Dr. George R. Green, of Lafayette Hill, who practiced internal medicine and the subspecialty of allergy and immunology for more than 50 years, died peacefully on Jan. 28 at The Hill at Whitemarsh. He was 89 years old, lived an extraordinary life, and was, according to an online tribute, “a humble healer and stalwart patient advocate, immeasurably touching countless lives along the way.”
Family members called Green, who also authored three books on medical issues, “a devoted husband and father, a healer and mentor and a singular and authentic individual.”
At least 250 people attended Dr. Green's funeral mass at St. Philip Neri Church in Lafayette Hill on Feb. 2, and about 150 came to the celebration of his life afterward at the Flourtown Country Club.
“My Dad was an explorer in his heart,” his son, Matthew, told us. “He always wanted to learn new things, go new places, get lost, figure it out and get his family safely home. It was rarely about the destination; it was about the journey."
As a private pilot of single-engine airplanes throughout his life, Green logged thousands of hours in the cockpit and was recognized recently with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of exemplary aviation and safety. He combined aviation and medicine by serving as a Federal Aviation Administration medical examiner, volunteering countless hours with Angel Flights of Blue Bell for 20 years to provide air transportation to those in need and as president of the northeast chapter of the Flying Physicians Association.
According to Green's daughter, Trudi, “My favorite memories of my father include the many one-on-one conversations I had with him over the years. He was my greatest mentor and always listened patiently and gave excellent advice. I also have great memories of being a passenger in his single-engine airplane and going on many adventures throughout the United States and Canada.
“I will also always cherish my memories of the trip I took with my dad and mom to India in 2017 while I was on sabbatical from my job as an art teacher … My dad was humble, kind, warm, deeply intelligent, brave and the most authentic person I’ve ever known.”
Green was born Oct. 14, 1934, in Northeast Philadelphia to Frank P. Green and Viola Elizabeth “Peggy” Green (nee Lord). George was the eighth of their 10 children. He met his great love and lifelong partner, Trudy (Gertrude Mary King) in 1952, and they were married May 19, 1962, in Philadelphia. In later years the Green family moved to a 25-acre farm in Torresdale.
George graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep, St. Joseph’s University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1962) with honors. He completed his internship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1963, his residency in internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in 1965 and a fellowship in allergy and immunology at Penn in 1966. Being the first of his family to attend college, Green was a champion of higher education and felt great pride in supporting his children's and grandchildren's academic endeavors.
After completing his medical training, Green joined the staff at Abington Memorial Hospital in 1966 and practiced there for more than 50 years. He was a founding partner of Abington Medical Specialists, a large multispecialty private practice group still thriving today. At Abington, he was the Chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology (1970-2005), Chairman of the Medical Education Committee and Medical Staff President. He was often cited as a “Top Doc” by Philadelphia Magazine, and he served as president of the Philadelphia Medical Society and president of the Philadelphia Allergy Society.
George also made a lasting contribution to his field through research and publication. Early in his career, he authored several important papers investigating the epidemiology of penicillin hypersensitivity and the value of penicillin skin testing in establishing this diagnosis. He authored three books on drug sensitivity, most recently co-authoring the Handbook of Drug Allergy, published in 2004.
Green and his wife were world travelers, taking trips to more than 50 countries throughout their 61-year marriage. Green was also an assistant scout leader for Boy Scout Troop 72, and was proud that all three of his sons and one grandson became Eagle Scouts, as he had been.
Green is survived by his wife Trudy Green of Lafayette Hill, PA and their four children: George, Trudi, Matthew and David; eight grandchildren and one great-niece, five sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law. He is also survived by 52 nieces and nephews and predeceased by three. Green was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Elizabeth, who died at birth, and his nine siblings.
In lieu of flowers, the Green family requested donations to ask you to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd St., New York, NY 10016, or Angel Flight East, 1501 Narcissa Rd, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com
