Paul Edward Sapir, MD

Dr. Paul Edward Sapir, 96, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at his home in Providence, Rhode Island, surrounded by his family.

Born in Chicago to Professor Edward Sapir and Jean McClenaghan Sapir, Dr. Sapir was raised in New Haven, Connecticut, and New York City. He graduated from The Cambridge School of Weston before earning his degree magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1950. He continued his education at Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1959. Following an internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he trained in psychiatry at Massachusetts Mental Health Center and Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and completed psychoanalytic training at the New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute.

He began his medical career on the staff of Montefiore Hospital in New York before relocating to Providence in 1974. There, he practiced psychotherapy and psychoanalysis until his retirement in 2011. He also served as a clinical faculty member (emeritus) at Brown Medical School. Dr. Sapir was a past president of the Rhode Island Psychiatric Association and a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

He contributed to several committees of the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute and was a member of the American Psychoanalytic Association. He served on the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline for the State of Rhode Island. He was a member of the Hope Club and Review Club.

An enthusiast of Baroque and Classical music, Dr. Sapir also enjoyed sailing in his younger years on Long Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, and Lake Winnipesaukee. His family farmhouse in Alton, New Hampshire, remained a cherished retreat throughout his life.

Dr. Sapir is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia (Kutik); twin sons Timothy and Cass; daughter-in-law Elana Feldman; grandsons Milo and Evan Sapir; sisters-in-law Betty Sapir and Marcia Frifield; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his siblings H. Michael Sapir, Philip Sapir, Helen Larson, and J. David Sapir.

A memorial service will be held in the spring in Providence. His ashes will be returned to Alton. The family will welcome visitors at home on Tuesday January 7th and Wednesday January 8th from 7-9pm.

In gratitude for the care he received, donations may be made to Miriam Hospital in Providence.

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