Jack A. Adelman

JACK ARNOLD ADELMAN, M.D. 1917-2008 Jack A. Adelman, M.D., a prominent and beloved San Antonio physician, died Saturday, March 8, 2008 at home after a two-year courageous fight against lung cancer. He was 91. Dr. Adelman, who practiced internal medicine, "had a gift for diagnosing illness and for teaching people how to get well and maintain their health," said daughter, Linda Gintel. "As early as the 1950's, he preached to both patients and friends to stop smoking and to stay in shape through exercise and a balanced diet." For this reason, as a non-smoker, he was upset to learn he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Jack Adelman was born February 27, 1917 in Columbus, Ohio to Phillip and Sarah Berlin Adelman. Early on, as an only child, his parents recognized his intelligence and his compassion for others. At the age of 16, he enrolled in college, receiving both his undergraduate and his medical degrees from Ohio State University. In 1941, he entered the U.S. Army and served as a medical officer in Central Burma during World War II. He was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation Badge and the Asian Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star. During the war, he was stationed at Randolph AFB's School of Aviation Medicine. In 1942 he met the love of his life - a Dallas native, Louise Jaffe - and after a four-month courtship, they were married and settled in San Antonio. They have two daughters, Donna of La Honda, California, and Linda of San Antonio. Dr. Adelman served in the Army and was discharged in 1946, as a Lieutenant Colonel. Taken with the wonderful weather and ambiance of San Antonio, he decided to make it his permanent home and started his private medical practice downtown at the New Moore Building on Houston Street. When he retired in 1993, after a full and active practice, his first and only nurse, Gloria Maese retired with him. During his career he was active in both the Bexar County Medical Association and the Texas Medical Association. He was passionate about cars and over the years he owned and drove many exotic ones. Called the 'racing doctor', he would spend weekends racing his Alfa Romeo or Austin Healy at the sports car events around the state. He installed seat belts in his cars long before they were mandatory. After retiring from medicine he focused on his love of cars by being involved with Hovey Motor Cars. Dr. Adelman's other passions included travel, photography, art and keeping up on current events by reading a variety of local and national newspapers; the comics being his favorite part of the paper. He had a dry sense of humor and was a true animal lover, never meeting a dog or cat he didn't like or that didn't take to him. The Adelmans traveled around the world, saw the great car races in Europe and once even camped out at Le Mans. He amazed both colleagues and friends with his ability to cope with a major illness over an extended period of time. Until the last week of his life, he remained alert and lively, surrounded by Louise, his devoted wife of more than 65 years, his daughters, and beloved black cat, Kitty, who remained at the foot of his bed. He was grateful for his beloved caregiver, Carrie Te. The family wishes to thank Dr. Steven Kalter and the staff of CTRC, caregiver Kathy Nichols, and Odyssey Hospice House. GRAVESIDE SERVICE WEDNESDAY MARCH 12, 2008 1:15 P.M. WITH MILITARY HONORS FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY MEMORIAL SERVICE WEDNESDAY MARCH 12, 2008 3:00 P.M. PORTER LORING CHAPEL The Cantor David Silverstein Officiating. Pallbearers will be Alan Dreeben, Allan Smith, Peter Thompson, Frank Broughton, Dr. Andy Diehl, Steven Honigblum, Rich Hovey, Rick Hovey, and Todd Hovey. In lieu of flowers, contributions, if desired may be made to Animal Defense League, 11300 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, Texas 78217 or a charity of your choice. You are invited to sign The guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements pending with Porter Loring Mortuary.