Harry J. Konerman

For nearly a half century, Dr. Harry J. Konerman was dedicated to the science of medicine.

But, for all of his life, it was his deep Catholic faith that sustained and shone through in everything he did in his profession and made him the man he was.

He lived, his family says, by the Jesuit motto, ad majorem Dei gloriam - "all for the greater glory of God."

Dr. Konerman died Sunday at his Amberley Village home after a long illness - only two days before his 90th birthday.

In fact, on Saturday, the day before his death, his six children and 15 grandchildren gathered at the family home in Amberley Village to celebrate his birthday - with a birthday cake, and a mass celebrated by his son, Father Greg Konerman of Urbana.

"It was a wonderful day; and he enjoyed it so much,'' Father Konerman said of the Saturday birthday party. "Then, 10 hours later, with our mother holding his hand, he slipped away. It was a beautiful death."

Dr. Konerman practiced internal medicine in Pleasant Ridge for many years and, later shared an office in Hyde Park with his son, Dr. James Konerman, who lives in Kenwood,

A native of Newport, Ky., he was a graduate of St. Xavier High School, Xavier University and the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University.

During the Korean War, he served as a captain in the U.S. Army medical corps. After returning from Korea, he joined the staff of Good Samaritan Hospital and established his internal medicine practice in Pleasant Ridge.

His devotion to his Catholic faith was strong - the foundation of all that he did, both as a father and a doctor, his family said.

Throughout his career, he served the medical needs of Catholic priests and nuns in the Cincinnati area, among them the Jesuits and the Sisters of Notre Dame in Covington.

It was his gentleness and easy-going manner that attracted patients to him.

"Harry was one of the most patient people I have ever known,'' said his long-time nurse, Mary Kissel. "There was no one like him."

He volunteered his time as team physician for both the St. Xavier High School and Xavier University athletic programs; and served many years as the medical director of the McGrath Student Health Center at Xavier.

He was named "Team Physician of the Year" in 1988 by the Ohio High School Athletic Association; and, in 2001, was awarded the Insignis Award from St. Xavier High School, an honor bestowed on an alumnus who exemplifies "faith and integrity."

He retired from the practice of medicine in 2000.

Father Konerman said his father, despite his busy medical practice, put family first. On many a summer night, neighbors would see "Doc" Konerman in the front yard tossing a ball with one of the kids."

'He was a truly devoted father who always had time for us,'' Father Konerman said. "If he was not helping us with our homework, or taking us to a Reds game, he was treating us to Graeter's ice cream.

"He taught us all the most important things - faith in God, love of country and the blessings of family,'' Father Konerman said.

In addition to Margaret, his wife of 62 years, and sons Greg and James, he is survived by two more sons, Neil Konerman of Centerville and John of Covedale; two daughters, Diane Sweeny of Kenwood and Caroline Dattilo of Sayler Park; and 15 grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at George Rohde Funeral Home, 3183 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout. Funeral mass will be said at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Cecilia Church, 3105 Madison Rd., Oakley.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Cecilia Church, 3105 Madison Rd., Cincinnati 45209, St. Xavier High School, 600 W. North Bend Rd., Cincinnati 45224, or Greater Cincinnati Right to Life, 1802 W. Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati 45239.

Written by Howard Wilkinson | hwilkinson@enquirer.com">hwilkinson@enquirer.com">hwilkinson@enquirer.com">hwilkinson@enquirer.com