John D. Harwick M.D.'s Obituary
With his usual understated grace, kindness, and silent courage, John D. Harwick M.D. fought a three-year battle against cancer to fulfill his promise to see all three of his children, JP, Megan, and Andrew graduate from college and begin their adult lives. John is survived by his wife, Christin, mother, Hannah, sister, Ann Ankrum, Fred Cartwright, Kevin Cartwright, and Karen Pillow, his “in-law” family who loved him as one of their own.
A board-certified otolaryngologist, John graduated from Muhlenberg College and received his M.D. from Temple University School of Medicine. At the University of Florida, Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, John held positions as Medical Director of Otolaryngology Clinics, Physician Director of Quality, and supervising physician of Physician Extenders, in addition to his busy medical practice. A fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, John established the Division of Otolaryngic Allergy within the department. A fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, John was guest editor for the Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America text on sleep disorders and established the Hypoglossal Nerve Implantation Program (Inspire) at the University of Florida, School of Medicine. John’s happiest professional life was spent with his UF ENT family. He enjoyed the camaraderie, kindness, and humor of all and hoped one day to be able to return. Never one to feel sorry for himself, after his retirement due to illness, John continued to find ways to contribute to his field as an examiner for the AAOA Fellowship examination, reviewed articles for Laryngoscope and ASSM, and continued his connections with the Royal Society of Medicine. Prior to joining the University of Florida, School of Medicine, John was a clinical assistant professor in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Hahnemann University Hospital, Temple University School of Medicine, and Hershey Medical Center. As Chief of the Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital, he established the Department of Audiology, the first pediatric ENT clinic for patients unable to afford medical care, and was Medical Director of the Pediatric Out-Patient Surgery Unit and the John and Dorothy Morgan Cancer Center Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery division.
A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan, he was an accomplished musician playing trumpet, French horn, and piano, as well as being a gifted sculptor. John had an encyclopedic knowledge of cars and was a connoisseur of 1960s and 70s muscle cars. A DIY fanatic skilled in carpentry, plumbing, painting, and papering, he was forever coming up with new plans for every home he ever had and often conned his brother-in-law, Fred to be his assistant in the schemes and Kevin to run the equipment. John was a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus and a member of the Queen of Peace parish.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at 10:00 am at Queen of Peace, 10900 SW 24th Ave., with Fr. Joe as celebrant. Due to Covid-19 precautions, there will be no gathering after the internment but family will be present in the narthex before mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Muhlenberg College c/o the advancement office or any charity of your choice.
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