Readers Remember Beloved Children's Doctor

A number of Patch readers expressed condolences for Dr. Joel Widelitz, a respected . 

Widelitz, a co-founder of Kaplan & Widelitz Pediatrics, died Aug. 8 from complications during surgery.

Here are some comments (unedited) posted by Patch readers:

Lani Beggs: Dr. Widelitz was my kids' doctor. I am so sad to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his staff, family and friends.

Sara (Torres) Mouzakis: Dr. Widelitz took care of my son when he was a toddler. Now 27 with his own children he never forgot Dr. Widelitz. Which my grandchildren could have experienced his kind demeanor. What a gentle doctor he truly was!

Vincent D'Alessandro: It saddens our family of the tragic news. Dr. Widelitz made my son, wife and myself very comfortable every time we went to see him. With his kind smile and bright eyes...He will be missed. God bless

Ben Goldberg: Dr. Widelitz was my son's Doctor along with Dr. Kaplan from Birth until now at age 16. Dr. Widelitz saved Josh's life when he was dehydrating at age 2 by insisting that he be admitted to Memorial instead of waiting until he got worse. We love Dr. Widelitz and my son and family are devastated with the terrible news. We pray for his family, friends and staff for some comfort in this terrible time of loss. This man was a true "Mench" and losing him at such a young age is just un imaginable......

Cathy Rodina: Dr. Widelitz was pediatrician to both of my daughters and now my granddaughter. He had a wonderful way with frightened children and worried moms alike. I am stunned by this news. Rest in peace Dr. Widelitz, we will miss you so much!! The Rodina Family

Jeffrey K Seitelman: Dr. Widelitz (along with Bob Kaplan) was wonderful. Caring, friendly, compassionate and knowledgeable. He was my son, Rob's pediatrician and a fine one at that. He will certainly be missed by all.

Constance Kuhn: Dr. Widelitz was a kind and gentle soul. He will be greatly missed.

Kimberly: Hannah Osborne (9 years old) says Dr. Widelitz was very special to her, she is heartbroken to lose him and wishes she had the opportunity to say good bye... So sorry for the family and staff... He was an amazing and gentle man, the children in Heaven are lucky to have him.

Natalie Wolfs: Dr. Widelitz was a great doctor. I was so sad to hear of his passing. He has seen 4 of my children since they were little and they always had fun with him. He was so good at making them feel comfortable, even my 2 year old who is very shy with strangers. Dr. Widelitz would always gt him giggling. I never felt rushed when he saw him. He always took time to answer all of our questions. He was just a really nice guy and a great doctor. Thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and co-workers.

Cynthia Miller: So sad with this recent news! We saw him several times in the office and was professional yet silly with the kids.... I pray for the family he leaves behind, as well as the office staff!

Renee Burlin: We are so sad to hear the passing of Dr. Widelitz. I remember how he always made us feel confident and at ease with visits to the doctor. He was always so nice and fun to get my girls to talk with him. He would bend down to their level and talk in a kiddish way make them smile. He always never forgot to let them pick their own stickers before they left. He will be greatly missed, we were honored to have him treat our children as their Pediatrician. The Burlin Family.

LYNN SHAW: So sad to hear about the passing of Dr. Widelitz, he was such a nice man & good Doctor. He has seen my son a number of times along with Dr. Kaplan & I myself had been seen by him when I was young. My prayers go out to his family & staff.  The Shaw family.

Followers of Los Alamitos Patch's Facebook page also expressed condolences.

Steven Wasserman: So sorry to just hear this, great man, working together on the same patients over many years...

Amelia Fritz-Grefe: A sad loss, he treated my 3 kids from birth to adolescence. Such a warm and caring Doctor, he returned the late night calls with kindness. He helped a new very nervous Mom (me) learn to relax too!

Tammie Ottenad: He was a wonderful pediatrician. He was kind, the kids loved him and he put you at ease (especially when you are first time mom). As my kids grew he made them feel comfortable when taking their sports physicals and they felt like he really knew them. He will be missed and we will pray for his family and friends as they process this sudden loss.

And readers responded to a story by a . 

Maura Hudson: Dr. Widelitz was my 7-year-old daughter's doctor, and was her first visitor in the hospital upon birth besides family. He's held our hand through some challenging times and we sure do miss him.

Jeffrey K Seitelman: Dr. Widelitz was, along with Bob Kaplan, my son's Pediatrician. A kind, compassionate, professional, very bright and caring. He will be missed.