Mel Blumenthal, age 77, of Lower Makefield Twnsp, passed away on May 31, 2020 from pancreatic cancer surrounded by his family. He was born in Philadelphia on December 6, 1942, the son of Edwin Blumenthal and Leona (Pinsky) Blumenthal. After graduating from Central High School, Mel received an BA with highest honors from Dickinson College and then an MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He had postgraduate training at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville), the University of Wisconsin (Madison), and completed a fellowship in Cardiology at the Pennsylvania State University (Hershey). After three years of active service as a medical officer in the US Army (Frankfurt & Nuremberg, Germany), he returned to the US and spent 15 years practicing Cardiology at the Monroe Clinic (Monroe, WI). In Monroe, he was elected to the local school board and served many years as member and chairman of the local library board.
In 1990, he moved back to PA to take a research position at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute in Lawrenceville, NJ, where he played a key part in the clinical development of clopidogrel (Plavix), which had an important role in the prevention of cardiac ischemic events and the utility of coronary artery stenting.
While at the University of Wisconsin, Mel met and married Elizabeth MacKenzie (Oregon, WI), his life-long friend, companion, caretaker and precious wife on November 15, 1969, and the couple have two cherished children: Holly Miller of Alexandria, VA and Craig (Lisa) Blumenthal of Wauwatosa, WI.
In retirement, Mel enjoyed travel, classical music & reading. He hated yardwork.
Mel is survived by his wife, children, and two grandchildren (Abby & Jack) of whom he was very proud, and his brother Rick and his family (Sherman Oaks, CA) and brother-in-law John MacKenzie and his family (Oregon, WI). He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society 1626 Locust Street Philadelphia, PA 19103, the American Heart Association 5455 North High Street Columbus, OH 43214, or a charity of donor’s choice would be appreciated.
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