Howard Pitkow

Dr. Howard Spencer Pitkow passed away on Saturday morning, November 5^th, at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.  Loving husband of Ellice (nee Spector), devoted father of Seth (Jaclyn) Pitkow and Stephanie (Richard) Walinsky, and adoring grandfather of Jake, Max, Alex, and Andrew, he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Dr. Pitkow was born on May 21, 1941 in Philadelphia, PA.   After graduating from Central High School in three years, he attended the University of Pennsylvania where he obtained his B.A. degree in Biology followed by an M.S. degree in Zoology.  In 1971, Dr. Pitkow earned his Ph.D. in Medical Physiology from Rutgers University specializing in Endocrinology and Reproduction.

He spent the next 40 years employed as a professor of physiology and endocrinology at the Temple University School of Medicine.  Dr. Pitkow’s research interests included toxicology and diabetic wound healing.  He wrote numerous research grants and published 167 articles in various medical journals and presented his research at meetings in the US and Europe.   

Dr. Pitkow served as Chairman of Physiological Sciences for ten years at Temple Medical School. He was elected President of the Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences and he served as President of the National Association of Academies of Sciences. After retirement, Dr. Pitkow continued his numismatic (coin collecting) hobby, a passion since childhood. He published over 30 articles in various numismatic publications. 

Dr. Pitkow gained immense enjoyment from watching his grandchildren grow and even throughout his illness, he was always interested in knowing how and what they were doing. Dr. Pitkow enjoyed traveling with his family in the U.S. and abroad.  He had a love of nature and he was very passionate about the welfare of animals.

Relatives and friends are invited to Graveside Services Wednesday, November 9, 2:00 PM precisely at Shalom Memorial Park (sec. Jacob II), 3573 Pine Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.

Donations can be made in Dr. Pitkow’s name to the ASPCA, The Humane Society, or any other animal charity.