Anthony-Chila, DO-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Jagers and Sons Funeral Home

Anthony G. Chila, DO

Athens, Ohio

Dec 14, 1937 – Apr 1, 2022 (Age 84)

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BORN
December 14, 1937
DIED
April 1, 2022
AGE
84
LOCATION
Athens, Ohio

Obituary

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Jagers and Sons Funeral Home Obituary

Anthony Chila, Professor Emeritus of Family Medicine at Ohio University, passed away in Columbus, Ohio on April 1, 2022.  Anthony was born December 14, 1937 in Youngstown, Ohio, to  Paul and Anne Chila.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Peter and Michael.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen, daughter Anne (Matthew) and granddaughters Sarah and Katharine.


He received his Bachelor of Arts from Youngstown State University in 1960 and received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1965.  After 11 years in general practice, he began his academic career at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and taught at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine/Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine until his retirement in 2011.  He chaired the Department of Family Medicine for 10 years.


For more than 30 years, he presented his research at American Osteopathic Association Research Conferences and Congresses of the International Federation of Manual Medicine.  He was the author or co-author of papers published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, Osteopathic Annals, Journal of Applied Physiology, Journal of Manual Medicine, and the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain.  He served as Editor-in-Chief of the American Academy of Osteopathy Journal from 2000-2007 and as Executive Editor of the third edition of Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011.  He additionally edited the American Academy of Osteopathy 75th Anniversary publication and aided in the development of their 2017 textbook Fascia in the Osteopathic Field.


He delivered the Scott, Burns, Northup, Sutherland and A.T. Still Memorial Lectures and was the 1995 recipient of the AOA Bureau of Research Gutensohn-Denslow Aware.  In 1997, he was presented with the Andrew Taylor Still Medallion of Honor by the American Academy of Osteopathy.


Beyond his 50+ years of practicing medicine and training future physicians, Anthony enjoyed nothing more than family, traveling the world with Helen, immersing himself in a deeper understanding of religion, history and the arts, and passing the time in the company of a fine cigar, scotch, or glass of wine.


Funeral service will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with Rev. Mark Elliott officiating.  Burial will be in Athens Memory Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Osteopathic Cranial Academy Education Fund. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.

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Tony and I were med school mates, he a couple years ahead. We shared no small number of meals and chats together during our school days. Tony was always a serious, intelligent student, a kind, caring person who I always admired. He, of course, went on after our training days to become a distinguished and accomplished physician, teacher and leader as we all knew he would and will be missed. My sympathy goes out to his family. Tony will be missed.
Paul Benchwick D.O., FACOI

Tony was a great teacher, a guiding beacon for education. Always patient, always happy. The world will miss you.
I found out about his passing today after thinking about him during my morning coffee. Will miss you. Thanks for all the teachings and kind words bestowed on us, your students.

I have just found out about Tony's passing, and wish to send out my heartfelt condolences to his wife Helen and their family. Helen is my godmother, of whom I have lost contact with over the past years. I recall Tony as being a very bright, humble, quiet and friendly person who will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers to Aunt Helen and her family. May Tony's memory be eternal!

Linda and I just returned last evening from a three-day trip to attend the funeral of my former Chairman of Family Medicine at Ohio University (OU) [now Heritage] College of Osteopathic Medicine. This man, Anthony Chila, DO, was a nationally known figure – highly regarded, recognized, honored, and respected by our profession. I was one of his attending physicians while I was at OU, but externed with him before I had even graduated from medical school in 1973 – making me now one of only a few...

I hope this is forwarded to Helen Chila and family members please.

Rosa and I are so sorry for your loss.
As you well know, Tony was my mentor and physician when I was not able to be cared for by my father, Leon Stein, DO.
Our families have a very long relationship together, from my Dad’s early days in practice in Western PA., to my Osteopathic training and FAAO/Academy/Education commitments.
Tony was really my other Osteopathic father and I will always be indebted...

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Chila's passing, but I am proud to have learned from an osteopathic physician legend. He took such joy and happiness in seeing osteopathic medical students understand the concepts of OMM and had patience when it took some of us just a little bit longer to grasp an idea or a learning objective. I thank Dr. Chila for that time, his knowledge, leadership, and kindness. My condolences and prayers to Dr. Chila's family and our OUHCOM family.

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Chila. He was a kind soul and always had time for a question or just a conversation. He gave me great advice early in my academic career and I am very proud to have known him. My sincere condolences to the family. Until we meet again.

A Tribute to Dr. Chila: You are a true world class master of your craft: “the art and science of osteopathic medical treatment”, also known simply as “healing”. You brought improved quality of life to thousands of patients over five decades of practicing medicine. That is half a century. You trained thousands of medical students and physicians, both in Athens and throughout the world. Your impact literally ranged from the cellular level of your individual patients to the global level of...