Dr. James Wilberger

Dr. James (Jack) E. Wilberger Jr., age 73, of Sewickley, passed peacefully on October 13, 2025, after sustaining a stroke earlier in the month. Born on May 5, 1952, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Florence Belle Galloway Wilberger and James E. Wilberger, Sr., grandson of the late Ida Sullivan.

Beloved husband for 20 years of Diane (Letterle) Wilberger; father of Matthew Wilberger and child Parker, Adam (Danica) Wilberger and child Merritt Marie, and Melanie (Mike Speranzi) Wilberger; step-father of Brandon (Michelle) Hoffmann, children Cade and Van, Laura (Chad) Grahovac, Emily (Pete) Maropis, children Peter and Brooks, and Philip Hoffmann; brother of Sandy (Nancy Meyer) Wilberger and Gary Wilberger, uncle of Bren Wilberger and Conner (Danilo)Wilberger; son-in-law of Anita Letterle and the late Louis Letterle; in-laws John and June Majoras, Linda Letterle, Lisa Griggle, Donita Letterle, Anita (Rusty) Goeller, Louis (Donna) Letterle, Greg (Sharon) Letterle.

Dr. Wilberger was an avid reader, enjoying books on a variety of subjects, including history, biographies, and nonfiction. He loved to travel and spend time at the beach with his wife and family. He was an enthusiastic gardener, and with his love of photography, he captured beautiful images of flowers and birds. He enjoyed teasing his family, who were never sure what to believe. His favorite holiday was Christmas, when he would set up house displays and decorate throughout the house. His family fondly referred to him as "Mr. Christmas". He will be forever loved and missed.

Jack pursued an undergraduate degree in journalism at the University of Richmond, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1974. He then matriculated at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia, where he received his M.D. Degree with highest Honors in 1978. From 1978 through 1984, Dr. Wilberger undertook neurosurgical training at the University of Pittsburgh under the direction and tutelage of Dr. Peter Jannetta. Upon completing his residency, Dr. Wilberger joined the faculty of Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He inaugurated the neurosurgery residency training program at Allegheny General Hospital and served as Program Director until 2007. Dr. Wilberger distinguished himself in the field of neurotrauma through his past and ongoing efforts to improve the treatment and outcomes from both spinal cord injury and head injury. He was a Past Chairman of the Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care of the AANS/CNS and was actively involved with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, serving on the Verifications Review Committee. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. Dr. Wilberger was a member of the SNS, AANS, CNS, ACS, the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Dr. Wilberger has published extensively, with over 120 articles in peer-reviewed journals and more than 60 book chapters. He was the author and/or editor of five current neurosurgical texts, including Neurotrauma. He has over 200 publications, book chapters, and presentations on all aspects of Neurotrauma, including more than 30 on concussions. Dr. Wilberger served as Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery at Drexel University College of Medicine. He also served as Co-Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Allegheny General Hospital. From 1998 to 2017, he served as Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and the Neurosciences Institute at Allegheny General Hospital. Dr. Wilberger served as Senior Associate Dean of the Drexel University College of Medicine's Western Campus at Allegheny General Hospital. He served as Vice President of Graduate Medical Education and DIO of Allegheny Health Network. Dr. Wilberger was actively involved in state and local neurosurgical affairs, serving as Past President of the Pennsylvania Neurosurgical Society and on the Board of Directors of the Allegheny County Medical Society in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served as the NFL concussion protocol evaluator for the Pittsburgh Steelers for several years. Jack was also an active member of St. Mary of Glenfield Church, serving on their finance council for many years.

Family will welcome friends on Thursday, October 16th, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Schellhaas & Sons Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 1600 Stone Mansion Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143 (Franklin Park/Wexford). Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 17th at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary Church- Aleppo of Divine Redeemer Parish, 444 Glenfield Rd, Sewickley, PA 15143.

In Lieu of flowers family suggests donations to Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, PO Box 9024, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 US or Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center 111 Boulevard of the Allies Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Please leave all condolences at www.schellhaasfh.com.