Carl Stewart Werne

February 7, 1948—June 25, 2025

Carl Werne was exuberant—a brilliant physician, a gifted cellist and a lifelong seeker of connection, beauty and joy. His boundless enthusiasm left an indelible mark on tens of thousands of lives, both in and out of the hospital.

Born in New York City to Dr. Irene Garrow and Dr. Jacob Werne, both pathologists, Carl was raised in a household of science and music but quickly carved his own wide path fueled by curiosity, joy and the unending encouragement of his mother. He took up the cello as a boy, finding in music a lifelong companion that nourished his soul.

Carl graduated from NYU Medical School and embarked on a prodigious career that would span more than five decades. At age 29, he was appointed Director of the Emergency Department at New Britain General Hospital (now called the Hospital of Central Connecticut) and remained there for the majority of his career. He also served communities in Florida, New York and Pennsylvania. His patients and colleagues alike were drawn to his warmth. Simply put, Carl helped people—every single day of his working life.

But his work never defined him entirely. Carl was a true bon vivant, known for finding the perfect restaurant in any city, for diving into deep conversations with strangers-turned-friends and for finding music in all things. His cello was never far from hand, and he recorded more than 35 albums. In later years, he brought together his twin passions through the “Music and Medicine with Dr. Carl” podcast.

Carl officially retired from Bedford Internal Medicine UPMC in Pennsylvania on June 12, 2025, just 13 days before his passing, at the age of 77. He is survived by his daughter Joanna Werne, her son Jonathan Astrom and her fiancé, Dr. Rajesh Lalla; his daughter Emily Kennerley, her husband James Kennerley and their children, Noah and Agatha; his sister, Dr. Joellen Werne, her husband, Dr. John Smolowe, and their children, Laura and Jacob Smolowe, together with their families, Emily Amata, Ella O’Byrne, Mia O’Byrne and Adam O’Byrne. He is also remembered with love by his partner, Dr. Amy Zimet, and by his first wife, Patricia Daly Vance, and his many devoted patients. He was predeceased by his sister Naomi Werne, Esq.

Carl’s life was large and luminous. He met the world with laughter, music, medicine and love. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gould Farm, a community dear to Carl’s heart.

A memorial service will be held on Oct. 4, at 2 p.m., at First Church 1652, 75 Main Street, Farmington, Conn. A reception will follow. Carl’s daughter Emily may be contacted at emilywerne@gmail.com.