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Peter Keblish Obituary
Dr. Peter A. Keblish, Jr., 74, orthopaedic surgeon and co-founder of OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, died Tuesday evening, January 25, in Idaho Falls, Idaho while on a ski trip in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He died 0of a heart attack. Dr. Keblish was the son of the late Sally and Peter Keblish Sr., of Glen Lyon, PA. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a two time captain of the Varsity football team and Hahnemann University Medical School. He did his orthopaedic training in the Army, and served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star. He served as Chief of Orthopaedics at the Lehigh Valley Hospital and the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital. He has received numerous national and international honors including being listed in the 2006 Guide to Americas Top Surgeons and receiving the Sir John Charnley Award-Arthritis Foundation 2001. Survivors: He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, with whom he celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary on November 28. Additional survivors are his sons, Gary, Paul, David and Peter III Keblish; his stepsons, Christopher, David and Jeffrey Sinclair; and his daughters in law, Tamara, Tracy, Julie and Colleen Keblish, and Sandra and Natalie Sinclair. In addition he had 14 grandchildren. Services: Calling hours, The family will receive visitors between 4:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, February 4, at the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 16th and Hamilton Streets, Allentown. Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 5, at 11 a.m., Central Moravian Church, Main and Church Streets, Bethlehem, PA. Interment will be private. Contributions: No flowers please, but any one wishing to make donations on his behalf, please do so at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center or the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital.
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Keblish
Elaine Galli Panarello
August 23, 2021
Attended Newport High with Peter & he was always so nice to be with. My friend ,Phyllis Sabolski , from Texas visited me many years ago & we called him @ his office in Allentown. He came to the phone & we had a nice conversation with him about Newport. For those of you who may not remember her, she was the gorgeous red-headed cheer leader who moved to N.J. in her sophomore year. She would have been in the class of 1955. So glad we did that. He was so glad to hear from us.
Sorry to all who have lost him.
Best Regards,
Elaine
Suzanne R. Cook
September 7, 2011
September 7, 2011
To the Dr. Peter Keblish family,
My late husband (Lawrence W. Cook)) was the first person in my family to meet Dr. 'K' back in 1987. Upon returning from his consultation, I remember Larry saying, "this is the first doctor who made me feel like he had all the time in the world to talk to me. I felt his confidence, that a knee replacement would go well. He's the one I want to do this surgery." The rest is history. Larry's knee was successfully replaced in 1987 and served him well until he passed away in 1999.
With a grateful heart,
Suzanne R. Cook (Larry's wife)
Suzanne R. Cook
September 7, 2011
September 7, 2011
To the wonderful Keblish family,
I've belatedly learned of Dr. Keblish's passing early this year when attempting to make an appointment a few days ago. I can only imagine your moment of loss, based on how stunned and saddened was mine. Brief as my family's visits were, upon occasions of consultations, surgeries, checkups etc., since 1987, Dr. Peter Keblish was "the man" we turned to get things 'working right' (knees, in this case). A perfect knee replacement for my husband after many, painful years, a sports injury repair for my son's homeplate 'slide' and my own, 'cranky' aging knee repair, most recently. I'll always remember those twinkling, blue eye's reassuring each of us that 'things went well' and to come back for a 'checkup.' A Doctor, a friend and a 'Prince of a man.' Thank you for always being there and even now, in our hearts!
May God continue to bless the Keblish family as Peter Keblish did his fellow man.
Suzanne R. Cook (also, age '74 and a '59 graduate of the U. of Pennsylvania)
phyllis finnegan/carlo
March 29, 2011
went to high school with peter and we were good friends...he was always so nice to everyone
Tom Gaydos
March 16, 2011
To Paul and the entire Keblish Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss -- Tom & Dawn Gaydos
Jeff Kassoway
March 7, 2011
I was informed to-day 3/7 of our loss, Dr Keblish made a small fortune repairing my body. We met when the Dr. was on Chew St. Our last meeting was Jan. 13 this year. I want to thank you Peter for the conference you gave me, it aloud me to live my life to it's fullest, I'm sure God is pleased to have you home, from a very grateful friend.
February 24, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Keblish and Sinclair family. I grewup with Peter in Glen Lyon. We lived a few homes apart.We called him "Sonny" and his sister"Dolly" His father Peter Sr. and mother Sally took me to Philadelphia a few times to see him play football at U of P. May HE rest in peace. WALTER FUDJAK-Glen Lyon,Pa.
Janet Forse
February 24, 2011
My family and I were very sorry to hear of Dr. Keblish's death. Several of us were his patients: Edgar H. Leander, H. Gassaway Brown, III, Susan Leander and myself, Janet Forse.
We wish to express our sympathy to Dr. Keblish's family and his staff. We know it is a great loss for all of you.
We are so sadddened by his passing. He served us exceedingly well. We benefitted from his skills, his concern about us and his friendly, yet professional association with us. We are glad he was personally and professionally active until the end.
Sincerely,
Janet M. Forse
Ron & Nancy Eichman
February 10, 2011
A great Doctor who will missed very much. Dr. Keblish has been my family's orthopedic doctor since my daughter dislocated her knee in 1980. We became his patients when he had his offices on Chew St. We found his personality and professionalism to be impeccable.
To his staff at OOA, we know you have lost a great friend, mentor and associate.
To his family, we extend our deepest sympathies and have you in our prayers.
Jennifer Sommer
February 9, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Keblish and Sinclair family , I learned alot from Dr. Keblish when I worked with him and am honored to be one of many who have gain excellent skills and knowledge that he has passed on too , anyone who got to work with him was lucky to learn such skills ... You are in my prayers..
February 6, 2011
I was a patient of Dr. Keblish and I thought he was the very BEST! I'm so glad he did my partial knee replacement. He will surely be greatly missed!
Danadee M. Miller-Boyle
Fred Buechel, Sr, MD
February 6, 2011
Re: Peter Keblish, MD - Master Knee Surgeon and Long-time Friend
Back in 1979 Peter and I met at the Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma (OST) Annual Scuuba Diving meeting. Peter was an avid diver who trained amputees how to scuba dive in Vietnam, one of his many noble causes. We debated the pros and cons of mobile-bearing knee replacements, when Peter became enthused with the concept and began treating his patients and teaching other surgeons around the world, using the nuances of flexion-extension gap balance and fostering the "lateral approach" for fixed-valgus deformities. We would "split hairs" over managing the fat-pad, while using "pie crust" or "3 -step releases" to optimize the lateral approach, papers we independently published in CORR.
Peter and Ruth were avid scuba diviers, who brought grace and dignity to the OST Society when he was president and Ruth was the "First Lady". Our many years of diving and orthopaedic presentations solidified the original LCS Total Knee Programs that we shared around the world with other great surgeons. The "Learning Center" at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. was a great destination for surgeons from around the world to learn the subtleties of knee biomechanics and surgical technique from a truly "Master Surgeon"!
Peter was so competitive in everything he did, from "Both Ways" football at Penn in the mid 1950's to surgery, skiing and golf. He and Ruth would taunt Seth Greenwald and I for being "lack-luster" skiiers who spent mroe time in snow drifts than upright on our skis. They could both ski backwards down difficult Colorado slopes while we could barely ski forwards.
I'll miss his commoraderie in the operating room, on the podium, under the water and at the 19th hole, one of his favorite spots. I'm grateful that Peter had Ruth for so many wonderful years. She was his perfect "soul mate" and a "most independent woman"!
Peter, wherever your spirit has gone, I'm sure you will be revered and appreciated by those around you as you will be fondly remembered by those of us you have left behind!
So long for now, buddy!!
In Loving Memory,
Fred Buechel, Sr., MD
Ann Wlazelek
February 4, 2011
Dear Ruth and family,
What a terrific man, doctor and surgeon. He helped so many of us live better lives. He permitted me to watch his skilled h ands in the OR and he saved my husband from agony by replacing his failing knee with a new, bionic one. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Stephanie Heckman
February 4, 2011
To the Family of Dr. Keblish,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I was a patient of Dr. Keblish in 1972, he saved my life from Cancer. He was the most compassionate doctor I have ever had. He left a wonderful permenant memory of his caring when he cried while telling me I had to have my leg amputated (I was 15 at the time). The medical community will certainly be at a great loss without him.
Stephanie Brichta Heckman
Elena Pascal
February 4, 2011
Ruth,
We want to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Elena Pascal and Lisa Unger
Boutiquetogo
Gina Jones
February 3, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Keblish family. May you find comfort in knowing how loved he was by his patients, friends, and colleagues. I was fortunate to know Dr. Keblish through my work at LVH and also as a patient. His expertise, wisdom, and genuine caring for his patients was truly unique -- he was one of a kind. I am grateful to have known him and to have had him as my surgeon twice as well. He was the consummate professional and exemplary physican. Gina Jones
February 3, 2011
I grew up playing sports with Gary and Paul. On occasion I needed the assistance of an orthopedic surgeon to repair my battered body. I was fortunate to have Dr. Keblish take care of me. I can remember my first operation. “Mark, count backwards from 100” he said. I got to 96 and closed my eyes. I opened them again.
As I looked up at Dr. Keblish I responded, “I can’t remember what number I am on.”
“Mark, I already completed your surgery. It was a success.”
Time and again I went to him for advice as my scarecrow body needed repaired. I am one of a thousands of grateful patients who relied on his knowledge and expertise. The Lehigh Valley was blessed to have had a professional like Dr. Keblish.
He will be missed.
To the Keblish family, I love you guys.
Mark Devey
February 3, 2011
I grew up playing sports with Gary and Paul. On occasion I needed the assistance of an orthopedic surgeon to repair my battered body. I was fortunate to have Dr. Keblish take care of me. I can remember my first operation. “Mark, count backwards from 100,” he said. I got to 96 and closed my eyes. I quickly opened them again.
As I looked up at Dr. Keblish I responded, “I can’t remember what number I am on.”
“Mark, I already completed your surgery. It was a success.”
Time and again I went to him for advice as my scarecrow body required mending. I am one of a thousands of grateful patients who relied on his knowledge and expertise. The Lehigh Valley was blessed to have had a professional like Dr. Keblish. He will be sorely missed.
To the Keblish family, I love you guys.
walt finnegan
February 3, 2011
Peter, We all loved you like a brother! We know you're now running the
show in some parallel universe. Tom D. & I put our thoughts on the
OAA group website, whereas Tom M. and I submitted more detailed
and personalized tributes [complimentary & complementary] to the
Morning Call. Ruth and all the boys know that you were our friend,
mentor, partner, & true hero!
February 3, 2011
Dear Keblish Family:
Kim and I are sorry to hear of your loss. We wish you all well during these difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Jeff & Kim Bell
Pam Wenner
February 3, 2011
It is with great sorrow to learn of the death of Dr Keblish. I was a patient of his for the past several years and will miss him very much. My deepest sympathies to his family.
February 2, 2011
Dear Ruth, Boys and families
We have, since last Wednesday, been thinking of you and Peter and still have much difficulty in accepting the reality of his passing. Because of the weather we will not be able to be with you for the services this weekend but be assured you will be in our thoughts, and Peter's friendship with us over the past forty years will be a continuing rememberance of him to us.
Bud and Bobbe Wiener = Palm Beach Gardens, FL
David Paul
February 2, 2011
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Keblish's passing. I had the privilege of working for him for a number of years. He was not just a boss, but a mentor, guide... and friend. He will be missed.
Linda Steffy
February 2, 2011
Dr. Keblish was a kind and gentle man. He will be greatly missed by all. My prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time. With Sincere Sympathy, Linda Steffy
Lana Nalichowski
February 2, 2011
Jeffrey and family,
My condolences on your loss.
Miss Lana, Nursery School at the Church of
the Mediator
Kelley Howard-Allen and family
February 2, 2011
Ruth and sons and their families,
Our family was so saddened to hear of Dr. Keblish's sudden passing. You are all in our prayers at this diffidcult time. We all think so fondly of our times with the Keblish klan at OST. What a great man, what a great family. Dr. Keblish will surely be missed by many, including the Howards!
February 2, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Cliff and Dianne Bridges
February 2, 2011
Dear Keblish family,
While on a visit to Zurich Switzerland to meet my grandmother's sister Mary, her daughter took us on a tour to a cathedral off the tourist beat. While in the cathedral, I heard a voice and it was a great surprise, to see Dr. Keblish. I worked in the ER at Allentown hospital. This was something that will never happen again. I was honored to know him and to have worked with him. My prayers are with you. God Bless, Colleen Tomline, Northampton, Pa.
Sandralee Wagner RN
February 2, 2011
I worked with Dr. Keblish many years ago when I worked at Leigh Valley Hospital and had very good memories of him. He was always pleasnt and personable.
My condolences to the family.
Sandralee Wagner RN
Jodi Dinsmore
February 2, 2011
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Rosemary Wimmer
February 2, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Keblish family at the loss of Dr. Keblish. I worked with Dr Keblish in the OR at LVH - CC and LVH - 17. He was an extraordinary surgeon who always had the best interests of his patients in mind. He will be missed.
Rocky Bleier
February 2, 2011
Lives come together for a reason. I met Dr. Keblish in 1969 at Ft. Riley KS when I came back from Vietnam. War tattered as we all were, lying in those beds, Dr. Keblish reassured us that all would be O.K. Finishing what had been started in Tokyo, he got a young soldier on his feet, not only to walk again, but to help fulfill a dream.
My condolences to the family. My thankfulness for his skills.
Kristen & Michael Leuthe
February 2, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Keblish family.
February 2, 2011
Please accept our condolences. Pete and I were interns together at St. Luke's in Bethlehem. I have always valued him as a friend and great orthopedic consultant over the years.
Ian M. Ballard, MD
Richard Battista, MD
February 2, 2011
It is with sincere regret to have learned the sad news regarding a man who created the practice that I love, and the organization which has become a truly fantastic place to work. Dr. Keblish,without question, put the Lehigh Valley on the map in the world of Orthopaedic Surgery. His grey hair, worldly experience, and committment to patient care will create a void at OAA that will be impossible to fill. As a fellow veteran, colleague, and friend, I salute Peter Keblish for his service to our country, our community, and his family. His memory will endure.
christina Glass
February 2, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Keblish's passing, I did not know him personally, but he took great care of my grandparents who spoke very highly of him.
Didier Matel
February 1, 2011
To Gary, Paul and the extended Keblish family, I'm greatly saddened to learn of Dr. Keblish's passing. I fondly recall his treating me on the sidelines after getting a knock or two during soccer games many years ago, then later seeing those same gentle and knowledgeable hands expertly treat my mother on several occasions. I always felt I was in the presence of greatness. You are in my thoughts.
Shay Schilling
February 1, 2011
Sorry to hear about you loss. He touched so many lives and will be missed. I worked with him and he was always nice. My prayers are with you and the family.
Michael Pappas
February 1, 2011
Dr keblishe's death is a great loss to the orthopaedic community as well a to you and your family. In my work with him I found him to be a man of exceptional intellect, objectiviey and analytical ability. It was always an honor and peasure to work with him in the OR and on the preperaqtion of papers for publichation. I will miss him very much.
Michael J, Pappas
Christine Marie Tillmann
February 1, 2011
To Ruth and family - I am very saddened by your loss. I had the chance of meeting Dr. Keblish on a few occasions, being the sister of Nathalie-Louise (daughter-in-law from Montreal). I will always remember his open-mindedness, humanity and wisdom, not to mention his culture, which made our conversations even more interesting! The world has lost a great soul. May you find comfort in the fact that he lived fully and that you will continue to bask in the glow of his love for you. Christine Marie Tillmann & Giorgio, Alexandre, Antoine and Gabriella Toso
February 1, 2011
Dear Keblish family, Sorry to hear about Dr. Keblish. Peter was a great guy who keeped me patched up for many years of riding mc. Thanks to him, I could retier.
February 1, 2011
I had an appointment with Dr. Keblish scheduled for February 21st in Lehighton. I called yesterday to cancel and learned of his passing. It was quite a shock. My sincere condolences to all members of his family and his collegues at OAA. Sincerely, Mrs. Barbara Moskalik
February 1, 2011
To all: Sad to hear. Dear Pete, Planned to see you as a patient in the spring. Wish it had been sooner. You were a wonderful upper classman & football player @ Newport. Respectful & kind. So sorry to all your family.
Love & sorrow,
Elaine Galli Panarello "1955"
Robert Henrichsen MD
January 31, 2011
This superlative physician and teacher will be missed.
Kathleen Kaplan
January 31, 2011
Dear Keblish Family - I remember Dr Keblish fondly - from the time he made sure I was okay after falling off my swing set as a little girl - to the time he didn't hesitate to review my X-rays after a car accident. My sympathies to the whole family during this difficult time.
sincerely - Kathleen (Marcin) Kaplan
(Louise & Joe's daughter)
Karl Peters
January 31, 2011
Gary, Peter, Paul, and David: I'm very sorry to learn of your father's passing. I have many great memories with you and your father in the 70s and 80s! Wish you all the best and you are in my thoughts.
Streeter Stuart
January 31, 2011
Sorry about Peter. I was on the football team at Penn when Peter was captain, and he treated my son who played at Southern Lehigh.
Judith Harris
January 31, 2011
To dear Ruth and family,
My most sincere sympathy on your loss of Peter. Such an exceptional physician, friend, and citizen--and a role model to so many. He touched many lives, including my own, and I know that his memory will endure in our minds and our hearts.
January 31, 2011
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I have known and worked with Dr. Keblish since he began his practice in Allentown. He raised the bar for orthopods in this area and will be greatly missed..
Nancy Stevens RN
January 31, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to Pete's family- we shared a lot of good times in Oakhurst in the early years... we are very sorry to learn of his untimely death... it is a great loss to his family, friends and the entire community..Eileen and George Hirschhorn
Jan Foreback
January 30, 2011
Ruth,
I have been thinking of you since Wednesday and now know that you are OK. Ray and I are sending you our heartfelt sympathies for your loss of Peter but we know that your are strong and will keep your wonderful families strong also. Wish I could be there for you but please know that I am thinking of you and sending sunshine yur way. Jan
carmen gonzalez
January 30, 2011
my condolences to the keblish family. Dr. keblish did both my hips about 15 years ago and was a great doctor. so sorry to hear about his passing.
David & Miriam Devey
January 30, 2011
To All the Keblish Family,
I was so shocked when I read of Dr. Keblish's passing.When we saw him on Christmas Eve, he was excited about having Christmas with the family. We go back a long way and his family has always been special to us. He gave me a new knee 7 years ago and has always taken such good care of my physical needs. He was a great surgeon and a wonderful friend. He will be greatly missed. Our love and prayers go out to his family
David Sinclair
January 30, 2011
Cher Grand-Pierre, grand-papa, beau-pere, pere, ami, epoux, confident, devoue et aime.
Tu nous manques beaucoup.
Nathalie, Thomas, Jake et Brett
andrew hirschhorn
January 30, 2011
my neighbor growing up and a great man also having had 8 operations on my shoulder's their i was pleased to know he was behind his doctor's i remember his son's and i playing football in his backyard
January 30, 2011
So sorry to lose my good friend Peter....the only surgeon who spoke in more countries than I did.
You will be missed.
Indru Khubchandani
Cindy Gaffney
January 30, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Keblish's passing. I worked with him at Lehigh Valley Hospital many years ago!
My prayers are with your family!
Jim & Linda Herceg
January 30, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Dr. Keblish replaced three of the four hips my wife and I have, and we would not be able to enjoy the quality of life we have if it were not for him.
peggy weber
January 30, 2011
To The Family of Dr. Keblish--I am so very sorry- He was a wonderful physician that treated all his patients with respect.May God Bless
January 30, 2011
To Pete's family, We are saddened to hear about Pete's passing away. We go back many years from being neighbors in Glen Lyon, belonging to the same church & attending the same schools. As faith had it, we also both lived in Center Valley. Pete was a outstanding physician who helped many people have a quality life, including members of our family. He never forgot his roots & always give us a big hug whenever our paths would cross. The Lehigh Valley has suffered a great loss. Our love, thoughts & prayers, Audrey (Maxey) & John Luzenski
January 30, 2011
Ruth,
Myra and I were saddened to learn of Peter's passing. He was a wonderful physician and friend to many in the community.
Our prayers are with you.
Myra and Tony St. John
Sue Lucrezi
January 30, 2011
I will forever be grateful to Dr. Keblish. His expertise greatly enhanced the quality of my life. Thank you, Dr. Keblish. God bless your family.
Jim Allford
January 30, 2011
My prayers are with you and your family. I remember working with you at LVHC and for a long time. God Bless, Jim Allford
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