Dr., Dr. John Nevin Isenberg

Isenberg, John Nevin, M.D. Dr. John Nevin Isenberg, 67, died early Tuesday morning, July 29, 2008. He is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Sally; his sister, Beverly Isenberg of New Jersey, and four nieces, five nephews, and one grandniece. Nevin was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Marjorie Isenberg of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Nevin grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and developed a love of birdwatching, growing roses, and all things in nature. He was active in Boy Scouts, and achieved the ranks of Eagle and Order of the Arrow. He graduated from Altoona High School, was Valedictorian of his class and attended Cornell University on academic scholarship. Upon graduating from Cornell in l962, Nevin attended Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated with a medical doctor degree (M.D.) as well as a PhD in biochemistry. He then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota where he completed his internship, residency, and fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology. It was in Minneapolis that he met and married his wife, Sally. Nevin served on the faculty of UCLA in Pediatric Gastroenterology from l975 – 1978. From there, he moved to Galveston where he was on the Pediatric faculty at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He achieved the ranks of Division Chief and Full Professor. Nevin contributed time, energy and talent by serving and leading many committees, including the Institutional Review Board for Human Subject Protection and served as the co-director of the General Clinical Research Center. In addition, from l984-l993, he served on the Clinical Research Committee of the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The greatest contribution of Nevin's professional career, however, was his work for and with children afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis and Liver Disease. His care for these children was comprised of his scientific intelligence and thorough & compassionate dedication to their quality of life. In l993, Nevin left Galveston to become the Medical Director of the Brenham State School in Brenham, Texas. He retired from medicine in l998 and began his struggle with the ghastly disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsey. The family wishes to thank the following for their tremendous support and care of Nevin: The nurses, aides, and social workers of Brazos Valley Hospice, especially the very kind, compassionate and competent Rachel Blair whose frequent visits brightened even Nev's darkest days, and Johnny Gray of Brenham Fitness Center who served as Nev's personal trainer, assisting him with gentle competence as he fought to stay ahead of the effects of this debilitating disease. As per Nevin's wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be directed to the following nonprofit organizations: Hospice of Brazos Valley, Hospice Brenham, 302 E. Bluebell Road, Brenham, TX 77833; Round Top Family Library, P.O. Box 245, Round Top, TX 78954; Ronald McDonald House, 301 14th St., Galveston, TX 77550; CUREPSP Society, 11350 McCormick Road, Suite 906, Hunt Valley, MD 21031. Please leave condolences at callawayjones.com

Published on August 10, 2008