Griffith, Dr. John Perry Jr., M.D., 92, passed away at home December 26, 2008.
Dr. Griffith was an orthopedic surgeon and practiced medicine for 58 years. He practiced in Wheeling beginning in 1958 with Dr. George Clarke.
Dr. Griffith and Dr. Sam Vukelich incorporated a practice in 1980 and were joined by Dr. Derek Andreini.
Dr. Griffith semi-retired in 1986 and fully retired in 2001 at the age of 85.
He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, July 22, 1916, the elder son of the late Dr. John Perry Griffith and Alice Caroline Mickel Griffith.
Dr. Griffith graduated from Shadyside Academy in Pittsburgh and Amherst College in Amherst, MA. He earned his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1943.
Following his internship at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Dr. Griffith enlisted into the United States Army Medical Corps and served in both World War II and the Korean War. His 10 years of military service included tours of duty in England, France, Germany, Denmark, Korea and Japan, as well as assignments at Walter Reed Army Hospital, William Beaumont Army Hospital, and Camp Carson Army Hospital.
Dr. Griffith was Chief of Orthopedic Service at 25 Evacuation Hospital, Puson, Korea, Assistant Chief of Orthopedic Service, 279th General Hospital, Osaka, Japan, and Chief of Orthopedic Service, 382nd General Hospital, Osaka, Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1955 with the rank of Major.
Dr. Griffith practiced at Ohio Valley Medical Center, Reynolds Memorial Hospital and Wheeling Hospital where he was president of the medical staff in 1965. He was also a member of the West Virginia State Medical Association and a past president of its Orthopedic Section. Dr. Griffith’s other memberships included the Nu Sigma Nu Medical Fraternity, the Ohio County Medical Association, the Southern Medical Association, the Pan American Medical Congress, the Interstate Orthopedic Society and the Southern Orthopedic Association.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only sibling, Charles M. Griffith.
Dr. Griffith is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mercy; his six children, John Perry III, Martin Alan, Jeffrey Stewart, Suzanne G. Higgins Jim, James Mickel Linda, Mark Thomas Summer; six grandchildren, Josh, Jackie, James, Elizabeth, Johnny and Charlie; nephews Charles M. Griffith, Jr., and Dr. Bartley P. Griffith, and niece Maggsie G. Sliger.
A private family funeral mass was held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral where Dr. Griffith was a member. Interment in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum in Wheeling.
Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hospice Inc., 132 Peters Run Road, Wheeling, WV, 26003.
Dear Mark,
I am so sorry to here of your fathers passing. I remember you talking about him at work. I think about you often and wonder where you went??? I know the Whg job didnt work out, but you are always welcome in Moundsville. Stop in and see me.
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family,
Marta Sturm
May he rest in eternal peace.
Sharing your sorrow in the loss of one so dear and sending deepest sympathy. My father John H Scott worked with Dr Griffith in Orthopedic for years John M Scott