01/07/2021
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Jack Stewart Marquis, DPM
PM News is sad to report the passing of Jack Marquis, DPM on December 27, 2020 at age 76 due to complications from COVID-19.
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Dr. Jack Marquis |
Dr. Marquis was a 1973 graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He practiced in Northport, Alabama for many decades.
01/06/2021
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Helen M. Baccash, DPM
Helen M. Baccash, a part-time resident of Riverhead NY since the 1950s, died Dec. 20, 2020. She was 100.
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Dr. Helen Baccash |
She was born Helen M. Zadernuk in Brooklyn on Dec. 31, 1919. Helen was a pioneer; she was one of the first female graduates of Long Island University School of Podiatry in 1941.
Source: Riverhead News-Review [1/4/21]
01/05/2021
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Alan J. Kleiman, DPM
Alan J. Kleiman of Baltimore, MD, a 1978 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine passed away last month after battling numerous health issues for the past several years. He was affectionately known to his PCPM classmates as “OX”. Alan was always upbeat and never complained about his ailments.
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Dr. Alan Kleiman |
Despite being in and out of hospitals and rehab centers, he continued to see patients, primarily performing home care even though he had great difficulty walking to and from his car or even carrying his medical bag. He is survived by 3 daughters, 2 sons in-law, and four grandchildren. Alan was pre-deceased by his loving wife of more than 40 years Debra.
Bruce I. Ackerman, DPM
01/04/2021
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Howard M. Sokoloff, DPM
It’s with a heavy heart and great sadness to report that my brother Howard Sokoloff passed away yesterday morning peacefully and with his family by his side. He was a good friend to many, a great podiatric surgeon, teacher, mentor, and past president of the California Podiatric Medical Association and past president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
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Dr. Howard Sokoloff |
Howard was an avid golfer and long-time supporter of the Kaplan-Clarke-Foster Tournament. Howard’s legacy to the podiatric medical profession is legend and he will be missed. He is survived by his wife Sheri, his children Jordan, Jared, Marla, and his grandchildren, brother Tilden, and sister-in-law Francine Sokoloff. Rest In Peace “Hesh”; you are loved.
Tilden Sokoloff, DPM
12/02/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of George Nicholas Pattis, DPM
We are remembered by our stories and the adventures we shared with those we leave behind. It is in great sadness, we announce that Dr. George Nicholas Pattis was laid to rest on November 12th, 2020. Let us take a moment to celebrate the life and adventures of George. He graduated from the California College of Podiatric Medicine, and was later commissioned as a Lieutenant with the U.S. Public Health Service.
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Dr. George Pattis |
Dr. Pattis served his community as a podiatrist for 38 years. An active outdoorist, he loved hiking and surfing, and also enjoyed dancing and martial arts. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community which he dutifully served. On your next hike or moment in the sunshine, take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary life of Dr. George Nicholas Pattis.
Upstate Podiatry, South Carolina
12/01/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Francine Williams, DPM
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Francine Williams, DPM as she passed away on November 27, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. Dr. Williams or Franny as her friends called her was a classmate and dear friend of mine.
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Dr. Francine Williams |
She was from PCPM class of 1990 and practiced in Philadelphia. She is survived by her daughter Stephanie. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
Steven Selby Blanken, DPM
11/04/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Ricky D. Roach, DPM
It is with great sadness that we share with you the untimely death of our beloved Board Member and friend, Dr. Ricky D. Roach, who passed away last night (October 31, 2020).
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Dr. Ricky Roach |
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to his wife, Mrs. Gaylynn Roach, and all family members.
MsPMA Board of Directors
10/21/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Frederico Hernandez, DPM
It is with great sadness that I learned that Dr. Frederico Hernandez passed away due to COVID-19 on September 9, 2020, after 55 years in private practice in El Centro, CA. He was the last practicing podiatrist from the CCPM class of 1965. He was instrumental in establishing the first podiatry clinic in Mexico or any foreign country 45 years ago. At the time, this provided an incredible opportunity for podiatrists not only to give back, but to utilize all of our skills. For many years, this was the only international project that had podiatrists performing complex surgeries, at a time when many podiatrists were still fighting with their local hospitals for the right to perform forefoot surgeries.
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Dr. Frederico Hernandez |
Fred was from El Salvador and 25 years ago the project established a clinic in El Salvador. A few years after that the project had clinics in Honduras and Nicaragua. This clinic provided advanced training for literally 100s of residents, from all over the nation. He never seemed to lose his love for podiatry and often he would call me in the evening, while he was still in the office, to discuss a patient or a procedure. He always participated in our local podiatry society, both professionally and socially. He will be missed by many.
Jack Reingold, DPM
08/17/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1A
Irv Donick was an icon and pioneer in the podiatric profession for over 50 years. He started the first podiatric residency program in Maryland, established participation of podiatrists in Blue Shield and many other Insurance companies in the state, and paved the way for podiatry to be integrated into all facets of hospitals and clinics throughout the state. He taught us the skills to treat patients both medically and surgically. He was unique in that he also gave his residents the ability to navigate the business of podiatry by creating an office-based practice for us, as we established our podiatry skills.
His efforts gave many podiatrists the opportunity to excel in our field. He trained and taught hundreds of residents, interns, and students throughout his career. He was honored by the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and inducted into the Hall of Fame at the college. He was the director of my residency program in Baltimore, my mentor, my partner, and most significantly, my lifetime friend. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Joseph S. Fox, DPM, MPH
08/13/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Irv Donick, DPM
I am sorry to have to inform you of the passing of Dr. Irv Donick yesterday in Baltimore. Irv was not only my partner in practice for almost a half century but a very dear friend. He was a very significant icon in the podiatric profession for many years as being very active in establishing hospital privileges for podiatrists in Maryland and was the major individual in establishing a very successful residency program for podiatrists in Maryland. He also helped to obtain Blue Shield for podiatry. For those of you who did not know Irv, he even started a program at one of the junior colleges for training assistants, leading to an AA degree. He also wrote a book about the podiatry assistant.
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Dr. Irv Donick |
I could go on and on about the life of Irv Donick. I am sure many of you can also have things to add. He is survived by his wife Barbara and his 3 kids and 11 grandchildren. Irv was also honored by the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the College. He also received many other awards over his time and all were well deserved. The podiatric profession will greatly miss him. It is individuals like Irv who have helped to make podiatry a great profession. I certainly will miss him but the memories will always be there.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
08/03/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Frank Archie Caster, DPM
Dr. Frank (Bud) Archie Caster, 97, of Tallahassee, Florida, died Monday, July 27, 2020. Frank learned difficult life lessons during the Great Depression and during World War II. A Sergeant in the 15th Air Force, 485th Heavy Bombardment Group, 830th Bomb Squadron, after the war, Frank returned to school and became a podiatrist, like his big brother Milton and favorite uncle Max. He held numerous positions in the New Jersey Podiatry Society.
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Dr. Frank Caster |
For thirty-five years, he lived and worked (and played golf) in Princeton and Hightstown, New Jersey earning every joyful day of his retired life of leisure in Florida.
Source: Tallahassee Democrat [7/29/20]
07/31/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Geoffrey Bergman, DPM
Dr. Geoffrey Bergman passed away on July 21, 2020 in San Diego, CA, at the age of 76. He received the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. He practiced as a podiatrist in Alexandria, LA for 41 years.
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Dr. Geoffrey Bergman |
Geoff was a SciFi aficionado, a history buff, a scholar of Torah, and an avid fan of Bob Dylan and classic rock
Source: The Town Talk [7/28/20]
07/28/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Barry Alan Rudin, DPM
It is my sad task of informing you that Barry Rudin, DPM, of the NYCPM Class of 1976 has passed away. He was not only a beloved husband and father as well as grandfather, he was my beloved friend of almost 48 years.
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Dr. Barry Rudin |
His legacy will be his kindness to others. His legacy to podiatry will be that he always did right by his patients. His patients loved him. He was a true credit to our profession. He will be missed. With tears,
Larry Kobak, DPM, Esq., NYCPM Class of 1976
07/02/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Rose Mattioli, DPM
The co-founder of Pocono Raceway, Dr. Rose Mattioli passed away at home Monday in the company of family at 92 years old. Dr. Mattioli and her late husband Dr. Joseph “Doc” Mattioli founded the Pocono Raceway in 1968 and it is still a community icon today. They are known for their contributions to their community including donations that were often anonymous and unprompted.
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Dr. Rose Mattioli |
Dr. Rose was particularly known for helping women to contribute to motorsports and be involved in an industry that wasn’t very welcoming to them. She graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in 1952 and started her podiatry practice while Joseph started his dental practice, both in Philadelphia.
Source: WBRE/WYOU [6/30/20]
05/27/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1B
I had the distinct honor of being trained by this great man during my PSR-24 a few decades ago. I remember how excited I was when I found out I secured a position in his program! Just as I had hoped, it was a fantastic experience. He was a wonderful, patient teacher with a true love for the profession. Dr. Mercado made surgery fun and never rushed his residents through cases. He was a class act and I feel very fortunate to have known him and worked with him. God bless you Doc.
Cynthia S. Ferrelli, DPM, NMD, Williamsville, NY
05/26/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Orlando Arloch Mercado, DPM
I was very saddened to hear of the loss Dr. Orlando Arioch Mercado or for those who knew him, Dr. Harry Mercado. Harry was a terrific individual, sincere, always friendly, warm, and a superb educator with excellent communication skills. He really loved to teach and it did not matter whether he was engaging a student, resident, or a highly skilled physician. He taught many podiatrists through residency education and by lecturing and major seminars. He also had a talent in the early years of doing surgical videos. With condolences to his family, friends, and all the professionals he has touched.
Steven Kravitz, DPM, Winston-Salem, NC
05/26/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Orlando Arloch Mercado, DPM
“Harry” was an absolutely brilliant but un-self-aggrandizing person, and an incredible educator. More importantly, as a friend he was just the sweetest and nicest person you could meet, who would do anything for you if asked. He also was a totally amazing artist and medical illustrator. If you’re old enough to remember CIBA Pharmaceuticals, Harry was definitely the Frank H. Netter of podiatry. He’ll be sorely missed.
My condolences to his beloved family, and may he R.I.P.
Arthur Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY
05/25/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1C
RE: The Passing of Orlando Arloch Merado, DPM
I was fortunate enough to spend a month or two in the fall of 1980 with Dr. Mercado. He was an exceptionally kind and generous man to both the students and residents and one of the best teachers I had in podiatry school. He was an incredible surgeon and had "The" gift of communication bar none with everyone he interacted with.
His rotation was one of the most sought after at ICPM, and it was for those aforementioned reasons. His residents were chosen based on their similar scholarship and compassion to those attributes he demonstrated. Thus he ensured that the next generation of podiatrists would continue to provide his incredible attributes. May he rest in peace.
Paul Kesselman, DPM, Woodside, NY
Even knowing that it comes to us all, when the great ones fall it is hard to take. I was absolutely blessed to have Dr. Mercado as an instructor and in clinics during my time at ICPM. I would be shocked if anyone said differently. Though he taught and demanded excellence in patient care, he was kind, a truly sweet man. An artist on paper, he had surgery gifts very few possess and was just a wonderful mentor. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.
Michael Lawrence, DPM, Chattanooga, TN
05/25/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Orlando Arloch Merado, DPM
I had the privilege of knowing “Harry” (what his close friends called Orlando) for most of my career. We worked together on many a conference, articles, and panels over the years. He was a class act, who loved his profession of podiatric surgery. Anyone who was fortunate to know, be taught, or just read his books are better because of that experience. He touched a lot of lives in the podiatric medical profession and his legacy will stay alive for years to come.
Rest In Peace my friend. May his memory be a blessing to his family and all who knew him.
Tilden H Sokoloff, MD, DPM, Ketchum, ID
As a former Franklin Blvd. resident of Harry Mercado, I would like to send my condolences to his family. Harry was a very giving, talented, and dedicated podiatrist who truly lived the podiatry dream. Dr. Mercado gave me a chance to become a well-trained podiatrist and for that I will forever be thankful to him. Throughout his career, Dr. Mercado always took the time to make sure his residents were well-trained.
One of his favorite lines in surgery was that surgeons had to learn good table manners. That meant every instrument had to be in its correct place on the table and neat and tidy. To this day, I have practiced my “good” table manners while in surgery. Rest in peace Harry; you deserve it.
Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
05/25/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Orlando Arloch Merado, DPM
OA Mercado was a legend. I’d recommend all to share an hour and re-listen to a 2013 Meet the Masters interview with this true Renaissance man. He was an artist, surgeon and an incredible educator who truly made a difference in our profession. Listen to O A Mercado, DPM from Meet the Masters on Apple Podcasts.
Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
He was a great teacher and just a great podiatric physician. His personality and wisdom will be missed!
Jerry Peterson, DPM, West Linn, OR
As a student, resident, and young practitioner, I had many resources to teach me the art of foot surgery but none better than Dr. Mercado's 2 volumes - An Atlas of Foot Surgery. The magic was in the simplicity of his presentation. Only a true genius could take complex topics and explain them is such a clear, straightforward manner. As an educator, I can tell you that there are more high-tech ways of teaching, but none better than the gift that Dr. Mercado gave to his beloved profession. We lost a good man. RIP.
Greg Caringi, DPM, Lansdale, PA
05/22/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Orlando Arioch Mercado, DPM
On February 23, 2020, God called upon the kind soul of Dr. O. A. Mercado. For 55 years, he practiced podiatric medicine and surgery and was a world-renowned foot and ankle surgeon, professor, lecturer, author, illustrator, and educational video presenter.
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Dr. Orlando Mercado |
Note: Dr. Mercado "Harry" was the 6th podiatrist inducted into the Podiatry Management Podiatry Hall of Fame.
Source: dignitymemorial.com via Dr. Robert Steinberg
05/06/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Theresa Guidici Conroy, DPM
Theresa Guidici Conroy, 88, of Roxborough, a podiatrist in Philadelphia and one of the region’s earliest female practitioners in the specialty, died Wednesday, April 29, of breast cancer at her home. In 1954, she earned a podiatric medical degree from what is now Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Theresa Conroy |
Dr. Conroy was the first female president of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association. In 1989, Dr. Conroy was elected to the American Podiatric Medical Association’s board of trustees. She served in that role for a decade, and as the organization’s treasurer.
Source: Bonnie L. Cook, The Philadelphia Inquirer [5/4/20]
04/29/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Lloyd B. Steinberg, DPM
We are saddened to report the passing of Lloyd B. Steinberg, DPM of Ocala, FL. Lloyd, age 84, practiced podiatric medicine and surgery for over 50 years and was the first in the area to receive hospital privileges. Lloyd was a strong advocate of the continued advancement of this specialty and took great pride in seeing the role we now play in the healthcare system.
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Dr. Lloyd Steinberg |
Lloyd was the son of podiatric great Marvin Steinberg, DPM, and was the father of two currently practicing members of our profession, Paul Steinberg, DPM (Ocala, FL) and John Steinberg, DPM (Washington DC). Lloyd led a life of kindness and fulfillment. He passed with dignity, peace, and so much love. He will be very missed.
John Steinberg, DPM and Paul Steinberg, DPM
04/23/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Neil Blatt, DPM
I’m devastated and heartbroken to learn that my old friend Neil Blatt just passed due to complications from that terrible, nasty COVID-19 virus.
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Dr. Neil Blatt |
He was an active Queens Division member, colleague at our local hospitals, great practitioner, super family man, and just a sweet fun-loving guy. We’ll so miss him at our meetings and dinners. R.I.P. my old friend.
Art Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY
04/08/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) PART 1
RE: The Passing of Thomas Stevens, DPM
Dr. Thomas Stevens, 82, of Clearwater, passed away March 28, 2020. He received his doctorate from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. He later moved, with his wife, to Toronto for all of his professional career, before retiring to Florida in 1989.
Source: Tampa Bay Times [4/5/20]
