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John Steven Doctor Ph.D.

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Duquesne University

John Doctor Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 27 to Oct. 28, 2005.

DOCTOR
JOHN STEVEN, Ph.D.
Age 49, of Mt. Lebanon on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, beloved husband of Mary Alleman; loving father of Samuel, Adrienne and Nathan; brother of Roberta Stevens, Claire Hendra and William Doctor; son of the late E. Franklin and Mary K. Doctor; also survived by many relatives. He was Chairman of the Department of Biology at Duquesne University, was very active in Mt. Lebanon Soccer Association and Past Chairman of MLEDP. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends welcome at 2630 West Liberty Ave. (Dormont) 412-531-4000 on Thursday 7-9 PM and Friday 2-4 & 7-9 PM. A memorial service will be held Saturday 12 Noon in the chapel of Duquesne University. Interment private. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to a charity of one's choice. Please add a tribute at www.woodrufffamilyservices.com

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Recent Activity

January 12, 2006

Laura Burrus posted to the memorial.

December 1, 2005

Howard Bomze posted to the memorial.

November 16, 2005

Anita Klein posted to the memorial.

25 Entries

Laura Burrus

January 12, 2006

I was stunned to recently learn of John's death. I first met John (and Mary and Sam) when I was a graduate student at Wisconsin. In addition to his obvious intelligence, I was touched by John's upbeat can-do attitude (despite having the nearly impossible project of trying to purify drosophila FGF, before the decent assays existed and the gene had been identified). He was also one of the nicest people I have ever met. I also loved his joy of the simple things. I remember him being totally jazzed about putting pennies on the railroad track with his son, Sam, before the steam train came through (he proudly brought his smooshed pennies to lab!).

Since going our separate ways, I have always looked forward to seeing John at the annual SDB meetings. He was such a breath of fresh air and he was so incredibly enthusiastic about his job and his life.

We lost a really good one last Fall. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Howard Bomze

December 1, 2005

I only met John a few times. He was on my thesis committee in 1996 and then I ran into him at a few meetings. He was the first person to enlighten me to the rewards of a career in science in which teaching had an equal or more important role then research. I am now saddened that I never had the chance to thank him for his profound and important influence on my career. Thank you John.

Anita Klein

November 16, 2005

Dear Mary and family,

I have warm memories of you and John from our days in Madison. I am so sorry for your loss!

Judy Y

November 10, 2005

I knew John in high school. He was warm, caring, funny, and honest. It is with great sadness that I learned of his death. He brought light into the lives of those he cared about.

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Mary Ellen Montani/Cindy Abbott Giant Eagle #14

November 2, 2005

Sam And Family: We would like to extend our deepest sympathies and prayers during this difficult time. Please know that your friends at Giant Eagle hold you in our thoughts. If there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Dennis Roguskie

November 1, 2005

Dr. Doctor taught my daughter at Duquesne. He was a great teacher. He also rekindled this father's passion for biology with the wonderful tour that he gave us of the DU Bio Dept. when we first visited the campus.

I last saw Dr. Doctor at my daughter's thesis defense seminar in July. I had very much enjoyed seeing him again and he was lightening quick to extend his hand in friendship.

He was really a great guy and I appreciate it so much that he took time from his busy schedule to answer this father's questions on DNA replication.

I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. My deepest sympathy to his most wonderful family.

I'm quite certain that he is exploring the mysteries of the universe from an entirely new vantage point and that he is quite fascinated by what he sees. I shall never forget him.

Kris Macoskey

October 28, 2005

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to work with John during the past year while he continued his term as Vice President of the Mt. Lebanon Soccer Association. As the new President, it was a privilege to know that John was always there to share his wisdom and wit. In his many roles as coach, board member, and officer of the association, he exemplified the qualities we hope to instill in MLSA's players, coaches, parents, and board. His leadership, selflessness, level head, and humor will be missed but his spirit will continue in all he touched.

Nancy Cottom

October 28, 2005

John was a wonderful human being whose love of life and dedication to his profession were evident to all who knew him. His positive outlook and sunny personality were a true joy. He will be very much missed by all those who were fortunate to have known him.

David, Kathy & Alex Merkler

October 27, 2005

John Doctor was a true gentleman, good friend, a wonderful colleague, a good husband and a great father. We are stunned that he's gone. His smile and upbeat personality will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mary, Sam, AJ, and Nate.

Jay Harris

October 27, 2005

We are deeply saddened by the loss of John and pray for his family. He positively impacted our lives. His friendly and caring ways were special and truly made it a pleasure to be in his presence. We remember a special trip John made to our house about five years ago (John’s idea) to encourage our son to continue playing soccer. The visit was meaningful and appreciated. We were impressed to learn about John’s professional honors and awards. His commitment to his family and friends was also impressive. We felt it. He was very proud of his family. We are thankful John was a part of our lives. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Jay, Gail, Kyle, and Katelyn Harris

The Kezmoh Family

October 27, 2005

Our sympathy to the family and friends of such a wonderful man John Doctor. He has had a great impact and positive effect on many people. He will be greatly missed and always appreciated for his kindmess and encouragement.

Lorren Kezmoh

October 27, 2005

Dr. Doctor was a wonderful mentor. He listened to all my ideas when no one else would and took the time to make one of my biggest dreams come true.He gave me the opportunity to work in the labs at a very young age when no one else took me seriously. He took the time to introduce me to the people who have helped me with

research. He encouraged me and I will never forget him and I am glad to have known him. He has inspired me and many others.And I am very sorry for his family's loss and I will miss him too.

Bernard Hartman, Ph.D.

October 27, 2005

The passing of John Doctor is a tragedy for his immediate family and the Duquesne family as well. John was among the very best teachers I have known. His knowledge of biological science covered a very broad spectrum, but as important, he could enthusiastically convey that knowledge in an inspiring and lucid manner. In particular, his laboratory teaching preparation was second to none. He was a challenging yet sensitive mentor who was an important influence in the lives of many students. We have lost a person whose humanity and work were greatly admired, and to be emulated.

Michele Farrell

October 27, 2005

I only had a few chances to get to know John when he visited Roberta and George, but I will always remember how sweet he was. He had a gift for making everyone laugh and Roberta was so happy when he came to town.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Mark, Stacy, Tyler, & Abigail Pincus

October 27, 2005

John was the best mentor that a young biologist could have. In addition, he was an excellent role model of a caring and loving husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary, Sam, AJ, and Nathan in this time of sorrow. We know that John is now with the supreme Developmental Biologist!

Joyce Quattrone

October 27, 2005

My daughter, Brittany, is a freshman at Duquesne University and called me from school crying when she learned of John's death. John was her biology professor this past semester (one of her favorite professors). He must have been a special person to have such an impact on an 18-year old. She was devasted when she heard of his death. Deepest Sympathy to your family.

Jessica Geisler

October 27, 2005

Dr. Doctor was my professor and personal friend. He has changed my academic career forever. I have so many more questions to ask and things to say; but I am thankful for all of the times I spent with him and the information he passed onto me.

I will miss you always, thank you for giving me so many amazing opportunities.

Larry, Francine, Jonathan, & Lauren Altman

October 27, 2005

Mary & family-

John was a gentle, kind and caring husband and father - our hearts break for your loss-

The Greenos

October 27, 2005

John was one of the best, most positive, funny, intelligent and caring men we have known. Our community has lost a great man. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Mary, Sam, AJ, Nate and the entire family.

Leigh-Anne Brosious

October 27, 2005

My thoughts are with you, your family, friends, and colleagues during this unexpected and difficult time. Dr. Doctor was my first guide into the world of biology at Duquesne. I will always remember his creative and inspiring teachings and his genuine love for his students. Thank you for the memories. You will not be forgotten.

Christy (Thompson) Friesner

October 27, 2005

John was the best a person could be. He was incredibly supportive of his children and of ALL children. And as a teacher lucky enough to work with Sam, A.J. and Nate, I always knew I also had John's support because he never missed an opportunity to tell me so. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. John will be greatly missed.

Noreen Haggerty

October 27, 2005

God Bless You John. You were a good man and a great dad. Thank you for being such a positive role model for my son. We will miss you. Our prayers are with the Doctor family.

With deepest sympathy,

The Haggerty Family (Noreen, Dean, Mary Kate, and Kelly)

Paula Tishok

October 27, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I worked with John at MLEDP and always appreciated his compassion, integrity, and sense of humor. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.

Donna Rizzo

October 27, 2005

So sorry to hear about John. He holds a special place in our hearts. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

With deepest sympathies.

The Rizzo's,

Al, Donna, Marc, Eric, & Allison

Peter Johnson

October 27, 2005

All of us who knew John recognized him as the finest example a person can be. I will miss him greatly for his generosity, enthusiasm and compassion.

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