Dr. Ruben Schechter, M.D., 61, died on October 16, 2013 in Tulsa, OK. He was born on November 19, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to the late Francisco and Cecilia Schechter. Ruben graduated from Buenos Aires University College of Medicine where he received his Medical Degree. He married his high school sweetheart, Liliana Schechter, in 1977 and had two children. In 1978 Ruben and Liliana moved to New York City to pursue the American Dream. In the early 1980's he became a fellow at Albert Einstein University with the pioneers in Alzheimer's dementia research. Dr. Robert Terry and Dr. Katzman were his mentors and identified early changes in the brain. Ruben completed his residency in pediatrics and fellowship in neonatology. Ruben practiced neonatology at Saint Francis and conducted research in neuroscience at the Warren Institute. His latest research was conducted with his close friend and colleague, Dr. Ken Miller, PhD, at OSU-Tulsa. Ruben enjoyed teaching medical students and residents.

Ruben loved history, travel, and gourmet food and passed this on to his children. He had an extensive wine collection that he loved to enjoy with family and friends. Ruben had a passion for music and served as a board member for the Tulsa Chamber of Music since 2010.

Ruben is survived by: his wife, Dr. Liliana Schechter, M.D.; son, Jonathan Schechter and his wife, Joy Cannon of Philadelphia; daughter, Paola Klein, her husband Ari, and granddaughter Mylin of Oklahoma City; his sister, Claudia Schechter, nephew Marcel Link, and niece, Roxana Manicone of New York; and many family members in Argentina, Israel, and around the world.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held at B'nai Emunah Synagogue, 1719 S Owasso, Tulsa, TBA.

FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL 918-585-1151.