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KENNETH L. GARVER M.D. Ph.D.
KENNETH L. GARVER M.D. Ph.D.
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KENNETH GARVER Obituary
Age 90, of Oakland, formerly of Penn Hills, died peacefully Thursday, March 21, 2013, at home surrounded by family. Beloved husband of Betty Lee (Weisburg) Garver for 67 years; loving father of Kenneth, Jr. (Marsha), MaryBeth Kusturiss (Dennis), James (Anna), Kathleen Lamb (Michael), Maureen Schwartz (Michael), Bob (Pam), Bill (Nancy), Susan Rickerl (Dick), Karen Santorum (Rick), Michael (Monica) and Paul (Carolyn) and the late John Charles Garver. He had 32 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren whom he dearly loved. Ken graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1940, was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated summa cum laude and then went to Pitt medical school. He served in the U.S. Army for ten years and was on active duty for three years as a Captain. He was a legendary pediatrician in Penn Hills for 17 years, left practice and obtained a Ph.D. in genetics from Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health and was a pioneer in the field of human genetics. He founded the medical genetics departments at UPMC and West Penn Hospital and retired as professor of human genetics in 1993. He was on the board of St. Bartholomew's Church and a Eucharistic Minister. He received the Manifesting the Kingdom Award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh and was a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He worked with Down's Syndrome children who had a special place in his heart. Friends will be received on Friday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, Funeral Saturday, Mass of Christian Burial St. Paul Cathedral, 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice or St. Paul Cathedral.
www.freyvogelfuneralhome.com
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Ron Kane
November 8, 2013
Dear Mrs Garver and Kenny and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Garver's passing. My Mom and Dad always had such admiration and respect for him and your family. All my love and prayers.
Ron Kane
Stephens Lane
Bishop's Latin School
Shelly Clark Epps
April 16, 2013
Dear Garvers, news reached us today of your loss and we are standing with you in prayer. Dr. and Mrs. Garver took so many of us under their care as genetic counseling students, inviting us home and loving us. The Lord bless you in your sorrow.
Thank you Dr. G. We'll miss you. -Pitt GC class 92
April 15, 2013
Dr.Garver was my mentor in genetics at Magee hospital and I owe my sucess in the field to him. He was an exceptional person and an excellent teacher. My deepest sympathy to the entire Garver family.
Veronica Ward
April 9, 2013
Dear Mrs. Garver and Family,
I was so sad when my parents told me of Dr. Garver's death. As one of Kathy's best friends at St. Bart's Grade School, I spent many happy hours and days at your home, visiting with your family. Dr. Garver will always be a part of those happy memories for me. Please know that all of you are in my prayers, that God will bless you with His comfort, strength, and peace. With much love, Janet Ortenzo
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Diane Selembo
April 6, 2013
Dear Mrs Garver and family, Dr Garver was my first child's pediatrician in 1963. He made a housecall in the middle of the night one time. He was always so kind. We missed him when he left his practice. I'm sure he is taking care of all the little ones in heaven. With deepest sympathy, Diane Kerr Selembo
Angela Obringer
April 2, 2013
Dear Mrs. Garver and all the Garver Family, I was so sorry to learn of Dr. Garver's death. During that week I was in Phoenix attending the ACMG meetings. Dr. Garver was a great mentor in communicating with families with genetic issues. I learned so much about dealing with people through observation and practice at Magee, Erie and Wheeling. I also appreciate your support and friendship when I married, by having my wedding reception at your house. That was so special. Please accept my sympathy and prayers. Very truly yours, Angela Ciocco Obringer
Janet Rodella Brown
March 28, 2013
Dear Mrs. Garver and Family, I was so sorry to learned of your loss from my Aunt Kitty yesterday. We have such fond memories of all of you. We will always remember that when we were very young - Dr. Garver would stop at our our house on his way home if we were sick - he would tell my Mom and Dad with 4 young children that he would save them the trip . He was such a kind, gentle and wonderful man. You are in our prayers and God Bless You.
March 27, 2013
Dear Betty and Family,
Continued thoughts and prayers for each of you. In sympathy, Sister Dorothy, CSJ
March 25, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to the Garver family for your loss.
My deepest sympathy.
Dan Tierney
Titusville, FL
March 24, 2013
Dear Kathy and family,
So sorry for the loss of your beloved father. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark and Maryann Scott. Wexford, Pennsylvania
Ray Allen
March 24, 2013
Sympathy & kindest regards to the Garver family & friends wherever they may be. God bless 1 & all. Take care.
Marie DiLonardo
March 24, 2013
Dear Bill and Nancy, Matt, Olivia and Families,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this very sad, sorrowful time. No words can make this time any less difficult. May your faith and the prayers of all of your friends and family bring you comfort.
With our deepest sympathy,
Rob and Marie DiLonardo
John Flanagan
March 23, 2013
Paul, Bill and the entire Garver family my deepest sympathies so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 23, 2013
Dear Betty , Suzi and I are wish to express our condolences. We are out of town and so we were not able to visit you personally. I have fond memories of Ken and a continuing respect for him as a fine physician and a wonderful human being. Sincerely, Richard Paul
Linda Jackson
March 23, 2013
Kathy, so sorry to hear about your dad. What a loss for you, all of your family and all that knew him. You will all be in our prayers.
Nita Melodini Cullison
March 23, 2013
Maureen ~ so very sorry to learn of the loss of your Dad. You and your family will all be in my prayers.
Kathy Flanagan
March 23, 2013
Maureen and Garver Family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Lisa Feathers
March 23, 2013
Many of us have such very fond memories of working with Dr. Garver at West Penn Hospital. He will be missed by many.
James and Marie Reilly, Jr and Family
March 23, 2013
On behalf of our mom, Ginny Reilly, we send our condolences on Ken's loss. Our dad, Jim Reilly, enjoyed Ken's friendship from their days at Central Catholic, through Pitt, and during their early pediatric practice together in Penn Hills. You all have our love, sympathy, and wonderful shared memories.
March 23, 2013
He was one of our pediatricans with Dr. James Reillty. What a wonderful patient man. We are sorry to hear of his passing. May GodBless you. Always Tom and JoannHughes. Verona Pa
John Holleran
March 23, 2013
Dear Mrs. Garver & Family,
Dr. Garver was always a pleasant and enjoyable person to converse with.
I truly feel for your loss after 67 years of marriage one must thank God
for giving one so much LOVE in their
lives. I too feel the losses of your
family this week.
May God Bless all of you,
With Sympathy,
John Holleran
Cecelia and Mary Marano
March 23, 2013
Dr. Garver and family, we are sad to hear that you have experienced yet another loss of a dearly beloved family member. Your dad was obviously an exceptional person in every way. I am sure that he is now experiencing his eternal reward in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 22, 2013
Dear Betty Lee and Family,
We were so sorry to read about the loss of Ken. When My Mother in law Peggy spoke of you, it was always as a couple, Betty Lee and Ken. You two were an inspiration to Tom and myself in your marriage and family life. Though you will miss Ken take comfort in the influence he had on so many and the love you shared.
Our deepest sympathy,
Marilyn and Tom Leonard
Elizabeth (Betsy) Gettig
March 22, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Dr. Garver's many contributions to the University, medical community and his many patients in Pittsburgh itself will not be forgotten.
Please take care.
March 22, 2013
The entire Garver family, our deepest sympathy. He was our Pediatrition for many years.
Sincerely, The William Brashear Family
Diane Truszkowski
March 22, 2013
Bill, Nancyand the entire Graver family. Our deepest sympathy in your father's passing. May the lord watch over all of you in this sorrowful time.
Jim&Diane Truszkowski and family
Cindy & Bob Spieler
March 22, 2013
Dr. Garver & family,
We are sorry for the loss of your father & only one week after losing Billy. May God bless you & your family in this time of sorrow.
March 22, 2013
Dear Carolyn & Paul,
We are sorry that you and the rest of the Garver family are experiencing yet another loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jean & Frank Potetz
Jane Howe Gentile
March 22, 2013
Dear Mary Beth & Garver family,
You have my deepest sympathy at the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful, kind man. I am sure he was met at the gates of heaven with open arms. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Nadene Henderson
March 22, 2013
To the Garver family:
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Garver's passing. He, Anna, Jim, Claudia, and Mrs. Garver were so welcoming to me when I moved here for graduate school. I am thinking of you during this time of loss.
March 22, 2013
Uncle Ken & Aunt Betty Lee,
You were the best Godparents a person could have. You never forgot my birthday, often sending me a present or card. Your example of being Godparents inspired me to "play it forward" to my Godson. While playing offensive guard at Central Catholic, I often gave extra effort knowing that you were in the stands watching me. Especially in the games against Penn Hills! My prayers are with you,
Paul Armbruster
Marie and Bud Dempsey
March 22, 2013
Dr. Garver & family,
With sincere condolences. May God lighten you hearts at this difficult time.
Jameson Care Center staff
March 22, 2013
Mrs. Garver and family,
Everyone at Jameson Care Center sends their sympathy and condolences. All family members are in our hearts and prayers.
Gene Longo
March 22, 2013
Very sorry to hear the news of Dr. Garver's passing. My mother never let me forget he was my "Baby Doctor" My sympathy and prayers to the Garver family.
Joann and Art Cantrell
March 22, 2013
To Betty Lee and the entire Garver family,
Sending our sincere and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your beloved Ken, a wonderful man who set such an example as a loving husband, father, grandfather, doctor and the ultimate gentleman. We are so sorry to be out of town to see you in person but know that you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you all with love and your precious memories.
Joann and Art Cantrell
March 22, 2013
Dear Mike,Monica,Michael, Megan and Molly and all Garver family, Your father will live on in all of you, his values, and spirit will be your guide what a legacy of love Love, The Shirk's
Amy Shelby
March 22, 2013
Dear Mary Beth and Garver Family,
On behalf of my mom, Judy Shelby, please accept the Shelby family's deepest condolences in your loss. My mom has wonderful memories of her childhood days with Dr. Garver and the entire family, and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With warmest regards,
Lina Hershberger
March 22, 2013
To the Garver family, I am sorry for your loss. I worked at the Graduate School of Public Health for the Genetics department and worked with Dr. Garver. My prayers are with you all at this time.
Peg Darrah (Tierney)
March 22, 2013
My deepest sympathy & prayers to all of you-I will always remember Dr. Garver as a great Father & a dedicated Physician. Such fond neighborhood memories...He will be missed by many!
Ron & Judy Gratz
March 22, 2013
Dear Bill & family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. In this difficult time for you we pray that Jesus & Mary hold you ever so close to their hearts.
Susanne Gollin
March 22, 2013
To Betty Lee, Anna and Jim, and the family,
Dr. Garver will live on in your wonderful, happy memories, in the care he gave to his patients, and in his contributions to genetics and society. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
MARLENE WYKE
March 22, 2013
Dr Garver and family, In this most difficult time you are in my prayers. The peace of God be in your hearts.
Bill, PJ, Caroline, Jack & Katie Foley
March 22, 2013
Dear Garver Family -
We are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ken was a wonderful person and we will miss him dearly. Heartfelt condolences from all of the Foleys.
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4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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