Dr. Zachary Bert Friedenberg

Zachary Bert Friedenberg
Dr. Zachary Bert Friedenberg, 95, of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2011 in Bryn Mawr Hospital. Born in New York City, in 1915, he was a son of the late Charles and Dorothy (Stegg) Friedenberg. He leaves his wife of 43 years, Kathleen (Steel) Friedenberg. He was a graduate of Columbia University and The College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. Dr. Friedenberg has lived a varied and adventurous life. After graduating from medical school, and following an internship at Kings County Hospital, N.Y. City, he proudly served in World War II as a surgeon in the 95th Evacuation Hospital, an advanced army field hospital, in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany and participated in three D-day landings. He was honored with the European Theater Ribbon, the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque and the American Defense Service Medal. While participating in the invasion of Salerno, the hospital was bombed, on the beach head, and, subsequently received a Unit Commendation. After his military experience, he came to the University of Pennsylvania, where he trained as an orthopedic resident and fellow, from 1945 to 1949. He was then invited to join the faculty, where he attained the rank of full professor. He was also Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Presbyterian Medical Center and Chester County Hospital. Though maintaining a private practice, his interests were teaching and research. While at Penn., he was an early researcher in the electrical healing of bone fractures by direct current stimulation, and was a co-author of many papers on this, and a multitude of other subjects. He taught countless medical students, interns and residents, and set up the Clinician Scientist Award, of the Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation, designed to assist practicing surgeons, in devoting time to research. In 2002, he played a prominent part in the development of a film, produced by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, entitled Wounded in Action, documenting the role of orthopedic surgeons in World War II, and in the related exhibit A Legacy of Heroes. The film was shown on public television. He was married to Ruth Stratton, who died in 1966, and was the mother of his children. Among other accomplishments, he became an avid scuba diver and filmed undersea life throughout the world, receiving an award from Jacques Cousteau, for one of his films. He was also a world traveler, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, often visiting locations well off the beaten path. He has published numerous books on medical history, including The Doctor in Colonial America, Medicine Under Sail, Hospital at War, Surgery Over The Centuries and Magic, Miracles, and Medicine published in late 2010. Survivors: His loving family, wife Kathleen; a son, Dr. Steven and wife Kathleen of Bethlehem, PA; a daughter, Joan Hayden and husband Francis of Havertown; two brothers; Stanley Friedenberg and wife Marilyn of Old Westbury, NY and Dr. Richard Friedenberg and wife Gloria of Santa Ana, CA; a sister, Vivian Gluck of New York City; two grandchildren, Christopher Friedenberg of Lake Worth FL. and Dr. Samantha Friedenberg and husband Dr. Karl Weller of Bethlehem, PA; and nieces and nephews. Services: Memorial Service, 2 p.m., Sunday, February 13, 2011, in the Wyndham Alumnae House at Bryn Mawr College, 235 North Merion Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. Family and friends will be received from 1 to 2 p.m. Arrangements are with the Snyder-Hinkle & Lunsford Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA. Contributions: Online condolences may be made at www.shlfh.com. Memorials may be made to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 South Twenty-Second Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.