Obituary of Ralph J Lewis

DR RALPH J. LEWIS, 77, Prominent Thoracic Surgeon Dr Ralph J. Lewis, of Basking Ridge, NJ, a loving husband, father and grandfather and a prominent thoracic surgeon, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on February 15, 2010 of advanced cancer. Dr Lewis spent his whole professional career caring for and helping others. He made enormous contributions to the field of thoracic surgery. He was a graduate of Manhattan College and Cornell University Medical School. He completed his surgical training at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center and opened his surgical practice in New Jersey in the mid 1960's. During his career, Dr Lewis participated in the development of Robert Wood Johnson Medical School where he became a clinical professor of thoracic surgery. Dr Lewis was also Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, St Peter's University Hospital and Somerset Medical Center. He served as president of the NJ Society of Thoracic Surgeons and was a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons in which he held numerous offices. As an innovative surgeon, Dr Lewis made many contributions to the field of Thoracic Surgery. He published original works in peer reviewed medical journals and surgical textbooks and he developed surgical techniques and surgical instruments. Dr Lewis was a pioneer in the surgical technique "VATS", (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery) which resulted in far less pain for the patient, quicker recovery with shorter hospital stays and speedier return to work. This is one of the new surgical techniques currently used in thoracic surgery worldwide today. Dr Lewis taught and performed his surgical techniques at many national and international medical centers. Prominent surgeons came to New Brunswick, NJ, from throughout the US and abroad to enroll in courses which he taught on VATS. Patients also traveled from various areas to benefit from these techniques. Dr Lewis received many prestigious medical awards and honors from countries in Europe, Asia and South America. He received NJ Pride Award as well as "America's Best Doctors" award. He retired from surgery in 2000 but remained active and continued to publish in the field of thoracic surgery. Dr Lewis had a long and distinguished career in surgery, but he always said his greatest accomplishment in life was enjoying his loving family. He made it a priority to attend his six children's activities as frequently as possible and to participate in their daily lives. This, he felt, developed a sound and strong relationship with his family. Dr Lewis is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Pat, whom he met at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center where she was a nurse. He remained devoted to her his entire life. He leaves behind his six children who were his pride and joy, who will miss very much. Deirdre Lewis Bichsel and her husband Rick, of Cranbury NJ; Tom Lewis and his wife Ann of Lawrenceville NJ; Kimberly Lewis Roswech and her husband John of Chester, NJ; Paul Lewis and his wife Micheline of Asbury, NJ; Peter Lewis and his wife Danette of Peapack, NJ; and Greg Lewis and his wife Lauren of Summit, NJ. Dr Lewis also leaves behind 17 grandchildren who adored their grandpa. They are: Meredith, Whitney, Jonathan, Kylie and Helen Bichsel; Brad, Parker and Gwyneth Lewis; Connor and Megan Roswech; Matthew, Madeleine, Morgan and Mikaela Lewis; Mason and Logan Lewis; and Alexandra Lewis. Visitation will be held at Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ on Wednesday February 17, 2010 2-4 and 6-8PM. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 1890 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ on Thursday February 18, 2010 at 10:00 AM. Those planning an expression of sympathy may make a memorial contribution in Dr Ralph Lewis's name to: Weill Cornell Medical College Scholarship Fund Class of 1958 Box 123, 1300 York Ave NY, NY 10065 or Compassionate Care Hospice, 140 Littleton Road, Suite 200, Parsippany, NJ 07054.