John Jacob Furth, M.D.,
Age 87, a resident of both Upper Darby, PA and Surry, ME, passed away in Philadelphia on July 6, 2016.
John was born in Philadelphia in 1929 and was a first generation American. His Hungarian father was a well-known pathologist and his Czech mother was a pediatrician in Public Health. John studied American History at Cornell University and then served his country during the Korean War as part of the Quartermaster Corps. After completing his service, John went to Yale Law School but left after one year to study medicine at Duke Medical School. As a Resident at New York University he met a nurse, Mary Autry, who in 1959 became his wife.
After accepting a research position in the Pathology Department at the University of Pennsylvania, the family moved to their home in Upper Darby. Together they raised three children in the home they resided for 52 years.
John had a curious intellect and caring soul that believed in the common good. A life-long political activist, informed by his Quaker beliefs he cared deeply about peace, good governance, the democratic process and equality for all. He could quote the Founding Fathers, Lincoln or the Kennedy’s at the drop of a hat. Never one to be content with a status quo or afraid to be a thorn in the side of the powers that be, he acted on his core beliefs by running for mayor of Upper Darby and other elected offices with passion and energy.
A life-long basic scientist, John was passionate about the environment and was active in preserving undeveloped land on the Maine coast and worked for years to make Darby Creek a clean, thriving ecosystem once more. A nature lover with a pair of binoculars never beyond reach, he was always on the lookout for birds. He loved and learned their songs. He prepared food for them as diligently as a parent. They will miss him!
John was actively committed to the Darby Creek Valley Association, Friends of Morgan Bay, and the Blue Hill Heritage Trust.
John was a beloved community member, a great neighbor, and a respected leader in both of the communities which he called home. He was a loving father and husband. His children, grandchildren, family and friends will always miss him, and are proud of his legacy and the many causes he supported.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth Autry Furth, and his brother, Eugene Furth. He is survived by his daughters, Karen, Susan and Robin Furth; sons-in-law, Jay Nubile, David Lunden and Mark Rutter; and grandchildren, Sara Furth Lunden, Corinne Furth Lunden and Alex Nubile.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, July 23rd at 2pm at the Lansdowne Friends Meeting, 120 N. Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations:
“Friends of the Swedish Cabin” 9 Creek Rd., Drexel Hill, PA 19026
“Darby Creek Valley Association” P.O. Box 732 Drexel Hill, PA 19026, www.dcva.org/donate
“Blue Hill Heritage Trust” 258 Mountain Road, P.O. Box 222, Blue Hill, Maine 04614, www.bluehillheritagetrust.org
Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth St. Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com
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