Timothy Vartanian

Dr. Timothy Vartanian, 66, died at home on October 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, in a room filled with his books and vinyl records. His death was due to complications of gallbladder cancer, a diagnosis that he met with unbending courage, resilience, and ferocity – through it all, he never lost his sense of humor. Determined to beat the odds, he endured every treatment available and kept working to the end, sustained by his unyielding spirit and love of life and family. There was no going gently. There was much more he wanted to do.

For the past 16 years, Tim was a highly respected Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College and the Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute (BMRI).. As Chief of the Division of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuro-Immunology at BMRI and Director of the Judith Jaffe MS Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, he built a multidisciplinary research program that seamlessly bridged laboratory discovery and clinical care. A distinguished clinician-scientist, Tim’s pioneering work transformed our understanding of the cellular, molecular, and environmental mechanisms underlying multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating diseases. He loved leading the Vartanian Lab, a dynamic team that investigates the fundamental mechanisms of demyelination in MS and explores strategies to promote myelin regeneration. He sought to end MS through his research into causative factors. This singular professional focus was also personal. Tim’s lifelong mission to end MS was inspired by his brother, Stephen, who was diagnosed with MS when Tim was a teenager.

Tim earned his M.D. from the Pritzker School of Medicine and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Chicago 1988. He completed his internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, followed by a neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, two post-doctoral fellowships at Harvard, and a faculty position there. Before joining Weill Cornell and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, he was chief of the Division of Demyelinating Diseases at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

An outstanding physician-scientist and dedicated mentor, Tim elevated his neurology practice to the level of art - authentic, intimate, respectful and deeply humane. His colleagues and trainees became chosen family to whom he offered unwavering support. His warmth, intellect, humility, and generosity inspired everyone who had the privilege to know and work with him. He was a clinician of rare compassion, known for giving patients his personal phone number so they could reach him whenever they needed him most.

His scientific rigor was legendary, writing and revising grants until the very last minute and repeating experiments multiple times to be sure he had it right. But his perfectionism was always balanced by his grace, humor, and unassuming generosity of spirit.

Outside of medicine, Tim’s world was rich and vibrant. He was a snowboarder, hiker, guitarist, poet, and calligrapher. He loved Italian reds and jazz, and lived after hours to the sound of Monk, Green, Clark and Coltrane. He was a devoted reader, especially of philosophy, and delighted in crafting poetry and haikus that revealed his quiet wit and sensitivity. He found joy in the simple and the sublime – from Young Frankenstein to Ratatouille, both favorites that reflected his humor and heart.

He met and married his beloved wife, Joanna, during his residency, and together, over thirty-five years, they built a home full of love, good food, deep friendships, laughter, music, and creativity. On evenings when Joanna planned an elaborate dinner, Tim could be counted on to add a few extra courses and commandeer the oven—his own way of turning love into action. He embraced the traditions and rituals of her heritage as joyfully as his own, and relished their fusion. Their long marriage included time in ‘Cancerland’ but transcended it, too, as they lived tenderly, defiantly and ever lovingly under its pressure.

Tim lived for his boys. A devoted father, he was forever proud of Zander, Nicholas, and Anthony, and cherished time spent with them. They each came home often during his years of treatment, and in his final months, they gathered close, reading, playing music together, walking in the woods, sitting by the sea. Their and Joanna’s hope remained undimmed in the face of unfathomable loss.

Tim also leaves his brother, Chris, whose steadfast love has been a constant presence. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Kathryn and Edward, and brothers Greg and Stephen. Tim is dearly missed by his family, close friends and colleagues, and by his dogs Anna, Abel and Hildy. His death has left a hole in the world. He will be remembered for his grace, his humanity, his valor, and his ability to make everyone feel seen and special, no matter how brief their time in his life.

Tim’s family is grateful for the oncological care he received at Dana Farber Cancer Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Stanford Cancer Institute.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to support his MS research mission: https://engage.weill.cornell.edu/give?fund=ab302641-7874-420b-a730-94f78cd521ff

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