Mervin H. Needell M.D.

7/23/1924 - 10/24/2014

NEEDELL, MERVIN H., MD was born July 23, 1924 in New Jersey, and died on October 24, 2014. Dr. Needell moved to Florida in 1955 and practiced medicine as a urologist in Miami-Dade County for 31 years, also serving on the voluntary faculty of the University of Miami School of Medicine as Clinical Professor in Urology. He was a philosopher and educator at the University of Miami Bioethics Program, holding university appointments of Adjunct Professor and Medical Director. During World War II he served with the 895th Medical Clearing Station of the 6th Army. He graduated from Hahnemann University School of Medicine and received his bachelor's degree from Yale University and master's degree in philosophy from Georgetown University. Dr. Needell served a span of years with Project Hope and also as medical missionary physician and surgeon in equatorial Africa, Nicaragua, Colombia, India, and New Guinea. He worked with Dr. Albert Schweitzer at his mission hospital in Lambarene, Gabon. He authored numerous publications on medical and philosophical subjects, and for several years he also taught bioethics as adjunct professor of philosophy at Barry University. He served on the Board of Directors of the Guardianship Program of Dade County and the Executive Committee of the United Health Foundation of United Fund of Greater Miami. Dr. Needell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elaine F. Needell, MD, and by two sons, William M Needell, MD (Deb) of Colorado and James E. Needell, JD, MD (Katie) of North Carolina, and two daughters, Barbara Needell Preslier, DMD (Herb) of Weston, Fl and Nancy Needell Knopf, MD (Siegfried) of New York City, and their families, including seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Stanley S. Needell, MD, of Miami. Graveside service at South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth on Tuesday, October 28, at 12:45 PM. More information at: http://www.serenityfuneralhomeandcremation.com/book-of-memories/1968135/Needell-Mervin-/service-details.php.