Dr. David H. Weinstein, age 96, passed away on Friday (November 25, 2011) surrounded by his family. He was a decorated World War II hero, dedicated dentist, beloved family man and humanitarian. He had been honored for his service to more than three generations of patients over 50 years of dental practice in Hartford’s North End. He was a Captain and dentist in WWII, and was awarded the Bronze Star, among other awards, for his heroic service. Dr. Weinstein attended local public schools, graduating from Hartford Public High School in 1933. He later attended the American International College, the University of Connecticut, and earned his BS and DDS from Loyola University in Chicago. In 1940, he became the first dentist from Hartford to volunteer for the Army Dental Corps, and the first dental officer to operate on patients in Germany. He completed basic training at Fort Devens, MA, 45th Division, then Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was a dentist with the 101st Cavalry. He then attended the Medical Service Field School in Carlisle, PA; Camp Kilmer, NJ Station Hospital. In 1942, Captain Weinstein served in Scotland, then England, with the V Corps, VII Corps, and 29th Division, under General Bradley. While in England, he also completed post-graduate studies at Oxford University. He served in the Battalion Dental Service – Dentistry for Combat Engineers; and was Assistant Battalion Surgeon of the Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Athletic and Recreation Officer, Member of Special Court Martial Board, and Special Service Officer. He delighted in describing his arrangements for Yehudi Menuhin to entertain the troops. In 1944, Captain Weinstein was transferred to the 1st Infantry Division. In France, he served with the XVIII Airborne Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. He was in the first wave at the D-Day Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, with the 1st Army, 1st Division. He served in the 1st Division in Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. In 1945, he served in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium; and under General Patton with the 3rd Army in Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, and France. He also served in other battles including Ramagan Bridgehead, Battle of Rhine, Siegfried Line and Huertgen Forest. Captain Weinstein received five major campaign stars. He was awarded the Bronze Star for “skill, enthusiasm, and uncompromising devotion to duty.” Other awards included the American Defense Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Amercan Service Medal, Occupation of Germany Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Commemorative Medals from France, and the Purple Heart. After the war, Dr. Weinstein served in the CT District Reserves. For 50 years beginning in 1948, Dr. Weinstein practiced dentistry in the North End of Hartford. He took post-graduate courses at Walter Reed Hospital through the GI Bill. He served on the courtesy staffs at Hartford, St. Francis and Mt. Sinai Hospitals. He was a loyal member of the Hartford Chapter of the Jewish War Veterans-Post 45, and a life member of the American Dental Association, CT State Dental Association, Hartford Dental Society, and Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity. He took pride in mentoring over 75 dentists in his practice. In 1985, Dr. Weinstein was awarded the Upper Albany Merchants Association Award for “outstanding professional service to the community, serving three generations of patients.” He was awarded the Alpha Omega Fraternity Award in 1986 for “distinguished services to the Hartford Chapter and Greater Hartford Community, for 50 years of fraternalism, professionalism and Judaism.” An active member of Congregation Beth Israel, West Hartford, he was honored for his service, teaching, and participation. In the community, he was active in theater and music, and known for his vibrant spirit and love of dancing. On Dr. Weinstein’s 90th birthday, he was honored by Mayor Slifka, State Senator Harris, and Governor Rell, with a proclamation of “Dr. David H. Weinstein Day in the state of CT in 01/04/2005.” Dr. Weinstein was married for 62 years to his beloved wife, Mildred (nee Jackson) of New Britain. He was the proud father of five children and their spouses, Sharon Weinstein, MD, Lincoln, MA, Susan Weinstein Cinner (Peter Cinner, DDS), Leverett, MA, Eliot Weinstein (Marcy Aronson), NYC, Mark Weinstein (Nancy Belliveau Weinstein), Windsor, CT, and Arnold Weinstein, DMD, West Hartford, CT. He was the adored grandfather of Shira, Max, Ariel, and Daniel Weinstein, Juliana and Josh Cinner. He was predeceased by his parents, Eli and Chaie Sarah Weinstein, and his sister, Temma Weinstein Short. He will be deeply missed and his memory cherished by his family, friends, patients, colleagues and community.
Funeral will be held at Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford on Sunday, November 27, at 1:30 p.m. Internment with full military honors to follow at Beth Israel Cemetery in Avon CT. Calling hours and shiva service will be held and the home Dr. Arnold Weinstein, 68 Lyman Road, West Hartford, on Sunday at 6 p.m. For further information, directions, or to sign the guestbook for David, please visit the website at www.weinsteinmortuary.com. Contributions in Dr. Weinstein’s honor may be made to the Hebrew Home or Congregation Beth Israel. The family wishes to extend appreciation to the staffs at the Hebrew Home and St. Francis Hospital for their devoted care.
