Dr. Irwin A. Ginsberg, ear surgeon
Dr. Irwin A. Ginsberg, 85, an ear surgeon, died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, in his Williamsville home.

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Born in Buffalo, Dr. Ginsberg graduated from the University of Buffalo Medical School. He would later serve there as a clinical professor.

During World War II, he served in the Navy as a lieutenant. He was also a captain during the Korean War.

In 1954, Dr. Ginsberg founded the Buffalo Otolaryngology Group. He retired in 1998 but still served as a consultant.

Dr. Ginsberg pioneered cochlear implantation in Western New York. He was an originator of the stapes prosthesis still used in stapedectomies. In 1994, he was given the Triological Society’s Presidential Citation for Lifetime Achievement. He was also a member of the Triological Society.

Dr. Ginsberg founded the Hearing and Speech Center at WCA Hospital in Jamestown and the Hearing and Speech Center in Olean. He also served as a board member and physician at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf. He donated many hours at all three locations.

Dr. Ginsberg collected wines and 30 classic and special interest cars. His cars won awards from the Pebble Beach Concours, the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club and the Classic Car Club of America.

His wife, Sylvia R., died in 1998.

Dr. Ginsberg is survived by two daughters, Ellen Yost Lafili and Susan G. Regan; a son, Dr. Harold M.; a sister, Ruth G. Goldstein; and his companion, Lisa Bettendork Crean.

Services were held Monday, Dec. 6 in Temple Beth Am.

Arrangements were made by Jay Mesnekoff-Mesnekoff Funeral Home.