Douglass Conklin Pennoyer, M.D., 87, of Portland died on February 25, 2012 surrounded by his entire family. He and his wife Doris had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together in September before her death this past year. Douglass was born April 27, 1924 in New York City. He was one of four children to Hildred Thomson Pennoyer and Grant Palmer Pennoyer, M.D.. He grew up in Jackson Heights New York and summered in Boothbay Harbor.
Dr. Pennoyer entered Harvard College in the class of 1946, joining the Harvard Crew Team, before enlisting in the US army. He was in the 78th Infantry Division during WWII, sent to the Ardennes forest in December 1944. He was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and spent the rest of the war as a POW. He was awarded a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with Oakleaf cluster for heroism, and the Infantry Badge. He returned to Harvard College after the war to graduate in 1950.
He attended medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons graduating in 1954. There he met his future wife Doris Stewart. He asked her out to dinner during their Gross Anatomy Class and said he knew she was “the one” in their first five minutes of their first date. He married Doris September 1, 1951 at Christ Church Methodist in New York City.
He did his General Surgical training at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. He and Doris moved to Portland, Maine in 1959 to establish their medical practices, his in general surgery. They raised six children and had their medical practices in their home on the Western Promenade. He was Chief of Surgery at Mercy Hospital from 1980 to 1993, retiring from active practice in 2002. In retirement, he volunteered at the Breast Care Center, Maine Medical Center until 2005.
Active in community service, he served on the board of trustees for Mercy Hospital, Portland City Hospital and Maine Health. He was associate clinical professor of Surgery at the University of Vermont. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was the regional representative for Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He was actively involved in many surgical societies and was a member of Sons of the Revolution.
He was adored by his family, friends, patients and the community. He was known for his limitless optimism and generosity. His encouragement inspired many young surgical residents. He loved to spend time with his family traveling and enjoying Boothbay Harbor.
Surviving family: daughters Marguerite “Peggy” Pennoyer, M.D. and husband Donald Endrizzi, M.D. of Scarborough, ME, Nancy Pennoyer Lynch and husband John of Morgantown, WV, Hildred Pennoyer, M.D. and husband Michael Kinchla of Dover, MA and sons Grant T. Pennoyer and wife Susan of Yarmouth, ME, John S. Pennoyer and wife Donna of Falmouth, ME and William P. Pennoyer, M.D. and wife Jennifer Pennoyer, M.D. of West Hart ford, CT. They have 15 grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home. Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting: www.jonesrichandhutchins.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Douglass’ memory may be sent to the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Medical School Scholarship Fund: Checks may be sent to: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeon, Office of the Alumni Association attention Anke Nolting, 630 West 168th St., BB2-250, New York, NY 10032 (or www.psalumni.cumc.columbia.edu to make a donation) Funeral services will be announced at a later date.
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