J.
Ronald Halenda, M.D., 78, of Chadds Ford, died April 29, in the loving presence
of family and friends. He was chairman of the Division of Pediatrics at Riddle Memorial Hospital.
Born John Ronald Halenda of Dickson City, Dr. Halenda
attended Dickson City High School and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated
from the University of Scranton magna cum laude in 1953, attaining the highest
honors in physical science. He was elected to the National Jesuit Honor
Society, Alpha Sigma Nu, and was listed in "Who's Who in American
Universities and Colleges."
Dr. Halenda received his medical degree in 1957 from Thomas
Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, where he
graduated with honors in the top three of his class, and was elected to Alpha
Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his residency at Children's
Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was instrumental as a member of the viral
research team in developing measles, mumps and rubella vaccines.
Dr. Halenda was voted Dickson City Man of the Year,
Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the Media Chamber of Commerce and was a
fellow with the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was recognized as one of the
Top Docs for Kids in the Philadelphia area, starting his practice at the Media
Clinic, which led to his longtime career at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media.
"Dr. Ron" was known for his compassion, kindness
and thoroughness, and was truly dedicated to his pediatric patients and their
families. He served proudly as chairman, Division of Pediatrics for 37 years at
Riddle Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Halenda was known for his musical skills with the
accordion and his love for his family and friends. He was an avid sports fan,
horseracing fan, and enjoyed special times as a member of the West Chester
Senior Center in West Chester.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jean
Halenda.
He is survived by his children, Natasha Halenda and John
Ronald Halenda Jr.; his daughter-in-law, Megan Halenda; granddaughter, Anya Noelle
Halenda, all of Chadds Ford; his brothers Robert Halenda of Westcliffe, Colo.,
and Thomas Halenda of Chadds Ford.
A viewing will be held at the J. Nelson Rigby Funeral Home,
1 W. Baltimore Ave., Media, from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 4. A funeral Mass
will be celebrated at St. Cornelius Church in Chadds Ford at 10 a.m. Thursday,
May 5, where friends and relatives may call from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Interment will
be private.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, friends may make
donations or memorials to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation,
The Jefferson Foundation at Thomas Jefferson University, or the Riddle Memorial
Hospital HealthCare Foundation.
Condolences: jnelsonrigbyfh.com
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
Comments