"That doesn't surprise me at all. That's the kind of person he was," a friend, Steve DeFusco, told WTAE.
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Rabinowitz was one of the eleven people who died in the shooting in Squirrel Hill, Pennsylvania on Saturday. The 66-year-old was a beloved personal physician in the Edgewood Borough of Allegheny County.
"I mean the hospital's in tears. I walk in the ICU and ICU doctors tear up and nurses when I talk to them. We're all just incredibly saddened and miss our Jerry," Dr. David Hall said.
Many of Rabinowitz's patients have said he was more than just a doctor. Former Allegheny County Deputy District Attorney Law Claus said in an email sent to his former co-workers on Sunday that Rabinowitz had treated him and his family for three decades.
"He was truly a trusted confidant and healer," Claus wrote, adding that Rabinowitz had an uplifting demeanor and would provide sage advice.
DeFusco said his friend should be remembered as "compassionate, loving, non-judgmental."
"Jerry leaves a trail that's not going to be forgotten," DeFusco said.
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Rabinowitz is survived by his mother, wife and brother. Services are being held Tuesday morning.
WTAE contributed to this report.
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