Joseph Lahoda's Obituary
Joseph G. Lahoda, MD, 87 of Cinnaminson NJ, an obstetrician and gynecologist who practiced in the area for several decades, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2013, surrounded by family. Dr. Lahoda was a native of Thompson, PA. He is survived by his wife Charlotte (Madrak) of almost 58 years, and children, Joseph (Amy) of Langhorne, PA, Mark (Connie) of West Deptford, NJ, and Eric (Pamela), of Bensalem, PA; seven grandchildren, Kristen, Brittany, Michael, Ashley, Lindsay, Sarah, and Jason; and two brothers, Henry of Mayfield, PA, and Thomas most recently in Boynton Beach, FL. Dr. Lahoda was a kind and compassionate man who was devoted to family, to his patients, and to his faith. He had a wry sense of humor and he always saw the best in people. He was a very ethical man who expected the same from others; he valued hard work and education as a path to success; at the same time he always encouraged his children to pursue their passions. Fourth of July birthday parties and family ski trips were a longstanding tradition in the Lahoda household; he enjoyed skiing with his family and grandchildren until he was 85, always proud to take advantage of his senior citizen discount. He loved Polka music, playing the saxophone, gardening, and annual trips to the Philadelphia Auto Show. During his medical career, Dr. Lahoda delivered between fifteen and twenty thousand babies. In solo practice for much of his career, Dr. Lahoda was often called away in the middle of the night to help bring a new life into the world. He was very meticulous in every aspect of his professional life and he was an early adopter of advanced surgical techniques. During his career and after he retired, former patients would often recognize him and tell him that he had cared for them and on many occasions introduce him to the children that he delivered. Dr. Lahoda was a classic American success story. The second youngest of nine children, Dr. Lahoda came from humble beginnings. He was the son of Ukrainian immigrants who owned a small dairy farm in Thompson PA. He was president of his high school class as well as the salutatorian, and loved playing the saxophone. After serving in the Army Air Corps, Dr. Lahoda obtained his BS in Biology from the University of Scranton in 1951 and earned his medical degree from Georgetown University in 1955. Dr. Lahoda did his internship at Robert Packer Hospital, Guthrie Clinic, in Sayre, PA. In 1956, Dr. Lahoda joined the military and after completing United States Army Medical School Service Training, was a General Medical Officer at Brook Army Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. From 1957-1960, Dr. Lahoda completed his residency in obstetrics & gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital, in Philadelphia, PA. During the next four years, Dr. Lahoda served as Chief of OB/GYN department at Munson Army Hospital, Fort Leavenworth, KS, and later as Chief of OB/GYN department at Womac Army Hospital in Fort Bragg, NC. Dr. Lahoda completed his service as a Major in the United States Regular Army Medical Corps. Dr. Lahoda? s private practice began in 1964 and continued until 1997, when he retired at age 71. His private practice included staff appointments to Rancocas Hospital (Our Lady of Lourdes) Willingboro, NJ, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mt. Holly, NJ, Zurbrugg Memorial Hospital, Riverside, NJ, and Lower Bucks Hospital, Bristol, PA. A Board Certified physician, Dr. Lahoda was a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, New Jersey OB/GYN Society, Burlington County Medical Society, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Dr. Lahoda's Life Celebration and viewing Wednesday Eve 7-9 p.m. and Thursday 9-10 a.m. at Snover/Givnish of Cinnaminson 1200 Route 130 North. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, 2500 Branch Pike, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077. Burial will be private at St. Mary Russian Cemetery, Thompson, PA. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make a contribution to St. Charles Borromeo Church. To share your condolences with the family and your fondest memories of Dr. Lahoda, please visit www.snovergivnish.com
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