Dr. Edward Drezner

Dr. Edward Drezner, former Reading podiatrist, died May 19, 2007, from complications of pneumonia.

Dr. Drezner, 78, Sun Lakes, Ariz., formerly of Reading, was the husband of Evelyn (Rudnick) Drezner to whom he was married for 55 years.

Dr. Drezner was a podiatric physician who practiced in the Reading area for 38 years.

Dr. Drezner was a founding member of the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine and the Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery. He achieved “Diplomate Status” in podiatric surgery from the Academy and was board certified in podiatric surgery.

Dr. Drezner was an innovator and a pioneer in the practice of “non-invasive” podiatric surgery. He was also the designer of the “Drezner Burr” an instrument designed to achieve a measured cut through a bone.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., a son of the late Sam and Sarah (Heller) Drezner.

He graduated from New York University in 1950. Following graduation, Dr. Drezner went to the M.J. Lewi College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City.

When the Korean War broke out, Dr. Drezner was a second lieutenant in the Air Force ROTC and was drafted. He was discharged in 1952 after achieving the rank of first lieutenant.

In 1953, he continued his podiatric medical education. Since he liked Reading, where his wife Evelyn was from, better than New York City, he transferred to Temple University School of Podiatry in Philadelphia, graduating in 1957.

The American Podiatric Medical Association recently honored him for his 50 years of continuous membership in the group.

In 1979, his son, Dr. Jess R. Drezner, joined Dr. Drezner in his practice. The two remained in practice together until May 1996 when “Dr. Ed,” as he was then known, retired to Arizona. Interestingly, his last foot surgery was performed on his son.

While in Arizona, Dr. Drezner became involved in sandstone sculpting and Native American rug weaving. He was also active in the Sun Lakes’ Post of the Jewish War Veterans where he was commander of the post.

Dr. Drezner is also survived by another son, Dr. Dean A. Drezner, an otolaryngologist who practices in Cherry Hill, N.J. While technically his daughters-in-law, he considered Robin, Jess’ wife, and Amy, Dean’s wife, the “daughters he never had.”

His loving granddaughters Hillary and Rachel, daughters of Robin, and Jess and Julie and Renee, daughters of Amy and Dean, also survive him.

Friends may call Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the residence of Dr. and Mrs. Jess Drezner.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the donor’s favorite charity in memory of Dr. Edward Drezner. Valley of the Sun Mortuary, Chandler, Ariz., is in charge of arrangements.