Ronald N. Margolin, M.D.

Dr. Ronald N. Margolin, of Waltham, and formerly of Newton, died at home on Sunday, August 16, 2026, following a period of declining health. He was 84. 

Ron was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 3, 1942, the son of the late Abraham and Eda (Russo) Margolin. He grew up in Camden and Merchantville, New Jersey and was a graduate of Merchantville High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. 

His journey in medicine began at New York Medical College in New York City. He served his residency in Baltimore and his fellowship at Boston University Medical Center, specializing in oncology and hematology. 

He spent most of his career at Carney Hospital in Dorchester, where his kind, affable nature earned many friends among fellow physicians, staff, and patients. His expert experience was also cherished by hundreds of hospice patients that he cared for. 

Outside of his medical practice, Ron’s passion for caring extended to his longtime membership with the Unitarian/Universalist Society in West Newton. For years he organized monthly breakfasts. He also volunteered with ‘Food not Bombs’, a program in Waltham that provided quality food to those most in need.

Ron was an avid cook, having prepared, with help, three very large pots of gumbo for his many guests at his 80th birthday. 

One of his proudest accomplishments was his volunteer work with Wide Horizons for Children, a leading organization that provides welfare and adoption services around the world. He often served as the agency’s medical director on adoption trips to China.

Another one of Ron’s passions was being a member of the ‘West Coast Swing’ dance community, where he helped to organize events and was an instructor to newcomers in the unique dance style. 

He leaves his wife, Lesley A. Sneddon; his children, Peter Margolin of Brighton, Seth Margolin of Bangkok, Thailand, Olivia Margolin (Luis Yllanes Torres), and Lili Margolin, all of Boston; his sister, Linda Coolsen of Voorhees, New Jersey; and three nephews and their families. 

A memorial service will be held at The First Unitarian Universalist Society in West Newton Square on Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 PM. 

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.