G. Russell Atkinson, M.D.

G. Russell Atkinson, M.D. born August 27, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA died October 1, 2019. Beloved husband of Eileen Deneen Atkinson (nee O’Rourke), he was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Monica Burns Atkinson. He is survived by beloved sons Russell D., II (Sylvie), Andrew B. (Kamala) Atkinson and daughter Gia Scott (Warren B. Scott, Jr.), brother, Thomas D. Atkinson (Mary) of Amelia Island, FL, five grandchildren, Warren Bringhurst Scott III (Quincy), Victoria Scott, Hadley Atkinson, 1st LT Russell D. Atkinson III USMC, Pierre Atkinson, 4 step-children and 16 step-grandchildren.

Dr. Atkinson graduated from West Catholic High School.

He served in the United States Army from 1945-46 and was awarded a citation for meritorious action and the World War II Victory Medal. 

Dr. Atkinson went on to graduate Saint Joseph's College and Thomas Jefferson Medical College.  He was an Instructor of Medicine at both Thomas Jefferson Medical College and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He was a pioneer in the treatment of childhood leukemia and adult metastatic cancer using total body radiation with marrow biopsy. Prepared a study and researched the incidence of cancer in the Navajo Indians exposed to fallout from the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in the 1950’s. He practiced Internal Medicine in the Philadelphia region for 53 years.  

He was a member of Overbrook Golf Club and Merion Cricket Club and an avid tennis player.  He was a member of the Katahdin Medical and Philosophic Society, and the Sons of the Copper Beeches.  A lifelong bird watcher, he was a member of the Society of Voyageurs to the Pocomoke.  

More importantly he was a dedicated father, husband, and physician who touched the lives of thousands.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation on Friday October 11, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at The Washington Memorial Chapel, Route 23, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Valley Forge, PA; followed by his Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be in the Chapel's cemetery immediately after the ceremony.  

Donations can be made to The Washington Memorial Chapel, P.O. Box 98, Valley Forge, PA 19481.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home of West Chester, PA 610.696.1181 www.DellaFH.com