Dr. Frederick F. Whitcomb

WHITCOMB, Dr. Frederick F. Died peacefully at age 85, on January 31st, 2012, following a battle with stomach cancer. His family and the practice of medicine were the two greatest joys in his life. His other important interests were the Episcopal Church, his love of travel and of gardening. He was much loved and will be deeply missed by family, friends, and patients. Born and raised in Omaha, the only child of Fred Whitcomb & Charlotte Townsend Whitcomb, Dr. Whitcomb was educated at The Hotchkiss School (1945), Yale University (1949) and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (1953.) After an internship and assistant residency at Bellevue Hospital in NY, he was a fellow in medicine and gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic in MN for five years. Dr. Whitcomb was on the staff at the Lahey Clinic in MA for 47 years, from 1961 to 2008, where he specialized in gastroenterology and diseases of the liver. During his time there he published over 50 scientific papers and was, at one time, head of the Department of Medical Education. Dr. Whitcomb served in the infantry in World War II. He was a long time resident of Wellesley Hills, MA and an active member of St. Andrew's Church, where he served on the vestry and as senior warden. He was married first to the Rev. Dr. Barbara Nielsen and subsequently to Stella Przirembel. He is survived by two children, Peter Whitcomb (wife Betsy) and Juliet Whitcomb (husband Elliot), two stepdaughters, Alessandra Angeli and Francisca Angeli, and five grandchildren. Dr. Whitcomb was a member of The Country Club in Brookline, MA Wianno Club in Osterville, MA, The Lotos Club in NY and The Mill Reef Club in Antigua. A Graveside Service will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, NE, on Monday, February 6th at 10:00 am. A Memorial Service and Reception will be held at St. Andrew's Church in Wellesley, MA on Saturday, February 18th at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested contributions to the Frederick F. Whitcomb, MD Endowment Fund for liver research and education which may be made through the Lahey Clinic, 41 Mall Rd., Burlington, MA 01805.