"I happened to read this sad news just this morning as I was writting a eulogy for one of his patients, my wife. Dr Durudogan saved Dawn Lorenzo's life as she nearly died post child birth. This was in 1968. Moving to RI the year prior she needed a doctor with his discipline. Their first meeting took him out of his seat when she walked in and greeted him with "Merhabba Nosilsiniz"! in Turkish. (She had spent time in Turkey working at at US government installation.) After he delivered a "miracle baby" she nearly died from a blood infection. I remember him walking through knee deep snow to the hospital to treat her on New Years Eve after admission. That was the beginning of the 6 week dedicated and diligent care he gave her while at Newport Hospital. He is still held dearly in the hearts of those of us left behind who knew him. Truly an incredible human being!"
In loving memory of
Yilmaz S. Durudogan
February 13, 1927 - March 20, 2023
Yilmaz was the youngest child of the Durudogan family. Before the turn of the century, his father, Ottoman Pasha Ibrahim, had fathered seven children. Upon the death of his first wife, Ibrahim married a young widow, Mediha, and had 4 children. He died 20 years later, survived by Mediha and 3 children (Mustafa, Fahri and Yilmaz). The Republic was established and the surname Durudogan was chosen.
Yilmaz earned his medical degree from Istanbul Medical School in 1950. Most of his professors had fled Hitler's Germany prior to the Holocaust. He benefitted from an international class and a prestigious faculty. Yilmaz repaid his medical school with service as a municipal physician in Nazilli and Bosdogan villages in the Izmir Province, and completed his military service in Eastern Turkey.
In 1954, he followed a fellow classmate and interned at the Newport Hospital. There, he met his future wife Dorothy Donia Christian. Her sister Helen was the pharmacist at Newport Hospital. He then entered his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the Cardinal Spellman St. Claire's Hospital in Manhattan, NY.
In late 1958, he returned to Turkey with his wife and newborn son. They settled in Izmir, where Yilmaz opened his private practice, worked in government supported healthcare, and was an active consultant with the NATO Hospital at the European Command Headquarters. Four years later, a military Coup D'état influenced their decision to return to the U.S. with their 2 sons and Yilmaz's mother.
Settling in Rhode Island, he worked at Fatima and Kent County Hospital. in 1962, he joined the Audrain Medical Group with Dr. P. Houston, Dr. A. Carrellas, Dr. R. Knowles, and Dr. C. Serbst. Yilmaz eventually moved into a home office on Kay St., where he began a solo practice. Upon Dr. John Carey's retirement from Newport Hospital, he became the Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1973-1994. Yilmaz donated a birthing room to the hospital in memory of his mother.
Yilmaz always played soccer in his student days, but it was on the old hospital tennis courts on Powell Ave. that he learned to play tennis and enjoyed years of friendly competition at the indoor/outdoor Casino tennis courts. On weekends he could be found with his three sons in an enthusiastic street hockey game. On Kay St., there were at least 30 children in the neighborhood, so fielding a team was never a problem. In retirement, he was an avid, successful tournament player on the Boca Pointe tennis team.
Yilmaz authored 3 books. His autobiography titled, "From Island to Island", and 2 OBS-GYN manuals, one for students and one for the general public. All were published in Turkey. In 1999, a 7.44 magnitude earthquake devastated the Naval Base at Golcuk, killing more than I00 people. The books were sold to benefit the surviving families of young seamen. Many Turkish naval officers studied at the Newport Naval War College. These officers & their families enriched Yilmaz's and Dorothy Donia's lives and led to a lifetime of devoted family friendships.
During his retirement, he and his wife lived in Hillsboro Beach and Boca Raton, Florida in the winter months. There, with his fellow Turkish retirees, he founded the Florida Turkish/American Assn (FTAA) in Fort Lauderdale. Yilmaz enjoyed singing in the chorus and participating in several FTAA clubs including Poetry, Book and Watercolor (which was taught by his wife).
Yilmaz is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy Donia; his son Haluk and wife Elizabeth and their daughter Hayley; his son Hakan and wife Karen and their children, Peter, Eric, Sarah and Hunter; and his son Harun and wife Laura and their children, Leigh (Blake), Adam and Cate.
In Turkey, he is survived by two sisters-in-law, two nieces, one nephew, their children and grandchildren, and many extended family members.
Yilmaz will be buried in the family plot on Buyukada, Turkey. He lived a long life of selfless dedication, love of family, generosity, community, and humanity. He leaves prayers for one world.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Tributes
"Rest in Peace.... My condolences to his family. What a wonderful man and doctor. Dr. Durudogan delivered both of my children 1976 and 1978. He was my doctor for 12 years. His home on Kay St. was amazing! I am so grateful to him. "
"To Mrs. Durudogan and Family, I was very saddened to hear of Dr. Durudogan's passing. He was a wonderful man and physician. He was my gynecologist for many years until he retired. My family and I always enjoyed running into him during this retirement and talking about "old times". I will always remember coming to your beautiful home on Kay Street for my appointments. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time."
"I remember meeting Dr. Durudogan for the first time about 48 years ago. I was pregnant with my son. I had a miscarriage prior to this pregnancy and was quite frightened about what was ahead of me.. Dr. Durudogan was so kind and reassuring to myself and my husband. He gave us such comfort and I completely trusted him. He made a promise to me that he would do his very best for me and my unborn child. It was not an easy delivery, but he more than kept his promise. His compassion and honesty were unparalleled. I know his professional skills are well documented, but for me his gentleness and sincerity will remain with me forever. I am very grateful to have had him as my doctor. Peace and love to his lovely wife and his family. Maureen Laurie"
"My sympathy to the family. I saw Dr. Durudogan for many years. He always took needed time with his patients. Thank you,, Dr.. Durudogan, and his family for giving him to us. "
"Indeed Dr. Yilmaz Durudogan left a prayer for one world?encircling everyone. We / I was so fortunate to have Yilmaz as my obstetrician with his diverse medical education. Without a doubt; I would not have given birth?with Gods two beautiful gifts?had Dr. Durudogan not been our choice. Dorothy certainly was / is a devoted wife, mother and friend and with great wisdom and talent in her own light. Having time is of the essence,,,and it existed in this family?forevermore."
"Dr. Durudogan was a genuine, beautiful person who cared about his patients and valued bringing little people into the world. He delivered my children many years ago and for years after he would remember me and both he and his lovely wife would greet me with a big smile. My thoughts and condolences are with Mrs. Durudogan and her family. "
"Dr Durudogan was the BEST doctor ever, he delivered all 3 of my children in 1966; 1969; 1970 His wife was so lovely I used to make them cookies often,,, RIP Doctor My prayers are with the family Carolyn Clapper Sly"
"So saddened to hear about Dr Durudogan?s passing. He as such an intelligent, kind,, gentle and caring physician. He was my gynecologist and delivered my first child., Christine. I can remember going to my visits on Kay street to his beautiful home./ office Mrs Durudogan would greet me at check in. I can remember having a great deal of anxiety during my pregnancy. Dr Durudogan was one of a kind.. He was patient with me and always took the time to answer all my questions. I was sad when he retired, but happy to hear of all his enjoyment, contributions and continued accomplishments during retirement. . My deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the Durudogan family. His memory will be eternal. ? Maria Volpicelli Kenney"
"Condolences to the family of Dr. Durudogen. I was fortunate to have him as a Dr when I had my three daughters many years ago. He was such a caring and gentle man! May he Rest In Peace. "
"A wonderful Dr who delivered my three daughters many years ago. Dr Durudogan was always kind and caring a real gentleman.
Condolences to his family. May he Rest In Peace. "
"Yilmaz lived a life fitting to the meaning of his name in Turkish: fearless, brave. He never shied away from helping others; friends, or strangers. We had the pleasure of being friends with Yilmaz and Dorothy for many years and always enjoyed their company and conversations. Rest in peace, Yilmaz. Cemal & Jan Ekin PS I also uploaded a photograph of Yilmaz and Dorothy taken at their home when they invited a group of us for dinner. Thanks for the memories."
"I believe Dr. Durudogan delivered me at Newport Hospital in August of 1964. I did not know he was still alive. I am happy to learn he lived a long life with his loving wife. He sounded like an amazing man. My condolences to the family."
"Dr. Durodogan delivered both of my children. The last one 45 years ago this month. He was so kind, gentle and caring. I will never forget him. Rest in peace."
"Hakan and Family, My sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of your beloved father. He was such an accomplished man and his influence reached far and wide. Truly, he was a wonderful role model for all. I pray for the family?s comfort. Sincerely, Rosemary Davidson"
"A wonderful man, a kind and skilled doctor. So fortunate to have known him at one time. Thoughts and prayers for the family in this time of great loss."