Benjamin P. Houser Jr.

Dr. Benjamin P. Houser Jr., MD, 75, of Lehighton, entered into eternal rest Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 in his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Carol A. (Fisher) Houser. They celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in August of last year. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Benjamin P. Sr. MD and Grace (McCarroll) Houser and step-son of Ruth (Hood) Houser of Lehighton.He was a member of the last graduating class from St. Jerome's High School in Tamaqua in 1954.
He attended Mercersburg Academy in 1955 and graduated from Ursinus College in 1959 with a Bachelor's degree in biology. He furthered his education at Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1963 with a Doctor of Medicine.
Ben completed an internship at Geisinger Medical Center in 1964 and then joined the US Air Force. He attained the rank of Captain and was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming where he served as a flight surgeon during the Vietnam conflict.
Following his years of military service, he completed a residency in Ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia in 1969.
He served as Chief Resident during his senior year. Upon completing his medical training, Ben took over his father's practice in Tamaqua.
He practiced ophthalmology in the area until retiring in 1998.
He was on the teaching staff at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and had staff privileges at St. Luke's Hospital, Miners Memorial Hospital, Gnaden Huetten Hospital, Palmerton Hospital, Pottsville Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Shamokin Hospital, and Ashland Hospital.
Ben was a member of the Academy of Ophthalmology and the Northeast PA Lions Eye Bank.
He was a world class fly fisherman, avid hunter, and sportsman. He also enjoyed woodworking. He was a member of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and Algerines Hunting Club in PA.
Ben was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Lehighton.
Surviving along with his wife and step-mother are his children; Ben P. III and his wife, Kimberly of Lehighton; Angela and her husband, Bradley Christman of Lehighton; Jennifer Houser of New York City, NY; and Stephanie and her husband, E.J. Caterson of Wellesley, MA; grandchildren, Hannah and Abigail Christman, Ava and Ben IV Houser, Ned and Henry Caterson, and step-grandchildren, Nicole Zellner and Brandie White.
He was also preceded in death by sisters, Grace Anne Houser and Patricia Johns.
Services: A memorial mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2013, in Ss. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 260 N. Third St., Lehighton, with the Rev. Michael Ahrensfield officiating. A military graveside service will be held under the direction of Lehighton United Veterans Organization at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Mahoning Township. Calling hours will be held Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Joseph S. Blazosky Funeral Home, 81 E. Catawissa St., Nesquehoning. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 101W. Frack St., Frackville, PA 17931; or Ss. Peter and Paul School, 307 Coal St., Lehighton, PA 18235.