Dr. Nicholas Newton

Dr. Nicholas Newton, 87, passed away on November 15, 2020 in Chattanooga. 

Dr. Newton was born in New York City, a first generation American with both of his parents having immigrated from Greece. His parents always stressed the value of education and were very proud that he and his two older brothers all went on to become doctors. Dr. Newton attended Columbia University where he was a member of the swim team. He then attended graduate school at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Medical School. 

Dr. Newton was a staunch supporter of his alma maters, but he was most proud of his time at Stuyvesant High School in New York City which fostered a strong and enduring interest in academics and learning. He often gave credit to Stuyvesant for his later successes as a Board-Certified Urologist and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Newton, or Dr. Nick, as he was often called, practiced in California and Illinois before arriving in Cleveland, Tennessee in 1978. Over the following 25 years, he relished taking care of his patients and listening to their stories whether they involved medical issues or something completely unrelated. His compassion for them often led him to working long hours and getting little sleep. He never seemed to mind, however, as it was something he loved to do.   

During his time in Cleveland, Dr. Newton founded the Prostate Cancer Awareness Week where he provided free examinations for anyone and everyone who wanted to be screened. He additionally served as Chief of Staff for then Cleveland Community Hospital for many years. 

Once Dr. Newton retired from medicine, he and his wife, Marlene, traveled the world. From Asia to Australia to Russia and all parts of Europe, they always enjoyed exploring new places together. Dr. Newton also enjoyed photography and would often take an abundance of pictures on each trip. His family joked that there wasn’t a tree or rock that he didn’t take three pictures of with his camera. 

Following his wife’s passing in 2009, Dr. Newton went on to actively compete in the Senior Olympics in swimming. He worked just as hard in the pool as he did in the office and hospital. His dedication resulted in multiple state championships in both freestyle and backstroke events. He also competed at the national level, often traveling across the United States for his various meets. The Cleveland YMCA was his workout headquarters and he could be found there just about any day of the week, enjoying his swimming and sharing conversation with a good group of friends.

The only thing Dr. Newton loved more than the practice of medicine and swimming (and even the New York Yankees) was his wife and family. He and Marlene were married for over 45 years. His three sons and their spouses- Nick of Tunnel Hill, Chris (Jenny) of Signal Mountain, and Mike (Raquel) of Chattanooga were his pride and joy. He was equally proud of his grandchildren Chelsea, Nicholas, Aidan, Remy, Milo, Merrit and Morgen. 

The family will hold a private service. Memorial donations may be made to the Cleveland YMCA at www.ymcachattanooga.org.

Dr. Newton’s family would like to thank the many kind people of Chattanooga Kidney Center, Manorhouse Assisted Living and Hospice of Chattanooga for the compassionate care of their Dad/Grandpa.

Arrangements will be handled by Ralph Buckner Funeral Home. Thoughts and memories can be shared at www.ralphbuckner.com.