DR. ANTHONY DUNSTER "ANDY" WHITTEMORE

1944 - 2024

WHITTEMORE, Dr. Anthony "Andy" Dunster Formerly of Sherborn, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully, on August 14, 2024, at 79 years of age. He was surrounded by his loving family. A distinguished vascular surgeon and professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, he dedicated over 35 years to advancing patient care at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Andy was born in Boston in 1944 to Anthony "Tony" Rogers Whittemore and Katherine "Kitty" Gansevoort Whittemore (Binnian). He was the eldest of four brothers. Raised on the South Shore in Cohasset, he developed a lifelong love for sailing. While at Governor's Academy, he met the love of his life, Rhoda "Rhodie" Belknap Stetson. It was here that he developed a deep interest in science and biology. This, combined with the untimely loss of his father at 15 and his brother, Tim, soon after, profoundly inspired his commitment to a career in medicine. He continued his education at Trinity College, graduating in 1966 and married Rhodie.They moved to New York, where he studied medicine at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1970, he was awarded his M.D. and started his surgical residency training. By 1975, he was made chief surgical resident at Columbia Presbyterian. Afterward, he started a vascular surgery fellowship with John Mannick's team at the Brigham. After being drafted into the Selective Service during his residency, Andy completed his fellowship and was commissioned into the Navy. He was the chief of vascular surgery for the 6th Fleet in Portsmouth, Virginia. After his naval service, Andy and Rhodie settled in Sherborn, where they put down roots for good. There, they raised their three children and were members of Pilgrim Church for over 40 years. Andy joined the medical staff at the Brigham and was appointed an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. He wore several hats, including clinician, investigator and educator. His natural curiosity and commitment to patient care led him to research the causes and treatment of vascular disease, publishing over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers. While at the Brigham, Andy was the director of surgical residency training, where he valued the welfare of the young physicians he taught. He loved teaching and eventually retired as a professor of surgery emeritus. Ultimately, he became the chief of vascular surgery at the Brigham. His impact extended beyond the Brigham as he actively contributed to advancing vascular surgery through leadership in numerous professional societies. He was president of the Boston Surgical Society, the New England Society for Vascular Surgery, the Society of Vascular Surgery and the American Surgical Association. In 1999, his role shifted when he became Chief Medical Officer of the Brigham. During this period, he initiated several programs that helped make the Brigham a national leader in patient safety. Andy considered it a tremendous privilege to work with all of the talented, highly dedicated professionals at the Brigham. In retirement, Andy continued to pursue many of his lifelong interests. In summers, he and Rhodie sailed the East Coast in their sloop, Morning Light. In winter, they skied and he built models of the many sailing vessels he admired. Andy was a great storyteller with a superb sense of humor. He was determined to see the best in people and to do his utmost to bring it out in them. He was a shining beacon of confidence, support and love to all those who knew him, and he will be sorely missed. His parents, Tony and Kitty; and his brothers, Timothy and Peter predeceased him. He is survived by Rhodie, his beloved wife of 58 years; his three children, Tony, Joshua and Sarah; seven grandchildren; and his brother, Jamie. A private Interment will be held. Friends and family are warmly invited to celebrate Andy's life at a Memorial service at St. Stephen's Church, in Cohasset, on Tuesday, August 27, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andy's memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Visit www.Mcnamara-Sparrell.com for guestbook.

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