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Frederick Whitcomb Obituary
Age 85
Died peacefully on January 31, 2012, following a battle with stomach cancer. His family and the practice of medicine were the two greatest joys in his life. His other important interests were the Episcopal Church, his love of travel and of gardening. He was much loved and will be deeply missed by family and friends. Born and raised in Omaha, NE, the only child of Fred Fletcher Whitcomb and Charlotte Townsend Whitcomb, Dr. Whitcomb was educated at The Hotchkiss School (1945), Yale University (1949) and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (1953.) After an internship and assistant residency at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, NY, he was a Fellow in Medicine and Gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for five years. Dr. Whitcomb was on the staff at the Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts for 47 years, from 1961 to 2008, where he specialized in gastroenterology and diseases of the liver. During his time there, he published over 50 scientific papers and was at one time head of the Department of Medical Education. Dr. Whitcomb served in the Infantry in World War II. He was a long-time resident of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, and an active member of St. Andrew's Church, where he served on the vestry and as senior warden. He was married first to the Rev. Dr. Barbara Nielsen, and then subsequently to Stella Przirembel. He is survived by two children, Peter Whitcomb (wife Betsy), and Juliet Whitcomb (husband Elliot); along with two step-daughters, Alessandra Angeli, and Francisca Angeli; and 5 grandchildren. Dr. Whitcomb was a member of The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts; The Wianno Club in Osterville, Massachusetts; The Lotos Club in New York City; and The Mill Reef Club in Antigua.
A GRAVESIDE SERVICE at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska, set originally for Saturday, has been RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, at 10am. A Reception will follow immediately afterwards. In addition, a MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at St. Andrew's Church in Wellesley, Massachusetts on Saturday, February 18, at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested contributions to the Frederick F. Whitcomb, MD Endowment Fund for liver research and education through the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts.
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Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Whitcomb
Harry Welch
September 9, 2020
Fred was a gentleman and a scholar. And my friend when we ere both at Yale. I was 1950 and he 1949.
He "held my hand" when a girl, then at Sarah Lawrence College, was giving me grief. I ultimately married her in 1952 and we had 4 children and a most wonderful marriage.
For reasons unknown to me, Fred came into my ken this afternoon and I wrote to say hello. I'm so sorry that he is no longer with us. A most wonderful man!
kathleen tranghese
February 10, 2012
Dr. Whitcomb was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I will never forget him.
Kathleen Tranghese
Lahey Clinic
E R "Bob" Newman
February 6, 2012
Fred and I lived on the same block in Omaha, he on 56th Streeet and I on 576h. I remember that we had a common friend, Bob Levine, who lived two doors north of Fred. I think I spoke to Fred, maybe once, and that I was sad when his family moved away. I was about 8 or 9 years old and Fred about 10 or 11. There was something about him that I admired, and I am not surprised to learn that he went on to such a distinguished career in medicine.
February 6, 2012
I worked with Dr Whitcomb for over 10yrs, he was a caring MD his patients loved him. We all will miss his smiling face in the GI dept. at Lahey.
February 4, 2012
Additional reactions and remembrances can be seen (or included) at https://www.facebook.com/elliot/posts/10150515409567536?notif_t=like
Stephen Heller
February 4, 2012
I was Fred's colleague at Lahey Clinic for 9 years. Even though Fred was nearly 40 years my senior, he always treated me as his friend and equal. He also treated every patient he saw (were there millions?) with dignity. Fred was a special physician and the consummate gentleman. He will be dearly missed.
Bill Fead
February 4, 2012
Thanks for your Military Service to Our Country.
Past Commander V.F.W.
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