Harold C. Hardenburg Jr. ’54

Hal Hardenburg died April 11, 2009, at his home in Cedar City, Utah, from complications of rheumatoid arthritis.  

Born in Plainfield, N.J., Hal graduated from North Plainfield High School. At Princeton, he majored in biology, was active in the Pre-Medical Society, and was a member of Terrace Club. He earned his medical degree at Temple University Medical School and then trained at Columbia in Nephrology.   One of the first nephrologists to practice in New Jersey, he was responsible for many advances in the treatment of renal disease. He was particularly revered for designing technological innovations that made artificial kidney dialysis machines fail-safe. He established a dialysis unit at Overbrook Hospital and performed basic research in plasmapheresis and chemotherapy of autoimmune diseases. Hal was a favorite teacher of medical students at Overbrook and residents rotating from Presbyterian Hospital, and was honored by numerous professional societies.

In addition to Judith, his wife of 46 years, Hal is survived by his son, Kirk; daughters Erika and Heidi; grandson Will; and granddaughters Kelsey, Courtney, and Kathryn. Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or Princeton University’s Scholarship Fund. The class extends its condolences to his family.