“Bruce Sklarew (1932-2020): In Memoriam”

Bruce Sklarew, M.D., a member of this journal's editorial board, died of leukemia on October 25, 2020, at the age of 88. Psychoanalysis has lost one of its most distinguished leaders, who worked not only inside his consulting room, but also in the wider world, as a pioneer in the field of “community psychoanalysis,” bringing analytic tools to relatively neglected places like the inner city.

Bruce was a force of nature, indefatigable in his intellectual, social, and physical energy. Tennis and swimming were lifelong sports that he enjoyed. He was deeply committed to psychoanalysis, but for Bruce it extended far beyond the couch. He brought psychoanalytic theory to bear on the understanding of film, and, for decades, Bruce organized popular film programs at meetings of the American Psychoanalytic Association, as well as developing a close friendship with the Italian director, Bernardo Bertolucci.

One of many examples of Bruce's resilience was his survival, then full recovery, some 20 years ago, after being nearly killed by a car when he was crossing the street as a pedestrian (Bruce was on his way to a film program—as was the driver!). He was in a coma for several days, and was not expected to live. One silver lining of the accident was its role in leading him to marry his friend Margaret (Margo) Meyers, a creative writer. He told me he knew she was the right person to marry when he was moved by her loyalty and devotion to him during his gradual recovery. Their marriage lasted 18 years, until his death. Another example of his unusual resilience was his enduringly close relationship with his first wife, Myra Sklarew, another creative writer. Their friendship lasted until Bruce's death. At his Zoom Shiva service on November 2, Myra explained that, following their divorce, she named Bruce her “honorary cousin,” and they continued to get together with their two children, three grandchildren, and later two great-grandchildren for family celebrations, vacations, and to collab