Dr. Samuel Wagonfeld, a highly regarded Denver psychiatrist and analyst, passed away Jan. 24, 2017, in Denver. Rabbi Steven Foster officiated at the Jan. 29 service at Feldman Chapel. Interment followed at Emanuel Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
“Sam’s many friends knew him as a passionate and extraordinarily intelligent man with wide ranging interests, strong opinions and an extensive knowledge of varied topics,” the family said.
“He felt bereft if he did not have his daily copy of The New York Times.”
Dr. Wagonfeld was born in 1931 in New York City. His parents both immigrated to the US from Russia in the early 1900s. His father Harry Wagonfeld established a successful wholesale pharmacy business in NYC.
A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, Dr. Wagonfeld earned his MA at Cornell University, his MD at Chicago Medical School and an MS from the University of Michigan.
He completed his residency at CU Medical Center and was a psychiatric resident and child fellow at the University of Michigan.
In 1967, Dr. Wagonfeld returned to CU and began his long association with the Denver Psychoanalytic Institute, where he was a training and supervising analyst.
He developed a successful private practice in 1975 but continued to consult with and volunteer for the CU Med Center. He was on the UCMC admissions committee.
Dr. Wagonfeld’s wife Barbara died in a tragic accident in 1987.
A member of several professional societies, Dr. Wagonfeld was an instructor at the CU Med School, Denver Psychoanalytic Institute and the Denver Psychoanalytic Society.
A specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychoanalysis, he was revered as a wise and insightful pioneer in the field.
Later in his career, Dr. Wagonfeld developed a forensic psychiatry practice and primarily represented the interests of young people and their families.
“Fiercely proud of his Jewish heritage, Sam considered himself a cultural rather than religious Jew,” the family said.
Dr. Wagonfeld, an inveterate collector, developed a world-class art collection featuring Inuit art and had an extensive stamp collection.
He loved fly-fishing, golf, movies and wine.
Dr. Wagonfeld is survived by his two sons David (Alison) Wagonfeld and Joel (Lisa) Wagonfeld, who live in the San Francisco Bay Area; and five grandchildren.
He is mourned by Sally V. Allen, his beloved companion of 26 years, and her family.
Contributions may be made to Friends of Chamber Music, 191 University Blvd., #974, Denver, CO 80206 or the Douglas Society at the Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO 80204.
Copyright © 2017 by the Intermountain Jewish News
