Robert D. Blute Jr, MD

Dr. Robert Dennis Blute Jr. August 26, 1948 to November 5, 2023WDMS member since: August 28, 1980

With the deepest of sadness, we note the passing of a true pillar of the Worcester medical community, Dr. Robert Blute, Jr., “Bob” as he was known to his colleagues, was a wonderful physician, husband, dad, brother, son, relative, and friend. Bob grew up in Shrewsbury and graduated from St. John’s High School. He graduated from Tufts University Medical School and always planned to follow in his dad’s footsteps and train as a urologist. Bob trained at Beth Israel Hospital in general surgery and then went on to his urology training at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Following completion of his urology residency he joined his dad, Dr. Robert Blute, Sr., in his practice. Bob brought innovative skill to his surgical practice and was an impeccable and innovative surgeon. Bob was the urologist who urologists would call on for advice in dealing with complex cases. Bob was instrumental in keeping the Urology Residency Program at UMass Medical Center alive, becoming section chief after the then chief moved on. In that capacity he mentored many physicians.

Residents, students, and colleagues in the UMass urology program drew from his energy. He epitomized the Energizer Bunny. There was a time when he booked and completed multiple radical open prostatectomies in a single day and still had time to catch a flight and participate in an international urology conference. He would find time between cases to run over from St Vincent to Memorial or UMass Hospital and perform urgent surgery and then return for his next case. Bob had an excellent clinical sense and was never heard to say no to the most challenging cases. As new practices including laparoscopic and robotic techniques emerged, he mastered them and insisted the residents learn them as well. He was the consummate teacher learning from residents and willing to teach all. Most importantly his patients loved him and would often wait hours for an appointment. As his health failed, he continued to charm patients and colleagues with his memorable stories and shared his family pictures as he was so proud! His workplace was a second home to him. His larger-than-life presence will be particularly missed in the corridors of St Vincent Hospital, but his legacy will live on particularly in the medical community and all he touched.

Wayne B. Glazier, MDBhalchandra Parulkar, MD