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John Fenning Obituary
February 18, 2014
John B. Fenning, M.D., 81, passed away on Tuesday February 18, 2014 at his home in Fort Myers.
He was born in Philadelphia, PA January 11, 1933. Dr. Fenning graduated from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, received his medical and surgical training at the U.S. Naval Hospitals in Chelsea, MA and Portsmouth, VA, and then completed his surgical residency at Duke University. He served his country as an orthopedic surgeon during the Vietnam War. Dr. Fenning was world renowned for his innovative joint replacement surgical procedures, trained surgeons from around the world, consulted with manufacturers on developing total joint implants, and lectured extensively on his techniques. He was a member of the Lee Memorial Hospital Staff for more than 40 years.
Dr. Fenning had a passion for the arts and was a long time benefactor of Arts for Act, a former board member of the Naples Philharmonic and The Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, instrumental in the Southwest Florida Symphony and Fort Myers Community Concerts, and a major supporter of the Florida Repertory Theatre, along with numerous other charitable organizations. In addition to his deep love for family, Dr. Fenning also loved his patients. He was unselfish in his devotion to making people well and was a pioneer in establishing We Care of Lee County, which provides free medical care to those who are truly in need. Dr. Fenning was well respected and loved by all of his medical colleagues.
Dr. Fenning leaves behind his devoted and loving family- wife of 33 years, Frances and children Scott Fenning, Pamela Wyatt, Lisa Krist and their spouses and daughter Andrea Fenning. His stepsons; Christian and Wally Thomas and their spouses and twelve precious grandchildren; Stephanie, Andrew, Sophie, Lana, Quinton, Colin, Nolan, Colten, Ainsley, Wyatt, Rhett and Ryann and brother Dr. Robert Fenning and his wife Gloria.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 12 Noon Saturday February 22, 2014 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Ft. Myers. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lee Memorial Health System Foundation or Hope Hospice. Please visit www.harvey-engelhardt.com to share a memory or condolence with Dr. Fenning's family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Fenning
Scott Geller MD
February 15, 2015
Just saw the book........John was a superb physician and a fine man..........a wonderful life..
Kevin Quillinan
November 4, 2014
Dr. Fenning saved my right leg after a head on collision in 1974. I attribute an active fairly normal life to his great work. He will always have a special place in my heart and mind. Warm Regards and condolences to Francis and the Fenning Tribe.
carolyn tyler
July 6, 2014
Ms Frances, I didn't Dr Fenning had passed away.. i'M SO VERY SORRY. hE WAS MY DOCTOR until he retired.. He was a wonderful man as as a Doctor..God Bless
Kathy Hagmann
June 27, 2014
It was many years ago that Dr. Fenning preformed knee surgery for me. I have never trusted a Doctor as much as I did Dr. Fenning. My surgery was done one week before Thanksgiving. Dr. Fenning called me Thanksgiving morning to make sure that I was ok and his words "Sitting down and giving instructions. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
April 6, 2014
Hello Fran! John was a wonderful friend for many French surgeons who visited him in Fort Myers under the guidance of Pierre Robine. They all loved the true surgeon, skillfull and well organized, caring about his patients: he really inspired them and stimulated them to perform TKA. They loved the surgeon and discovered the man very generous and open minded. John came to France with you and was using his French all over the country. So many people knows him here.
Thank you John for all what we did share together and for the great example you showed us. Fort Myers experience will remain very special for us. Thank you John. Please Fran accept our sympathy with the share of missing John so much. He will stay in our best memories. Thank you so much to have been so kind to welcome us when we visited you.
Jean-Louis Briard MD Rouen France
Valarie Krieter
March 8, 2014
I worked many years with Dr Fenning in the OR.It was always a pleasure.My condolences.
Robert Zames
March 5, 2014
While I didn't know family members, please accept my sincere condolences. He was not only a terrific human being,but an excellent Doctor/surgeon. Dr. Fenning provided me with the best possible knee and hip replacement surgery, with no after affects. The fact is, to this day I can't even tell I have replacement parts, only when I pass thru airport security am I reminded. My wife Jeanette and I will certainly miss my annual visit and the kindness and expertise Dr. Fenning displayed.
February 26, 2014
Dear Pam, I am so sorry for your loss. I always admired how much he and your Mom supported our community and send my prayers for you and your family. Jeri
Nancy Kilmartin
February 23, 2014
My condolences to Dr. Fenning's family. He reconstructed my knee in 1980 when I was in High School. I am honored to have been one of his patients. Rest in Peace Dr. Fenning.
Steve Ostendorf
February 22, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Fran & the entire family. John was a great friend & superb colleague. Will never our breakfasts at Lee
Nina Duperault Rowe
February 22, 2014
Dear Pam, it's been since high school but I worked with good orthopedic surgeons who paid high respects to the work your dad did. My heart is sad for you and happy to tell you you have the best memories to replay over and over to lighten you heart. May God bless you and your family .Nina Duperault Rowe.
Scott Geller MD
February 22, 2014
Colleague & Friend
Wendy Chase
February 22, 2014
Dr. Fenning performed my knee replacement when I first moved to Fort Myers. One day he noticed my address and said, "You live on my way home. I will just stop by and check on you next week." I quickly learned that I was not the only patient John treated in this way. A dear friend of his loves to tell the story of how he left a dinner party of distinguished guests to make a house call on a patient who couldn't afford to go into the hospital. Dr. Fenning did more than heal our bodies; he nourished our souls and sharpened our minds. He treated all of his patients with dignity and I hope other doctors in the area will honor his legacy by continuing his tradition of generosity.
As I got to know John, my admiration and respect for him deepened even more because of his sheer love for life and learning. You could talk to him about anything--but it was most fun to talk to him about politics. He was a voracious reader and an inspired conversationalist who loved to untangle the most complex ideas with other people.
He spoke French and picked up a guitar to learn to play sometime around the age of 70! Dr. Fenning was a veritable Renaissance man who modeled the ideal of living a life of purpose, intelligence and service to others. It is rare that such an accomplished human being can remain as unpretentious and humble as John Fenning. While he accumulated a great deal of wealth, his real treasure was his incisive mind combined with a huge and tender heart. I never thought I would be sentimental about my hardware, but I am truly honored to have a knee that he designed and implanted. Like so many other people around the world, I have been touched and forever changed by this genius. I can't imagine the enormous loss felt by his family. Sending you all the love in my heart. Wendy Chase
Wendy Chase
February 22, 2014
and I never thought I'd be sentimental about my hardware, but I am truly honored that the knee he helped to design, the knee that truly saved me from being a cripple, is in my body.
February 21, 2014
THE LORD HAS CALLED YOU HOME.HE HAS TAKEN ONE OF THE BEST.REST IN PEACE DR. FENNING
February 21, 2014
You have been an amazing influence in the lives of my husband Lee and his daughter Brandi. You will forever be in our hearts. You will be missed. Love Always, Felicity
Julie Jerz-Baker
February 21, 2014
To the Fenning family: I just want to speak for myself, and practically my whole family. Dr. Fenning has been there through the last 35 years helping each of us in different ways with his medical expertise but along the way he always made us feel like "family friends" A very kind man he was. He's been a life-saver with guiding and treating us through numerous medical situations. He'll be greatly missed by so many. Prayer to you all and God Bless.
"The Jerz Family"
February 21, 2014
God Bless you John, you will surely be missed. You were the soul of LMH. God be with your family at this time.
Dorothy Millikin
February 21, 2014
Dr. John Fenning was not only a fine physician but a kind,kind man. We send our sincere sympathy to his family. Thomas & Dorothy Millikin
February 21, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
February 21, 2014
The Fennings lived a beautiful life and shared it with so many of us. Thank you so much.
Jan Brown
February 21, 2014
Fort Myers was blessed to have had Dr Fenning in our community. He was a dear man and had much compassion for his patients. I will never, ever forget his caring for me, he never gave up. Dr Fenning would always keep looking at ways to make my life as normal and comfortable as he possibly could. There aren't many doctors like Dr Fenning. He was an angel here and now he will live with the angels.
Dr Fenning will be lovingly missed by many.Thank you for your care for my family and myself. God speed, Dr Fenning.
Love, Victoria Richmond
Lisa Bradford
February 20, 2014
Your love and dedication for your patients will be never forgotten. Those who had the privilege to work with you, know what compassion and quality care you had for your patients. My last encounter with you was,"great to see you, great one!" That was my name for you! You will be the great one in my mins, always and forever. Rest in peace my friend.
Stacey Abernathy
February 20, 2014
I wish I could've known you better. We always respected your work and compassion for our community. I'm proud to have even met you and your wonderful family. Thank you and God Bless you and your loved ones.
Woody Hanson
February 20, 2014
Dr F is one of the finest men I have known and it is an honor to know him as a friend. Few people will ever affect the lives of so many. Although each of us, particularly family, are saddened, we must remember that John's spirit will always be among us. Personally, I'll miss you, especially those times we spent together talking about Indians and looking at titanium knee joints. Like you said, while explaining how these materials interacted with the immune system, "the human body is a hostile place." Enjoy the journey and save us a seat. All my love to you and your family. Peace!
Robin Richardson Reese
February 20, 2014
Dear Scott, Pam and Andrea & family, ....so sorry for your loss. Your father was successful in many ways so celebrate his wonderful life! Hugs from NC!
Trista Lee Morris
February 20, 2014
Rest in peace
David Hodges
February 20, 2014
RIP John. Honored to have spent over 20 years of my life working with you helping to improve the lives of others. Hope to see you again some day my friend.
Michelle Hall
February 20, 2014
Oh Dr Fenning, my "electronic medical record success story," Your old fashioned approach and your compassion for the veterans and their complicated health issues is incomparable. I will truly miss your kind words and interest in teaching me more about the clinical side of my job. I looked forward to working with you each and every time you had clinic, no matter how many times a day you needed help (and I do mean that lovingly!). My most sincere condolences to the family; he was a great man and I'm sure you'll miss him dearly. I know I will, I'm blessed to have known him.
Faye Morris
February 20, 2014
So very sorry to hear of your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Faye Morris
Mark Hollmann,MD
February 20, 2014
Dr Fenning was not only a mentor to me in High school, but a true inspiration to go into Orthopedics. He will be missed by all of us in the orthopedic community. Pam, My prayers go out to you and your family.
Debbie Neville-Morton
February 20, 2014
Dr. Fenning was truly one of a kind. My deepest sympathy to family and friends. His legacy will live on.
Cathy Goss
February 20, 2014
I will never forget your kindness when my young son lost a disc in his back in 1979.I was a single mom and you treated him.I received such a small bill I was shocked.Your compassion for my child was amazing.Thank you for being you.The Lord has a great Doctor by his side now.Prayers go out to your family and again my thanks.Cathy Urey Goss.
February 20, 2014
DR Fenning will be terribly missed by my husband and me. He was our neighbor; an outstanding gentleman with such integrity. He leaves behind a wonderful wife and family. Our prayers are with them. Joe and Syd D'Alessandro
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