Richard J. Davey

Davey

Richard J. Davey

Leader in Transfusion Medicine,

Dies at 79.



Richard J. Davey, a leader in the field of transfusion medicine, died on June 13, 2023 in Zurich, Switzerland.

His wife, Leigh Hubbard, confirmed the death, which was related to complications of progressive neurological diseases. Dr. Davey spent much of his career at the National Institutes of Health as a

Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service. There he studied the lifespan and trafficking of blood cells in health and disease. This research led to revisions in Food and Drug Administration guidelines for blood component management. He also supervised the training of physicians and technologists in the discipline of transfusion medicine. During this time he was detailed to the World Health Organization in Geneva, where, in the midst of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, he worked to improve transfusion practices in developing countries, notably Malawi and Zimbabwe. He published widely in the field. NIH created an annual Richard J. Davey lectureship and award in his honor.

Dr. Davey left NIH to assume the post of Chief Medical Officer of the American Red Cross. He was responsible for the organization's blood-related medical and research activities. During this time Dr. Davey was a member of the Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability, and testified before Congress on the safety of the nation's blood supply. The Red Cross position was followed by appointment as Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer of the New York Blood Center, with responsibility for the medical oversight of the blood supply of the greater New York area. Dr. Davey completed his career at the Food and Drug Administration. There he was Director of the Division of Blood Components and Devices and assumed major responsibility for the safety, purity and potency of the nation's blood supply.

Richard Davey was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania in 1943, the son of a Methodist minister, and grew up in Niagara Falls, New York. He graduated from Dartmouth College and the University of Rochester Medical School and trained at the University Hospitals of Cleveland and at Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Davey was an avid runner, completing 15 marathons, some at a sub-three hour pace. He climbed with and provided medical support for mountaineering expeditions to the Himalayas, Andes, Alps and

Alaska (Mt. Denali), through which he developed an expertise in high altitude medicine. He was also a long-distance motorcyclist who loved books, classical music, and singing in the Encore Chorale.

Dr. Davey is survived by his wife, Leigh Hubbard, sister Marilyn Davey, several nieces and nephews, and many devoted friends and colleagues.



No services are planned at this time.