Dr. Elliot S. Vesell

Hard to believe it has been 2 years. I still remember our conversations.

Dr. Elliot Vesell was passionate about American art and it was in that context that I met him, when I was head curator of the Allentown Art Museum, where we hosted an exhibition of his wonderful collection. Feeling that his paintings deserved an amplified and more personalized interpretation, I reworked labels and wrote up text for sectional groupings. Elliot told me at some point that he felt my texts did a better job of interpreting his collection than any before. What a tribute coming from...

To one of the finest men I've ever known. The world has lost a brilliant mind, a bright light and a faithful friend. Rest in Peace, my dear Elliot. You will be missed.

I was very sorry to hear of Elliot's demise. Although I did not know him well as undergraduates in Eliot House, we stayed in touch after his wife died,
On behalf of his classmates and friends at Harvard , I send my sincerest condolences to you, Lianne and Hillary.

Renny Little, Secretary
Harvard Class of 1955

Lianne and Hillary,I am very sad to hear about the loss of your father. He gave me one of my first summer jobs in his lab. As busy as he was, he still had time to check on me. With deep condolences,Dave Zelis

Others remember Elliot as an extraordinary father, doctor, administrator, and art collector.

I remember him as an extraordinary friend. We met at Harvard, when we took some of the same courses in History & Lit; that time in Cambridge and those shared experiences forged a permanent bond. Over the years, he was a wise critic and generous supporter of my writing--especially JUST ONE MORE SONG, my memoir about my late wife, Dee. "Your SONG," he confided, " reminds me in so many...

The Class of 1951 at Phillips Exeter Academy was, an is, a distinguished group of men. One of the best of them was our friend Elliot. He not only had an eminent career in medicine.He also was an extraordinary student and collector of paintings of the Hudson River School. If you can find a copy, read the book Different Views. It was written by Judith Hansen O'Toole. In it she beautifully and affectionately describes much of Elliot's amazing collection of Hudson River School paintings.In...

My brother, sister and I have many fond memories of Dr. Vesell. He provided us such kind and wise guidance on our studies and our careers over the years, and it was always a joy to converse with him. Dr. Vesell was a true Renaissance Man, and his passion for learning and art inspired us all. His unique spirit will be missed. We send our deepest sympathies and prayers to his daughters and his extended family.

Dr. Vesell was indeed a great person and scientific role model for myself, as well of all others, who were fortunate to be graduate students in pharmacology at Hershey during his many years as departmental chair. I fondly remember him telling me that if there was ever a time when money might prevent me from performing a critical experiment, I should talk with him and he would see that funds were provided. He was always a staunch supporter of grad students whether or not he was our direct...