, genealogy, watching Duke basketball and spending time with family. He loved spending time in Longboat Key and never missed family time watching the sunset. Affectionately known as Saba, he was proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and was an adoring grandfather and great grandfather. We want to thank KIRVA Hospice and Jewish Family Services for their loving care during his final days.

Funeral Services will be held at Woody Funeral Home Parham, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229 on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 12:00 noon. Following the service interment will be held at Richmond Beth El Cemetery at Forest Lawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the VCU Radiology Residency Education Fund: payable to MCV Foundation, 1228 E. Broad Street P.O. Box 980234, Richmond, VA 23298 and Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, P.O. Box 17128, Richmond, VA 23226