Cardiologist From Maplewood And West Orange Dies After Brief Illness

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Many of the kids in Dr. Keith A. Hawthorne's Maplewood neighborhood used to play games like Cowboys and Indians, but according to his obituary published over the weekend, "He opted for the toy doctor kit his mother had gifted him. That toy was the initial spark to a lifelong career as a physician dedicated to helping others."

The beloved cardiologist, who had practiced in West Orange and Livingston after growing up in Maplewood, passed away on July 16 at 68, after a brief illness, his obituary said.

New Jersey Cardiology Associates in West Orange posted a message to patients last week:

"Dear patients and medical community, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and partner, Keith A. Hawthorne, M.D. Words cannot express the void left behind and the sadness surrounding this loss. Hawthorne was a pillar in the medical community where he cared for tens of thousands of patients. His dedication to patient care was unmatched along with his love for life."

Hawthorne often volunteered to help underserved populations in El Salvador and Haiti, his obituary notes.

"As a high school student growing up in Maplewood, NJ, he volunteered on the local
ambulance squad and then became an EMT," the obit notes. "In the 1980s, he began what would be a storied tenure at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ; first working as an EKG technician, and then, upon his graduation from medical school in 1984, completing his internship, residency and fellowship in interventional cardiology."

Read more of the obituary here.

A remembrance ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family says donations can be made in his memory to the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center by calling the Development Department at 973-322-4330 or by visiting http://www.cbmcgiving.org.
Online condolences can be left at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com.