Dr James M. Fattu

Dr. James M. Fattu, 67, a noted physician, scientist, and pharmaceutical executive, died on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at his home in West Chester, Pa.

Dr. Fattu was born in April 1945 in Chippewa Falls, the son of Nicholas A. Fattu and Jeanette Kalk Fattu. He was a fifth generation native of Chippewa Falls.

Dr. Fattu received his Bachelor's (1967) and Ph.D. (1975) degrees from Indiana University, and was graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1974. During the next 11 years, he practiced internal medicine in Evansville, Ind. He co-authored a book titled, "Artificial Intelligence with Statistical Pattern Recognition," (1986) and also did pioneering work in computer software for decision-making. In addition he held the position of clinical associate professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville.

In 1988, Dr. Fattu joined Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in East Hanover, N.J., rising to executive director and internal therapeutic head, cardiovascular and diabetes clinical research. He moved to Wyeth Research in Pennsylvania in 1993, rising to executive vice president for clinical research, where he retired in 2003.

He served as chairman of the American Heart Association Pharmaceutical Roundtable from 2001-02, and as president of the Pennsylvania Delaware affiliate of the American Heart Association from 2000-02.

He was an elected member of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, a fellow of the American College of Physicians and lifetime member of Sigma XI, Scientific Research Society.

Dr. Fattu at his core was a caring physician with a remarkable skill for medical research and problem solving. He and his wife were avid travelers, visiting many sites in the United States and around the world. He also enjoyed wood carving and furniture making.

Dr. Fattu lived by the principles that people count, family comes first and the virtues of education. While attaining much professional achievement, his home life was industrious and practical. With an unyielding will and integrity, he was always learning, always building and always giving. His faith fortified him. A natural leader, his example and efforts always brought family together.

He was a devoted father and grandfather to his three children and six grandchildren.

He is survived by: his wife of 43 years, Suzanne Penz Fattu; his daughter, Ann-Jeanette (Rudy) Vasko of Malvern, Pa.; his sons, Michael (Khajistha) Fattu of Austin, Texas, and James C. Fattu of West Chester, Pa.; grandchildren Christian, Jenna and Ella Vasko and Bisma, Sarah and Ashraf Fattu; and his siblings, Mary Fattu Ashley (Fred) of McLean, Va., and Nicholas Fattu (Edie) of Falls Church, Va.

A memorial Mass celebrating the life of Dr. James Fattu will be held in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, April 16. Interment will be in Wisconsin at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19103 and the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th & Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Arrangements by the Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000. Online condolences at www.donohuefuneralhome.com.