JOHN MAJOR FENLIN JR., M.D.
JOHN MAJOR FENLIN JR., M.D.
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JOHN FENLIN Obituary
JOHN MAJOR, JR., M.D. On May 11, 2014, with his loving family by his side, succumbed to the aggressive cancer he had courageously fought for 2 ½ years. Dr. Fenlin graduated from Cornell Univ. and Thomas Jefferson Medical School where he also completed his internship and surgical residency. Throughout a distinguished 46 year career as an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Fenlin was a consummate clinician, expert educator, clinical researcher, and surgical innovator. Specializing in shoulder surgery during the last 25 years of his career, he was dubbed "Dr. Shoulder" by many in the Philadelphia medical community. Having received the prestigious Charles S. Neer award for clinical research, publishing 37 peer reviewed articles on shoulder surgery, serving as President of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and designing the first reverse shoulder replacement for glenohumeral arthritis, he forever changed the way shoulder replacement surgery will be performed. With humor and humility, Dr. Fenlin always focused on giving his patients the best surgical outcomes possible. He was loved and respected by his patients, partners, and associates alike. Survived by his wife, Naomi, 10 children, and 8 ½ grand-children, he is, and will be, sorely missed. A private commemorative get together will be held in celebration of his life. Donations can be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation in Dr. Fenlin's name. Checks can be made out to LCRF, and sent to 155 East 55th St., 6H, New York, NY 10022, or Gifts can be made online with a credit card at www.lungfund.org/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cheryl Schrier
May 19, 2023
Still think of you often John. You are sorely missed by so many and the loss of your talent leaves a permanent void. Hope heaven is amazing!
Cheryl
Robert LAWLER
January 20, 2020
My condolences on the passing of Dr. Fenlin. I was a patient of his back in 1983. The work he did for me gave me a chance for an active life when most others suggested I find a desk job. It was so successful, I resumed all my usual activities including sports and firefighting. That resulted in a second visit to him for another replacement in 1992. after the second surgery I still went back to business as usual. I behaved myself a little better and still have almost full range of use of my right arm. Its been 27 years since that second surgery. He allowed me to live a full, but slightly limited, life lifting and enjoying my three beautiful grand children. I'm proud to say I have a "Fenlin" shoulder. Thank you and may you enjoy your life with the Lord.
paul howard
July 30, 2019
was so lucky to have him reconstruct my shoulder. been bragging about his work for years.
paul howard
C Schrier
May 19, 2019
He made a huge impact on my life when I was just a nursing student. Brilliant, caring, friendly, grounded and humble. He was my ortho through knees and hips and eventually my shoulders. People still try to correct me when they read my history and it says he operated on my knees...but he surely did as a young buck when in practice with Dr Nardone. I will never forget John Fenlin. I still talk about with my Jefferson docs to this day. You are missed John.
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Julia Barwis
October 13, 2018
I was so saddened to read Dr. Fenlin's obituary on the internet. What an amazing, caring, kind doctor. The family has my deepest sympathy. A tremendous loss to his family and past patients.
Maria Go
March 27, 2017
I was just asked who did my shoulder surgery. I was a feisty 21 yo at the time. I remembered that it was Dr. Fenlin and just found his obituary. I had a shoulder injury from playing rugby, a sport that I loved and wanted to play again. I waited at least 1.5 years (as he instructed) after surgery to play again and played club rugby for another 2 years. I remember him being light-hearted and kind. I already knew I was getting the best of the best and he lived up to expectations! This was 20 years ago.
after our team won the championship!
katherine eyre
December 8, 2016
Hi-
I found myself thinking about Dr. Fenlin this morning for the first time in several years, and decided to google him to see what he was up to. I was so sad to hear of his passing, but wanted to share my memories of him with you, since he will remain in my heart forever!
I am now 60. When I was in my early 50s, I decided to return to playing ice hockey, which I hadn't done since my 20s. Shortly after returning to the ice, I damaged the rotator cuff in my left shoulder. I finally south our the Docs at rothman when my hockey buddies suggested I go there. Through a twist of fate, I saw Dr. Fenlin (I showed up on the wrong day for my appointment, and he happened to be there!. He operated, and asked me what I wanted to do afterward. I told him I wanted to play hockey again. He said "If you do exactly what I tell you, you will be back on the ice in 6 months". I did just that, and voila - I was back on the ice 6 months later. But the story does not end there. I did the same thing to my right shoulder a year later. I called Kelly the next day, and she set me up to continue my relationship with this wonderful physician, gentleman, human being. He patched me up again, and I have been playing ice hockey ever since. My fondest memory was just before the 2nd surgery, when he stopped in to say hi and to tell me he would take good care of me. I will never forget that. I am so sorry for your, and my, loss.
John and crew on the Delaware, 1979
Jack Perkins
January 28, 2015
Although I never needed John's services as a physician, I grew up with him and knew him well until our lives went in different directions. Many years later in the 1970's my wife I attended a party at one of Jeff's facilities, and there was much talk of sailing. A stranger came up tome and said, I am John Fenlin, weren't we in Boy Scouts together? Then he inquired about the sailing talk and when I said several of us sailed at the Red Dragon Canoe Club, he said, "My dad used to sail there, what is a good boat to buy?" I told him to get a Lightning and for several years he was one of the top Lightning racers on the east coast and a good friend and member of the club. Again our lives diverged and although I knew he was still at Jeff. Now I have just learned of his passing several months ago. Fair winds and following seas, my friend!
Lawrence Langan
October 6, 2014
I am E. Lawrence Langan MD, Jefferson Class of 1971. Although when I graduated from Jefferson I studied ObGyn, I do recall Dr. Fenlin as one of the best teachers I had in any of the specilities at Jefferson. I knew when he taught me that he would make an absolutely spectacular practitioner, and yes he accomplished that well. I will remember the influence he had on my career and revere his memory
Marianne Stewart
September 14, 2014
Rest in peace. You are sadly missed. oxoxo
Marianne Stewart
September 14, 2014
I too just learned of the passing of Dr. John Fenlin. I was a long time patient of his. He changed my life with his expertise and knowledge. I had a tremendous shoulder injury in 1987 and it was repaired by a Dr. at Christiana Hosp. in DE., where I am from.
The first surgery only lasted about a year.
The surgery was re-done by same Dr. That time it lasted two years. At that point, with my life being put on hold again, my orthopaedic surgeon recommend that I go to be evaluated at Thomas Jefferson Hosp. Dr. Fenlin was the one who saw me. I couldn't have been luckier. I felt at ease immediately. He was so warm and caring and assuring. We discussed my shoulder issues and went ahead and scheduled surgery. This surgery was a success! This time my surgery lasted 12 yrs. After that time my reoccurring shoulder problems came back. After 12 yrs. Dr. Fenlin remembered me and my surgery like it was yesterday. I was extremely at ease knowing Dr. Fenlin was to perform my next and hopefully last surgery.
He explained to me that this time he was going to do something different. He was going to reverse my shoulder and drill all new holes and replace the ligaments and tendons in new areas that should allow the rotator cuff to be stronger again.
The surgery was very intense and so was the pain level and recovery, however,my Dr.Fenlin kept me in Jefferson Hosp. for 3 days to monitor my pain and the beginning of my recovery. That was in 2002 still going strong. He is my angel. I have often thought about him and wondered how he was doing, if he was still working or had he found the time to retire. When I heard about his passing I just sat down and wept. In fact I am now. Just knowing this wonderful, amazing, caring individual was an honor. THANK YOU Dr. and Friend.
Marianne K. Stewart Delaware
1987 & 2002
August 19, 2014
I just found out about Dr. Fenlin passing. What a shock as a patient calling for an appointment. The best Dr he fixed my shoulder what a great man. I am sure he will be missed I only knew him as a Dr. who performed surgery on my shoulder. What a genuine DR. I will always remember him
mary anne callan
August 8, 2014
I just found out about Dr. Fenlin's passing. He was so good to me and helped me with my shoulder problem. I know he will be sadly missed by all
John Bittner
June 30, 2014
As a young aspiring adult, by happenstance, I met Dr. Fenlin. What a genuine individual.
John's passion to educate was extraordinary. Asking a question to a doctor only to receive feedback as family is comforting. What an enigma!
John will always be remembered as the most dedicated human being I have ever had the privilege to meet in person. What a champion of our race.
Godsend doc!!!
John Major Fenlin Jr., M.D. was simply called once again to provide assistance to another. To all family and friends, please accept my condolences.
Constance Bookbinder
May 30, 2014
Fenlin family as you know John has been a close family friend since he was at Lville and Phi Delta Theta at Cornell with Sam and me. Through all the growing years we were always the best of friends. I know all of you far better than you know the Bookbinders. John really loved his friendship with the Bookies and we always had such great fun. I am sad to know that our dear pal has gone to heaven but I like to think that Sams buddy is there with him. I hope you will put this notice in the Cornell, L"ville and Phi delt alumni news. John had dozens of friends who I know would want to know that is is gone from us all. I send my love to all of you and my thoughts of many happy times with your John who was a GREAT GUY. Sincerely Constaqnce Bookbinder
May 29, 2014
What an outstanding surgeon and human being. Dr. Fenlin operated on my fiance' who had gotten hurt in the Dominican Republic while on vacation. All the hardware in his arm had literally fallen apart. My neighbor knew Dr. Fenlin well and called him. We were seen the next day and would have been seen that day had we been home for the call. We were forever grateful for a job perfectly done on a seventy seven year old. RIP Maria Pavlis
Nate & Stacey Halderman
May 28, 2014
Dr. Fenlin achieved what we all strive for--raising a great family (and marrying the right girl), being the best in his profession and sharing his wisdom with others. His spirit will live on through everyone he met!
Debbi Katz
May 27, 2014
I knew John as a professional, a patient, and through some of my friends. In each arena he was a kind and special person. His practicality when it came to treatment of the shoulder is unmatched in the orthopedic community. He approached his interactions with a combination of straight forward advice, humor, kindness, and professionalism. He will be missed. My condolences to his friends, family, and colleagues.
Cheryl Camillo
May 26, 2014
I worked with John Fenlin as a student nurse at Jefferson. He was also my physician for 35+ years. There are not many who can say John Fenlin did their KNEE surgery, but I am one who can. Years later when my shoulders became problematic, back I was once again under his gentle care and skilled scalpel and had a full recovery. His intelligence, skill, bedside manner, personable and caring nature are unsurpassed in the industry. I will miss him deeply. My prayers are with his family at this time of loss. God speed.
Joel Porter, M.D.
May 25, 2014
John Fenlin was such a sweet and kind physician who gave me invaluable advice about several shoulder issues I encountered over the years. There is no one else who can replace this man and I truly mourn his passing.
I learned he had a craving for chocolate covered coffee beans which I once tried to saisfy; I pray he can get as much of them as he would like in heaven.
I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his all family and friends.
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