Family and friends gathered to remember the renowned transplant surgeon Dr. Thomas Starzl during a memorial service at Heinz Chapel in Oakland, Saturday, March 11. Dr. Starzl, who would have been 91 on this day, died March 4. He completed the world’s first liver transplant in Denver in 1963, and Pittsburgh’s first liver transplant in 1981. “He was a globally recognized pioneer in science and medicine, a legend, a great human and a great humanitarian…” his family said in a statement. “Tom was deeply loved for his tremendous wit, infectious humor, and uncommon sensitivity. His traits of humility, keen observation, and seemingly limitless memory fused to create a unique personality that was at same time inspiring and comforting.”
Joy Starzl places a hand on Chooloo, one of the family canine companions, during the memorial service for her husband Dr. Thomas Starzl. Dr. Starzl a lover of dogs raised and cared for numerous canine companions. “Their unconditional love of him was matched only by his own love for them,” a family statement said. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)Kathy Humphrey of the University of Pittsburgh sings “If I Can Help Somebody,” during the memorial service for Dr. Thomas Starzl. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)A banner, presented to Dr. Thomas Starzl for his 90th birthday last year, sits at the front of Heinz Chapel before the start of the memorial service. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)
Joy Starzl gets a hug from Dr. Frank Costa during the memorial service for Dr. Thomas Starzl. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)Joy Starzl, who was married to Dr. Thomas Starzl for 36 years, speaks about their life together during the memorial service. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)Joy Starzl is presented with a U.S. flag by a member of the U.S. Navy honor guard during the memorial service for her husband Dr. Thomas Starzl. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)Members of the U.S. Navy Honor Guard fold a U.S. flag to be presented to Joy Starzl during the memorial service for her husband Dr. Thomas Starzl. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)Joy Starzl hugs her brother Carlos Conger after giving a remembrance of her husband Dr. Thomas Starzl. (Rebecca Droke/Post-Gazette)
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