08/05/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Lyman Harold Wilson, DPM
It hurts my heart to say that my friend, colleague, and mentor, Lyman Wilson, has passed. I was a shot/discus track coach at El Modena high school when his son Michael entered the ring. I told him I was interested in feet, and I just told him how to throw the discus, and he said, do you want to talk to my dad?
I was researching podiatry at the time, and he convinced me that it was the only way to go. He would have convinced you to change your profession and become a podiatrist. He was an ambassador for our profession. A wonderful man!
Gregory Eirich, DPM
08/05/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Dr. Lyman Wilson was an extraordinary individual—humble yet brilliantly insightful. He loved our profession! A kind and remarkable mentor, he was a pillar in guiding many outstanding podiatrists in Southern California. His dedication to patient care and extensive political, educational, and administrative contributions have profoundly shaped our profession here in California. Dr. Wilson's engaging personality and persuasive advocacy efforts left an indelible mark on all fortunate to cross his path. Rest in peace, Lyman. Your legacy endures.
Philip Radovic, DPM, San Clemente, CA
08/02/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Lyman Harold Wilson, DPM
As I write this, I know I will be speaking for many of our colleagues here in California regarding Lyman Wilson, DPM who passed away on July 27th. Dr. Wilson was a mentor to so many young doctors in Orange County. Along with Drs. Nick Grumbine and Richard Viehe, he built up and ran what I consider one of the best residency programs in California at Western Medical Center, a level one trauma center.
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Dr. Lyman Wilson |
He was the epitome of what I think a podiatric physician should be. He was kind and giving of his time to any young colleague who wanted to learn. When I came to town, all of the family docs and other specialists who I met always knew “that podiatrist Lyman”. He fought so hard on so many fronts that even 40 years ago, our residents were taking ER call, scrubbing on all kinds of cases, and even going through microvascular training to assist our replant surgeons.
The only thing that he was prouder of than podiatry were his children. Marc is an attorney; Michael is a practicing podiatrist in Northern California and later in life, he had two lovely daughters, Taylor and Mariah, who recently graduated from college. Dr. Wilson served as president of the CPMA from 1990 to 1991 and was instrumental in buying the CPMA headquarters in Sacramento. Lyman joined me in my practice towards the end his career and I am so proud to say that one of my mentors became one of my best friends.
Jeff DeSantis, DPM
07/26/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Stanley Schwartz, DPM
I'm truly sad to learn of the passing of our dear classmate, Stanley Schwartz, lovingly referred to as “shtendel”. As I, Stanley commuted from Brighton Beach to the M.J. Lewi College of Podiatry, a 2 hour trip to 125th Street.
Stan was loved by all his classmates, and I’m sure related well to his patients. Our class of 1960 has unfortunately dwindled, but those of us still lucky to survive have very fond memories of the four years we spent together. Shtendel will not be forgotten.
Spencer Dubov, DPM, Commack, NY
07/26/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Stan was my co-undergrad at NYU, and classmate in the NYCPM (then the MJ Lewy College of Podiatry) Class of 1960. We were the smallest graduating class ever, just 17 of us, and naturally were all very close. “Schtendle” was the tallest (around 6’), and one of the most fun guys in the class. He was also a really sweet, gentle, nice guy, and it was great just keeping in touch on and off over the years. I know that his patients loved and respected him greatly. Our class has unfortunately dwindled to a very few remaining, and like the others who have passed, he’ll be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to his kids, grandkids, and great granddaughter. R.I.P. Stan.
Arthur Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY
07/25/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Don Barker, one of the first attendings I met when I moved to California for residency. I spent many days in the IR with Don. He also taught me about sushi in the early seventies when we could not eat $10.00 of sushi in those days. I spent picnics at his home with a real Japanese garden and sashimi from fish from San Francisco Bay caught by Don that morning. RIP Don.
Gene Spector, DPM
07/24/2024
OBITUARIES - PART 2
RE: The Passing of Stanley Schwartz, DPM
Stanley Schwartz, (89) of Wallingford, CT died peacefully in his home on July 20, 2024. He earned his undergraduate degree before pursuing his passion in podiatric medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
For over four decades, Stanley provided compassionate podiatric care in Wallingford, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched until his retirement. His dedication and expertise earned him the respect and gratitude of countless patients and colleagues alike.
Source: Legacy.com [7/22/24]
07/24/2024
OBITUARIES - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Donald Barker, DPM
Dr. Donald Barker passed away on July 20, 2024. He was a retired doctor of podiatric medicine. He resided in Atherton, California and was an active member and supporter of the Korean War Memorial Foundation. Don served as a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman from 1950 to 1954.
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Dr. Donald Barker |
Don graduated from the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. He was a member of the professional staff, with surgical privileges at Sequoia District Hospital in Redwood City, California, and retired in 1999.
Source: KWMF via Dr. Leland Smith
07/23/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
Dr. Stark was truly one of the good ones. He was an ambassador for our profession and represented podiatry with class. He was a mentor to the young docs trying to establish themselves in the community. I loved talking to him because he always made you feel good about your profession choice. He always asked about my personal life because he knew what the pressures of a new practice were. God bless you Allan, and your family. We have lost one of our best.
Gregory Eirich, DPM, Tustin, CA
07/23/2024
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of William F. Munsey, DPM
Dr. William F. Munsey passed away on June,14, 2024 at the age of 92. He earned his DPM degree at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. This was followed by a six-month internship with Dr. D. Wayne Myers of Lima, Ohio. Dr. Munsey opened his practice in Worthington, OH where he practiced for forty years, providing general and surgical podiatric care until his retirement in 1996.
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Dr. William Munsey |
He served as president and chairman of the board of trustees for the Ohio Podiatric Medical Association and was later elected President of the American Podiatric Medical Association. He also served as President of Podiatry Insurance Company of America before becoming Vice President for over a decade. He was also the President of the Fund for Podiatry Education and Research and was a board member for over 10 years. He was an active member of the APMA House of Delegates for over 4 decades, serving as Protocol Officer twice and Speaker of the House from 1999 to 2006.
Source: Dignity Memorial
07/22/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I too was exposed to podiatric medicine after meeting Allen Stark at the Career Fair at UC Irvine. I recall a very crowded event except for his area. I felt sorry for him as he took the time off from his office to I decided to speak to him until “something good” opened up.
He invited me to his office where I visited regularly, and I was always welcome to stay for lunch. His wife Sandra was terrific and decided I needed to get married to the daughter of a colleague of Allen's who started his gynecology practice at the same time as Allen. I followed Sandra’s instructions and we will be married 35 years in November. Allen was a true mensch in every sense of the word and will be missed.
J. Scott Rosenthal, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
07/19/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Allan R. Stark, DPM
From: Eric Thuen, DPM, Gary Dorfman, DPM, Allan Weiss, DPM
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Allan Stark. Dr. Stark was solely responsible for my decision to apply to CCPM in 1976, having met him at a career fair at UC Irvine. He invited me to shadow him in his office, where I was taken by his positive attitude and love of the profession. Dr. Stark was so engaging and loved by his patients. As previously stated by others, Dr. Stark was a “gentleman and kind soul”. I will always be indebted to him for leading me to this fine profession. Thank you Allan.
Eric Thuen, DPM, Oceanside, CA
It’s certainly not unusual to lose contemporaries, especially at my age. I have known Alan since 1960. He graduated from CCPM in 1963, the class behind mine. We were professional colleagues who grew up in our profession together and we became fast friends. He was dedicated to advancing his profession educationally, politically, and ethically. Thanks for sticking around so long Alan. You have been an inspiration to all who have crossed your path, and my sincere condolences to your family.
Gary Dorfman, DPM, Dana Point, CA
Alan, Rest in peace.
Allan Weiss, DPM, Mission Viejo, CA
07/18/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Allan R. Stark, DPM
It is with heavy heart and deep sorrow that I share the passing of my mentor, associate, and dear friend, Dr. Allan R. Stark. Dr. Stark graduated from USC followed by the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He served in the U.S Army active duty and reserves for 25 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
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Dr. Allan Stark |
Dr. Stark worked in private practice in the City of Orange, California. He was a strong supporter of the profession, prolific in recruiting students to podiatric medical schools and working to help further the scope of podiatric practice in the US. He served as President of the California Podiatric Medical Association and also Director and Instructor of The California School of Podiatric Radiography.
Dr. Stark also felt very strongly about supporting his community. As a lifelong member of Rotary, he served as President of his local club and later as District Governor for the Southern California region. Generous to a fault, he was the definition of a gentleman and kind soul. Not enough good things can be said about Dr. Stark. He will be sorely missed.
Neil Mansdorf, DPM
07/06/2024
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Larrie Rockmacher, DPM
Dr. Larrie Rockmacher, 82, of Boynton Beach, Florida, died on July 23, 2024, in Mt. Kisco, New York, near his place of work, where he had commuted from Florida weekly for the past 22 years.
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Dr. Larrie Rockmacher |
He earned his podiatric medical degree at The New York College of Podiatric Medicine in Manhattan in 1965, where he was also Class President for four years. Larrie began practicing in Mt. Kisco, New York, where he continued working until the day he passed.
Source: John G Crawford Memorial Services [7/31/24]
07/05/2024
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Joseph R. Cinzio, DPM
Dr. Joseph R. Cinzio, 96, of Garfield, NJ died Tuesday, July 2, 2024. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of VFW Post #2867 of Garfield. Doc began his many years of contribution to the cadets during the Garfield Cadet era by serving as President of the Cadet Booster Association.
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Dr. Joseph Cinzio |
He received his post-graduate medical degree from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, IL (1953) and was a podiatrist in Passaic for over 60 years.
Source: Legacy [7/3/24]
06/26/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I was shocked to hear of Glenn's passing. He was a friend and mentor for over 30 years. Glenn gave me my first job in podiatry and taught me so much about the business of podiatry. He was patient, kind, generous, and a great teacher with an incredible work ethic. In the years that passed, I would stop by his office every other year or so just to say hello and catch up, and these always turned into hour long conversations about life.
My sincere condolences to his children, Ben and Kayla. Glenn was a special man who genuinely loved people, his beloved pets, and skiing. He will be missed by all. Rest in peace, Glenn.
Steven I Gubernick, DPM, Lawrenceville, NJ
06/25/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Willie Mays
From: Jeff Root
This week baseball legend Willie Mays passed away at the age of ninety-three. My father Merton Root, DPM had several of the San Francisco Giants as patients. Gaylord Perry gave my father tickets to a game for my birthday and invited me to come into the clubhouse before the game to meet the players. I idolized several of the Giant's players, especially Willie Mays.
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Willie Mays and Jeff Root (1957) |
While walking around the locker room being introduced to players by Gaylord Perry, Willie Mays invited me over to his bench for a picture with him. I think I was speechless. I will never forget how kind and warm he was. What an amazing athlete, role model and human being he was.
Jeff Root, President, KevinRoot Medical
06/20/2024
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Henry 'Scott' Frances Famy, DPM
Dr. H. Scott Famy, a prominent podiatrist, passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2024 with his wife, Ann, by his side. Scott grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Seton Hall University. After serving a tour in the military, Scott earned his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine in 1972 from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.
He was board certified in foot and ankle surgery and joyfully cared for his patients for over 30 years in Greenville, South Carolina and retired to Savannah, Georgia.
Source: Legacy Remembers [6/17/24]
06/13/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Peter Crickellas, DPM
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Dr. Peter Crickellas. Pete and I were lab and clinic partners while at NYCPM and had remained best of friends since.
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Dr. Peter Crickellas |
Peter was a well decorated Vietnam veteran who received the Bronze Star, The Silver Star, Legion of Merit for gallantry in action, and a Purple Heart. Peter left podiatry after practicing for several years to pursue his second love, teaching biology. I will miss you brother. Rest in Peace.
Tom Pusterla, DPM
06/13/2024
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Michael A. Izzo, DPM
Mike lived his life with unmatched optimism, compassion, and curiosity. An accomplished podiatrist and surgeon, he prided himself on taking seemingly hopeless cases, helping patients whom nobody else could. Patients often would tell Mike's children, "it's because of your dad that I still have my leg!"
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Dr. Michael Izzo |
Over the course of his career, he simultaneously built and ran successful practices in Williamsville, Gowanda, and Medina, New York, all while caring for patients in a dozen nursing homes across the region. One of the few modern doctors who still made house calls, he was an old-school physician who took time to listen to and carefully examine each patient.
Source: Buffalo News [6/4/24]
06/05/2024
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Andrew S. Kassel, DPM
Dr. Andrew Scott Kassel passed away suddenly on March 10, 2023. Dr. Kassel recently retired after serving the Broomfield community as a trusted podiatrist for more than 30 years.
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Dr. Andrew Kassel |
After completing his medical degree in Chicago at the Dr. William M Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Andrew returned home to Broomfield to open Horizons Foot and Ankle Clinic.
Source: Bloomfield Enterprise [6/4/24]
06/04/2024
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Marvin M. Hughes, DPM
Marvin M. Hughes, 99, of Luzerne, passed away on May 31, 2024 at Grandview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Danville, PA. Marvin graduated from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia.
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Dr. Marvin Hughes |
He proudly served in the United States Air Force.
Source: Legacy.com [6/1/24]
05/29/2024
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Glenn B. Truskin, DPM
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Glenn B. Truskin, a beloved father, brother, esteemed podiatrist, and cherished friend. He passed away on May 20, 2024.
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Dr. Glenn Truskin |
Dr. Truskin graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine and completed a residency at Metropolitan Hospital-Central Division. He was board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Source: Goldstein's Rosenberg's Funeral Home [5/23/24]
05/27/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Gerald Peterson, DPM, Harold Glickman, DPM, Steven J Berlin, DPM
Many hours were spent together during the annual House of Delegates over the years discussing the business of the House and getting his perspective on the issues. His wisdom and insight was always invaluable to me, let alone his friendship. You will be missed my friend. RIP
Gerald Peterson, DPM
I can’t think of a more iconic figure on the Board of Trustees than Jack George. He had the leadership skills to transcend podiatric generations. Along with Arthur Helfand, DPM, Jack had a profound effect on my career as a podiatric physician.
Harold Glickman, DPM, Past President, APMA
I will miss Jack George. He was a fun guy to be with and he was a wonderful asset to our great profession. My condolences go out to Jack and his family.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
05/27/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: David Alper, DPM
For those of you that did not have the good fortune to know Dr. Jack George, he was more than just a past-president (1992) - he was a true force to be reckoned with, both within the House of Delegates and out in the medical community. His presence in the HOD was at the level of Drs. Kanat and Kaplan - when he spoke, the room got quiet and people listened as he helped drive our profession forward.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Jack committed himself to elevating and protecting the profession of podiatry, first in Massachusetts, and later on a national level. He was instrumental, through advocacy and legal action, in breaking through prejudice by organized medicine, ultimately convincing key hospitals in Worcester, MA to allow, for the first time, podiatrists to perform surgery on site, and qualified podiatrists to be included in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Medicaid. He helped Lloyd Smith and me successfully sue our hospitals for privileges after his success in Worcester.
And he was a "King Maker" - Lloyd Smith, Mike King, myself and others became deeply involved in our state society and APMA because of being chosen and guided by Jack. He firmly believed in the need to ensure that leadership was in place. He was a dear friend to podiatry - and to me. I will miss his wisdom, his passion - and his presence in my life.
David Alper, DPM
