Donald Edward Praiss

Dr. Donald E. Praiss, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and physician, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. His life was one defined by devotion-to his family, his patients, his faith, and his community.
He leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Dorothy H. (née Haas), who was his steadfast partner in all things. Together they raised four children: Donna M. Praiss of Rehoboth Beach, DE; Pamela (William) Valentino of Sicklerville, NJ; Laura (Jay) Kim of White Plains, NY; and David Praiss. He was the devoted grandfather of Eduard, Erika, Evan, Aiden, Suzanne (Brian), Sean (Yari), Bill, Donald, Eva, and Davis, and the proud great-grandfather of Dorothy, Michael, Evelyn, and Rose, who brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews and extended family.
Born in Camden to Edward and Valeria Praiss, Dr. Praiss grew up in the Whitman Park neighborhood, where his deep roots shaped his sense of perseverance, humility, and dedication. He attended Don Bosco Prep, La Salle University, Thomas Jefferson University Medical College, completing his medical degree in 1958, and the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Medicine. For the next 54 years, he served the Philadelphia and South Jersey community as a highly regarded urologist, specializing in pediatric urology and as a kidney transplant team member. He performed 250 Kidney Transplants and harvested 150 pairs of kidneys. His teaching appointments were numerous, including Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Cooper Hospital University Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers Medical and UMDNJ. Known for both his skill and compassion, he touched countless lives-patients and colleagues alike-and was recognized for his excellence as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Beyond his professional achievements, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, a role that instilled in him discipline and a lifelong commitment to service.
Outside of his career, Dr. Praiss found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid golfer, happiest on the green with friends. He was a longtime Board member of The Bancroft School and devoted to Special Olympics as he was confident in the abilities of his son and others with Down syndrome. Fishing gave him quiet moments of reflection, and he loved listening to music, which brought him both comfort and delight throughout his life.
Faith and community were central to his life. A longtime parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Haddon Heights, NJ and Maris Stella Church in Avalon, NJ, Dr. Praiss also remained a loyal supporter of St. Joseph Polish Catholic Church in Camden, honoring his family's heritage and reflecting the values of family, faith, and service that guided his every step.
Dr. Praiss will be remembered not only for his remarkable career, but also for the warmth, humor, and wisdom he shared so generously. He believed in the power of kindness, the importance of family, and the gift of a life dedicated to others. His legacy lives on in the generations who were fortunate to know his love and guidance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the Redeemer, 318 Carl Hasselhan Dr, Atco, NJ 08004, Friday September 12th at 10:00am. Visitation prior to mass 9am. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Blackwood, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. Praiss may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or The Special Olympics, https://support.specialolympics.org/a/give-in-your-state