Dr. Robert P. Lonergan Jr.

Dr. Robert P. “Bob” Lonergan Jr. of Dillsburg, Pa., passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at the age of 75. As a well respected orthopaedic surgeon, Bob helped countless patients and was among the earliest pioneers in arthroscopic knee surgery, developing a technique that allowed for minimally invasive surgery which has now become the standard of care. Over the years, he served on the staffs at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center, Polyclinic Medical Center, Seidle Memorial Hospital, Harrisburg Hospital, and as associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Temple University, where he trained numerous other aspiring orthopaedic surgeons. He also served as a consultant at Gettysburg Hospital, and, most recently, at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, Pa., where he served as president of the medical staff. Bob retired in 2005.

Bob was certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and the National Board of Medical Examiners. He was also a member of a numerous medical societies, including the American Academy Orthopaedic Surgeons, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, Dauphin County Medical Society, Cumberland County Medical Society, International Arthroscopy Society, Medical Alumni Council (University of Scranton), International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Advisory Board Harrisburg-Temple University, and a Charter Teaching Member of the Scopes for Russia Foundation.

Bob graduated with a B.S. (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Scranton in 1961 and earned an M.D. (Summa Cum Laude) from Temple University in 1965. Academic and scholastic honors included Babcock Surgical Honor Society (Temple University Medical School) and Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society.

After graduating from medical school, Bob proudly served his country as a Naval officer (Lt. Commander of Medical Corps.), which included a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1966-67. For his meritorious service, Bob received the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Medal of Gallantry, U.S. Navy Combat Achievement Medal and the Republic of South Vietnam Distinguished Service Medal.

Bob returned home to a successful medical career and to raise a family. He is survived by Ellen Lonergan; and his adult children, Ellyne Lonergan-Bottary and her husband, Leo Bottary; Dr. Robert P. Lonergan III and his wife, Paige; and Meaghan Lonergan; his three grandchildren, Aidan, Cullen and Declan Lonergan; and five siblings, Kay Mecca, Erin Murray, Brian Lonergan, Peggy Steinberg and Phil Lonergan.

Visitation will be at 10: 30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Church (3435 E. Trindle Road, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania) followed by a noon funeral Mass, Monday July 21, 2014. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a not-for-profit organization that supports our troops or one that is dedicated to animal welfare.

Bob was an optimist who loved his country, his family and his Irish heritage. He would often recite one of his favorite Irish blessings: “May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”