Thomas George Gabuzda, MD

Dr. Thomas George Gabuzda, age 94, distinguished physician, researcher, and educator in the fields of hematology and oncology, passed away on November 21, 2024.

Born in Freeland, PA, he was the son of the late George Joseph and Anna May (née Silvasi) Gabuzda.

Dr. Gabuzda received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Lehigh University and earned his Medical Doctorate from Harvard Medical School. He completed his residency in medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He had extensive hematology training at Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark as well as performing four years of research on hemoglobin and thalassemia at the Curtis Hematology Laboratory and the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, MA. 

Dr. Gabuzda held multiple and varied professional appointments, notably as Chief of Hematology at Lankenau Hospital and Associate Staff at Thomas Jefferson University, and served on a wide range of committees and boards as well as serving as both Vice President and President of the Philadelphia County Medical Society. He was also noted for his research at Lankenau, particularly in the treatment of sickle cell anemia. 

In parallel to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Gabuzda honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at the Bitburg Air Base Hospital in West Germany, and continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves following his active duty.

Dr. Gabuzda’s legacy as a physician, researcher, educator, and dedicated member of his community will be remembered fondly by those he influenced throughout his distinguished career.

Dr. Gabuzda was the beloved husband of Stella (née Solar) Gabuzda; the loving father of Dana H. Gabuzda, MD (Bruce), Thomas H. Gabuzda, and Paul G. Gabuzda. He was the proud and supportive grandfather of his granddaughter, Michelle R. Dr. Gabuzda is predeceased by his brothers, George J., Joseph C., and Lawrence R. Gabuzda.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by Interment at Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill, PA.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research in memory of Dr. Thomas Gabuzda. Further information about LIMR may be found at limr.mainlinehealth.org. Contribution instructions may be found at: 

 https://giving.mainlinehealth.org/ways-to-give/lankenau-institute-for-medical-research.