Jenkintown physician Henry Litvin passed at age 99, reported Gary Miles in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Litvin was born in the Wynnefield section of West Philadelphia.

He graduated from Overbrook High School, obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and earned a doctorate from what is now the Perelman School of Medicine.

He joined the Navy Reserve and served in the Korean War as an infantry battalion medical officer for the U.S. Marines. For his combat action, he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal.

But despite the accolade for it, the wartime experience left its mark: Litvin experienced long-term hearing loss and emotional difficulties.

He married Joanie Meiman — the sister of a house-call patient — in 1953, the same year he entered private practice. Two children followed, as did moves to Levittown and Jenkintown.

In 1969, he joined the staff of Jefferson Abington Hospital; he retired there as psychologist emeritus in 2001.

Litvin, an ardent Philadelphia Eagles fan, told his wife he wanted to live to be 100.

“He was well-rounded and interested in everything. He wanted to always make a contribution and be relevant, and he was,” she commented, reflecting on his loss.

More on Henry Litvin is at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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A video explanation of the Legion of Merit Medal won by Dr. Henry Litvin.