In Memoriam
Dr . John W . Staubach
By James M . Boyle , III , DDS , MS
In July , both the Baseball Hall of Fame and Football Hall of Fame honored their giants of the game , both past and present . Induction ceremonies were held respectively in Cooperstown , New York and Canton , Ohio . In York , Pennsylvania on July 22 , the Pennsylvania Dental Association lost Dr John W . Staubach , a true hall of famer and giant of organized dentistry .
John was born in Basel , Switzerland , on June 25 , 1933 . He graduated from Sparks High School of Sparks , Maryland and , following service to his country in the United States Army during the Korean War , graduated in 1959 from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster . Dr . Staubach earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland in 1963 .
Dr . Staubach represents everything positive and professional in organized dentistry . His exemplary leadership and work ethic in the York County Dental Society led to his service as president of the Fifth District Dental Society in 1984 . John continued his tireless work at the state level in various committees and in 1994-1995 he led PDA as president . Following his term as president , Dr . Staubach contributed at the national level where he served four years as Pennsylvania ’ s trustee to the American Dental Association .
Dr . Staubach was a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists , as well as the Pierre Fauchard Academy .
“ John was a giant in our profession and in his community , as you can see from his extensive resume . All who knew him , knew him to be a mentor and a role model ,” said PDA president Dr . William T . Spruill . “ There are many in current leadership who owe huge thanks to John for being the catalyst for our involvement by his personal example and guiding light .” The success of organized dentistry is dependent on a grassroots methodology . As Babe Ruth was to home runs , John Staubach was to the grassroots work of organized dentistry . Regardless of level of office he served , many member dentists of York County can recall a phone call or visit from
John Staubach to discuss pending legislation , a political candidate running for office or to seek an opinion of issues affecting their practice . John was a mainstay at all meetings and was uncanny at mobilizing ideas and frustrations of membership into solutions and actions . Dr . Staubach was approachable , he listened , and was easy to find because anyone involved with the PDA or ADA knew his lovely wife of 54 years , Lois , was by his side . It was not just John but both he and Lois who reached out to new dentists and their families to welcome them to York County or state meetings and receptions .
“ His gentle and elegant wife , Lois , was ever at his side ; a testimony to their love for each other and their commitment to all things worthy of endeavor ,” Dr . Spruill said . John and Lois raised two beautiful daughters , Melodie and Heather , and was father-in-law to two gentlemen . John enjoyed everything life had to offer including a good joke , which he loved to share . Ask any of his five grandchildren about their grandfather ’ s favorite joke and a warm , loving smile appears .
“ I am thankful for the gift of Dr . John Staubach and for his contributions to so many aspects of all of our lives ,” Dr . Spruill said . “ His presence , his guidance and his wisdom will be missed .”
We in organized dentistry lost a hall of famer , yet his legacy remains as an example to us all . Rest in peace , John , and thank you for all you have done .
PDA received the following letter from Monica Robinson , Dr . Staubach ’ s granddaughter . He wrote the letter to her on April 19 , 2003 .
Dear Monica ,
Today you asked that I write a letter to you about the future . You know , the future is not limited to the unforeseeable years ahead . Whether they be 5 , 10 or 15 matters little because you see I consider tomorrow the future . And because of that , as the stairs seem to become steeper and distances seem greater than in years past and everyone seems to be in a greater hurry than I . I am reading more and writing less . I cherish sitting in the yard or porch with your grandmother while watching the brilliant sunsets , which promise a new tomorrow . I relish the sight of the wild ducks and Canada geese gracefully gliding , on silent wings , out of the early morning mist with their plaintive cries and gracefully landing on the pond as they too greet
September / October 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal
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