The Dr. John K. “Jack” Erban III Memorial Fund was established in 2026 to honor Dr. Jack Erban, who passed away Sept 2, 2020 after a year-long battle with brain cancer.
Jack was a world-renowned clinician whose career as a hematologist/oncologist spanned more than three decades at Tufts Medical Center. He specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, and worked tirelessly to identify the root cause of cancer, saying he hoped to “put himself out of business.”
He was beloved by his patients and his support team, and was a go-to for family and friends alike whenever anyone needed medical counsel. He was always available for a patient or their family, believing strongly that good medical care should be accessible to all. He also gave freely of his time and resources to help future medical professionals, and was a wonderful teacher and professor. He believed passionately in education, and supported many charitable causes helping students in need.
The husband of lifelong Wakefield resident Lisa (Benoit) Erban, Dr. Erban made his home in Wakefield from 1987 until his passing. Although Jack did not grow up in Wakefield he embraced it as his hometown, and could often be seen rollerblading around Lake Quannapowitt. He was committed to supporting the schools and the various activities in which his children and fellow students took part.
Jack was also a lover of music and the arts. From Wakefield Repertory Theater shows to WHS Marching Band to Broadway, he appreciated all genres of music and theater. In his time away from the hospital, he could often be found helping with set construction, and could always be counted on to attend performances, even long after his own children stopped performing. He believed deeply in supporting the arts in Wakefield, and he and his wife Lisa made many strong connections in the community through the various programs in which they were involved.
This fund has been established in Dr. Erban’s name to honor his legacy by awarding two scholarships: one to a student planning to pursue a career in medicine, and another to a student intending to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Scholarship Recipients
Recipient information for this fund will appear here as it becomes available.