Dr. Samuel Zelman

Dr. Samuel Zelman died on Friday, September 14, 2007 at age 95. He was born in New York City on March 8, 1912, the son of Abraham S. and Ida K. Zelman. He graduated in 1931 from the City College of New York, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the college swimming team, attended the Yale University Medical School 1931-1934, where he was a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, and graduated from the University of Oregon Medical School in 1936. He interned at the Multnomah County Hospital in Portland. He was a member of the American Medical Association, a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, and a Life Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Zelman practiced in Redlands, California until 1942, serving on the city Board of Health and as attending physician at the San Bernardino County Charity Hospital. He served in Army hospitals during World War II, from 1942 to 1946, reaching the rank of Major and earning four medals, two battle stars and a unit citation. He served on the Medical Service of the Topeka Veterans Administration Hospital from 1946 to 1972, succeeding Dr. Rudolph Chess as Chief of the Medical Service in 1964. He was visiting lecturer in medicine at the University of Kansas Medical School from 1954 to 1971. He was active in teaching and research, published over 60 medical papers, and was an early and energetic antismoking campaigner. He was awarded a Career Commendation by the Chief Medical Director of the Veterans Administration. His volunteer activities included work with the Capper Foundation, the Better Business Bureau, and the Topeka Opera Society (TOSCA), of which he was treasurer from 1990 to 2001. He was married to Mary Coolidge Firestone from 1934 until her death in 1979, and to Virginia Arnold Horton, from 1980 until her death in 2006. He is survived by nephews and nieces. Cremation is planned, and there will be no services. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.