Melvin Lawrence Samuels MD

Melvin Lawrence Samuels, MD passed away quietly on the morning of January 23, 2011 at the age of 88. Dr. Samuels lived a very distinguished life devoted to his family and to his passion, medicine. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 23, 1922, and attended Villanova University. After completing undergraduate studies in 1943, he began his medical career at Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1947. Mel served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged in 1954. In 1955, Mel joined the staff at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, where he would remain until his retirement in 1986. Mel’s career at Anderson reflected over 30 years’ devotion to the research and treatment of various cancers, with an emphasis on testicular cancer. He is best remembered for his pioneering research in the field of multi-agent chemotherapy. After a very successful career, Mel retired with the title Professor of Medicine, Chief, Section of General Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Department of Medicine.

While the demands of his profession were great, Mel was proud to participate in numerous Boy Scout activities with his oldest son, Doug. Mel also loved the beach, and would take the family, along with his Hobie Cat, on excursions every chance he had.

Mel is predeceased by his mother and father, Ina and William Samuels, and his brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Estelle, his children and their spouses Douglas Samuels (Karen), Lynn Samuels (Fred Morales), William Samuels (Peggy), Patti Smith (Eric), and Tracey Samuels (Robert McNamara), and grandchildren Patrick and Ryan Samuels, Emily and Jacob Samuels, and Rachel, Rebecca, and Zachary Smith.

A funeral service honoring the life of Dr. Samuels will be held at the Chapel of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery at 2:30 PM on January 25, 2011, with internment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center.