Dr. Robert Pearson

PEARSON
Dr. Robert.
Bob was a physician for 49 years, but he always said that it was never work for him. Dr. Pearson died on December 14, 2014 after a valiant struggle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 84 years old. Beloved by his patients, he did more than treat; he comforted. Bob was the kind of old-fashioned doctor who made house calls, long after anyone did that anymore. He took an active interest in his patients' lives, which included helping their family members, providing counseling, helping people find jobs, getting them to stop smoking via hypnosis (one of his favorite avocations), and anything else that might contribute to their overall well-being.
A pioneer in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Pearson maintained that the body's musculoskeletal system is integral to understanding causes of illness. His practice focused on treatment of the body as a whole, combining medication with osteopathic manipulative therapies and modalities. His expertise saved countless people from needless back surgeries and/or lifetimes of medication. But mostly, he was beloved because he cared. If you had no insurance or just couldn't pay for whatever reason, he would see you anyway. If you were sick after hours, he would drive to your home. Basically, if you needed his help in any way, shape or form, he would be there for you.
Dr. Pearson graduated from Upsala College in 1953, and from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (now A.T. Still University) in 1957. He had a private practice in Emerson from 1963 until his retirement, starting out as a young doctor with a home office before moving to the building on Kinderkamack Road (where even Richard Nixon sought him out!). He taught for 10 years at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Osteopathic Medicine, and held adjunct professorships at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine; New England College of Osteopathic Medicine; Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; and, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Bob mentored dozens upon dozens of medical students, not just by being simply the best teacher around, but by imparting to them his great love of the profession and compassion for his patients. He served six terms as president of the Bergen County Osteopathic Medical Society, and was honored as Physician of the Year by the New Jersey Society of Osteopathic Medicine.
While he wrote frequently for medical journals, Bob's interests were broad. He tirelessly penned letters to the editor, and one of which he was most proud was his warning about the swine flu vaccine, rightly understanding that the vaccine was dangerous and that the hype over it was misplaced. His predictions proved to be correct. He also predicted early on how the advent of managed care would foster the demise of quality medical care. And, always, Bob railed in letters against social injustice.
Retirement in 2006 did not diminish his confidence and perseverance, despite increasing physical challenges. He updated, polished and published his novel, "House Calls." He produced a musical based on poems and songs he had written over the years, called "Doc's Changing Scenes," which was performed by a talented cast in several local venues, much to the delight of both the audience and the playwright. More than anything, Bob loved to laugh, loved to entertain, and loved having an audience. His bad jokes are the stuff of family legend ("with one exception!") His two obsessions were the New York Giants and the stock market, both of which kept him going long after illness limited his activities. For 59 years, Bob was the loving husband of Eleanor, with whom he sang many a duet, even if only one of them could carry a tune (hint: it wasn't him). Dr. Pearson is also survived by his loving children Jeff (Laurie); Lori (Daniel), and Wendy; and eight wonderful grandchildren whom he adored.
A celebration of Dr. Pearson's life will be held on Thursday, December 18, at 11 AM at Louis Suburban Chapel, 13-01 Broadway (Route 4 West), Fair Lawn, followed by interment at Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus, NJ.