Dr. Thomas John Zaydon Sr.

Dr. Thomas John Zaydon Sr., Coral Cables, Fla., died Jan. 12. He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Helene. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo.

He was born in Eynon on July 14, 1920, the son of the late Thomas and Anne Zaydon. He came from close, loving Lebanese immigrant ancestry that valued heritage, religion, family and education. His widowed mother and his siblings raised him. Dr. Zaydon graduated from Blakely High School and received a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Doctor of Medicine from Hahnemann Medical College. In the Air Force, he served active duty as an Army surgeon in the Philippines. He held the rank of captain, 13th Squadron/85th Fighter Wing. He then served at Valley Forge, dedicating himself to the care of World War II veterans.

He was so moved by the plight of burn victims that he would later establish the first civilian skin bank in the world. This innovation led to significant advances in the specialty of reconstructive surgery. Utilizing his wartime experiences, and after completing his residency at Washington University, Dr Zaydon co-authored a book on the treatment of facial injuries that became an important reference in early treatment. Dr. Zaydon's compassionate side and expertise carried him on many occasions to Haiti, where he repaired cleft palates and other congenital deformities.

Dr. Zaydon was a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow of American College of Surgeons. Dr. Zaydon was a founding member and active participant in St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church, serving on the board. He was a member of the Knights of Malta, Order of the Holy Sepulcher. He was former chief of plastic surgery at Miami Heart Institute, St. Francis, Mount Sinai and Mercy hospitals. He was a valued member of the Aesculapian Society. He was past president of Florida Society of Plastic Surgery, a founding staff member of South Miami Hospital and a lifetime member of Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and American Society Aesthestic of Plastic Surgeons. He received numerous civic, religious and professional awards. He received the 2011 Dade County Medical Association Lifetime Achievement award.

St. Jude's Catholic Church was dedicated to Dr. Zaydon. He received its highest award for years of outstanding service as president of the parish council.

Dr. Zaydon loved his family, his church and his work. He embodied carpe diem.

He is also survived by eight children, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Samuel, John, Tama, Helene, Joseph, James and Louis; nephew, Dr. Phillip and Judith George; seven grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was also preceded in death by four brothers, Joseph, Dr. John Paul, attorney James and Louis; and two sisters, Anne and Josephine.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and will live forever in our hearts.