Dr. John S. Bryan Jr. (Jack) passed away on Nov. 4, 2022. He departed in his own way, with dignity, peace, and good humor, at his home in Ottsville, Pa. Dr. Bryan was a proud father and grandfather; a proud captain and flight surgeon; and he was Doylestown, Pa.’s founding orthopedic surgeon.
Jack was born in Trenton, N.J., on Feb. 14, 1933, the first of two sons born to Helen (Berlin) and John S. Bryan. The family later moved to Plainsboro, N.J. Jack attended Princeton High School where he ran hurdles on the track team and worked odd jobs where he found them. His father managed operations at Walker Gordon Dairy Farm. His mother described Jack as a persistent, if not stubborn, boy with a penchant for curiosity about the mechanics of almost everything.
In 1951, after high school, Jack left Plainsboro and entered Dartmouth College. Four years later, he graduated from Dartmouth with his undergraduate degree and first year medical school classes completed. Jack was then accepted for transfer to Harvard Medical School, where he graduated in 1958. Dr. Bryan then accepted and completed a surgery internship at Yale University School of Medicine, Grace - New Haven Community Hospital.
Following his Internship Dr. Bryan reported for military service at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. He became a captain and flight surgeon at the USAF’S Aviation School of Medicine and went on to serve most of his military career based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was truly his honor to serve, and he often spoke of the opportunities that military service afforded him.
After discharge from the Air Force, Dr. Bryan returned to Dartmouth College’s Mary Hitchcock Hospital to complete residency in general surgery. He then continued as an orthopedic surgery resident at The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, completing specialty training in hand surgery under Dr. Frank McCue III, a professional mentor and exemplary caregiver for whom Dr. Bryan held enduring reverence.
In 1966, Dr. Bryan established the first orthopedic surgery practice in Doylestown, Pa., at the hospital’s original location in the center of town. During his career he earned five fellowships including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Royal Society of Health - London; and the International College of Surgeons - Geneva.
In 2008, Dr. Bryan was recognized by the Pennsylvania Medical Society for 50 years of medical care.
Considered a gifted surgeon by his peers, he was a humble professional who loved surgery and patient care. Throughout his life he was most proud of the sacrifices and hard work of his parents and many aunts and uncles who grew up on the “Family Farm,” now the site of the Upper Bucks County Community College. Outside of medicine Jack cherished time at home on “Pennbrook Farm” in Buckingham, where he escaped to practice farming, welding and woodworking.
Above all achievements, Jack was most proud of his family. He is predeceased by wife Beverly Carr-Bryan and his brother Richard. Jack is survived by Helene Bryan and their four children: Kristin Burliss (Charles), James, Jack, and Timothy (Kristi), along with eight grandchildren: Morgan, Cole, Britt, Carson, Simone, Eden, Ella and Kaylynn.
Jack loved animals too. More than anything, he would appreciate adoptions, and donations made at your local SPCA.
Remembrances and condolences are welcomed and can be emailed to Jack’s family at: captnjack1933@gmail.com.
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