Neil H. Altman 1947-2025

Born Oct. 11, 1947, in Youngstown, to Harry and Rita Goldich Altman, Neil was a graduate of The Rayen School, Temple University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his Master of Public Health degree in 1977.

A Youngstown native, Neil returned to his hometown to serve as Youngstown’s health commissioner for 30 years, earning the city many highly beneficial grants during his tenure and creating critical programs and services that greatly increased community and public health. Beloved in his community, Neil’s stewardship of public health in Youngstown touched huge numbers of lives. His exceptional work was recognized the year before his 2011 retirement, when he was named the Ohio State University College of Public Health’s 2010 Champion of Public Health in the public health practitioner category.

Neil will be sorely missed by the many who loved him, not only for his impactful work as a community leader but also for his kindness and humanity.

He was predeceased by his parents and by Denise Wilderman Altman, his best friend and wife of 45 years.

Neil is survived by his sister, Brenda (Dan) Tarr; his brother, Steven Altman (Jeanette Kesselman); his son, Max Altman (Katherine B. Hernandez); and his grandson, Eli Altman.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, in the Rodef Sholom Chapel at Tod Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave. There will be visitation, 1:30 to 2 p.m. Friday, before the service begins.

Contributions in Neil’s memory may be made to The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Doctors Without Borders (MSF) or Youngstown’s Ohev Beth Sholom Congregation.

Professional arrangements are being handled by Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home. Friends and family may view this obituary and share memories and condolences at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneralhome.com.

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