DR. THOMAS JOHN ZAYDON Sr.

ZAYDON, DR. THOMAS JOHN, SR., passed away with his family at his side on January 12, 2012. He was born in Eynon, PA on July 14, 1920. 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, Sr. graduated high school in Peckville, PA in 1937. In 1941, he graduated with a B.S. from Penn State University. Then graduated from Hahnemann/ Drexel Medical College in 1944. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served active duty for three years as an army surgeon in the Philippines. His final military rank in the air force was that of Captain, 13th squadron/85th fighter wing. Following military service he served for one year at Valley Forge, then the largest hospital dedicated to the care of WWII 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 to Haiti on multiple occasions 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 until just before his death. He was a member of the Knights of Malta, the Order of the Holy Sepulcher. He was former chief of plastic surgery at Miami Heart Institute, St. Francis, Mount Sinai and Mercy Hospital. He was a valued member of the Aesculapian Society. He was past president of Florida Society of Plastic Surgery. He was a founding staff member of South Miami Hospital. He was 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 civics, 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 and was previously presented an award for 33 years of parish service. He also served as President of the Parish Council. Dr. Zaydon loved his family, his church and his work. He embodied Carpe Diem. In 1950 he was married to Helene Marie Joseph, daughter of Sam and Bea Joseph. He was preceded in death by beloved first wife Helene and is survived by his wife Mary Jo Evancho Zaydon. Dr. Zaydon is survived by eight children, Dr. Thomas Zaydon, Dr. Samuel Zaydon, John Zaydon, Tama Zaydon, Helene Zaydon-Hart, Joseph Zaydon, James Zaydon, and Louis Zaydon. Nephew; Dr. Phillip George & Judith George, seven grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many other close family members, friends and colleagues. Visitation: St . Jude Melkite Catholic Church, 126 S.E. 15th Road on Sunday Jan.15 from 7:30-9:30PM. Thomas Zaydon Sr.'s life will be celebrated in a funeral mass on Monday, Jan. 16 at 10:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either St Jude Catholic Church or St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.