Henry H. Sherk ’52

Henry died of cancer at his Philadelphia home April 9, 2012.

A New Jersey native and the son and grandson of physicians, he graduated from Episcopal Academy, having been elected class president in four successive years.

At Princeton, he majored in biology, lettered in wrestling and 150-pound football, and joined Charter Club. He served on ’52’s executive committee. His roommates were Fred Jones, John Geer, and Bill Service.

Henry earned his medical degree in orthopedics at Jefferson Medical College, then served in the Navy Medical Corps. He practiced orthopedics at prominent hospitals in Philadelphia and Camden.

Henry’s life changed profoundly in 1962 when he married Lea Carson.

In 1984 he redirected his career to become professor of surgery and chief of orthopedics at the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Relentlessly curious, he wrote numerous scientific publications, including a monumental history of American orthopedics. He was widely recognized for his innovative work in cervical spine surgery and the use of lasers in orthopedics.

Never idle, Henry pursued an avocation as a horticulturist on his farm. He was also an adventurous traveler and the patriarch of a devoted and highly accomplished family.

To Lea and his daughters, Katherine, Mary, and Julia, the class sends deep sympathy.