Stephen Alan Youngwirth, age 69 of Boston, Ma. passed away after a short battle with cancer on Jan 21, 2017. Stephen was born in Atlanta, Ga on August 3, 1947 to Sol and Grace Youngwirth. He received a Doctorate in Medicine (M.D.)  and Bachelor of Science (B.S.)  after completing dual enrollment at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Albany Medical College of Union University. Following graduation, he became a major in US Air Force serving as flight surgeon. It was love at first sight when he met another officer, Joni Yttreness. As luck would have it , she didn't need to change her monogram after their April 1975 wedding. Following military discharge, he  completed a residency in Ophthalmology at Boston University followed by a Retina fellowship at Mass Eye and Ear. He conscientiously cared for patients in his private practice for over 30 years and, more recently, at Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston. He was a passionate pilot for over 5 decades. He flew out of Hansom Air Force base since the 1970's. Stephen and Joni's most recent flight was piloting to Virginia in August 2016 to visit their oldest Air Force friends. Stephen and Joni made their home in Lexington, Massachusetts for over 30 years. He considered his daughter Nicole of Cambridge, Massachusetts and son, David, of San Diego , California, the greatest blessings of a long and happy marriage. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his parents and brothers, Lewis (Mary) and Glenn (Dina). He has many  nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory. His family, patients and friends will remember him as a kind, conscientious, modest man with a quiet sense of humor. Truly, a mensch. A private internment will be held for family at Westview Cemetery in Lexington.

A joyous open house to celebrate Stephen Youngwirth's life will be held Friday, Feb 3  from 3-7 pm in the Clarendon Room at The Clarendon, 400 Stuart St, Boston 02116.  This informal celebration is an opportunity to eat, drink and share stories about a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, gifts made in memory of Stephen Youngwirth may be sent to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA,02284, or www.dana-faber.org/gift, or Commonwealth Cares with Doctors Without Borders indicated in the memo line;Commonwealth Financial Network Attn:Gavin Morrissey, 29 Sawyer Rd.,Waltham, MA 02453.