Obituary of Dr. James Robert Zuberbuhler

James Robert Zuberbuhler, M.D. of Chippewa Township died peacefully on June 24^th in the presence of his dear wife of 62 years, and surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and brother.  “Dr. Zube,” as he is known by his many friends, colleagues, and patients was born on August 7, 1929 to the late Harry O. and Kathryn Moltrup Zuberbuhler and was a lifelong resident of Chippewa Township, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School, Allegheny College, and The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.  He is survived by his wife Janet Y. Zuberbuhler, his four children, James S. Zuberbuhler, Ann (Joseph) Zuberbuhler West, Mary (Bruce) Belohlavek, and Amy (Garett) Butler, 10 grandchildren and a brother and sister in law, Richard (Rae) Zuberbuhler.  

            After joining Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in 1967, Dr. "Zube" became the Director of its Department of Pediatric Cardiology, where he worked to establish a world-renowned Pediatric Cardiology training program. In addition to caring for his patients, he worked with his fellow cardiologists to train medical residents and fellows who became experts and pioneers in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart anomalies.  During a challenging transition period at Children’s Hospital, he was appointed Acting Chair of Pediatrics from 1987-88, and in 1994, he was called on to serve for two years as Children’s Medical Director. Following that, he returned to the practice of pediatric cardiology, which he did until 2003.  While regarded by patients and colleagues as an extraordinary physician, mentor, and teacher, he is best remembered as a person who put his family first and enjoyed the company of his many friends.  He had an incredible sense of humor and was an avid reader and hobbyist who studied, among many other things, wildflowers and fungi, and loved skiing and golf.  Bob’s lifetime love and partnership with his wife and their unwavering role as parents and grandparents will always be cherished by his children and grandchildren.  As one grandchild wrote, “My Grandfather was the father of four and a husband to the most wonderful grandmother the world could ask for.  You were an inspiration not only to me, but to the thousands of lives and hearts you touched, quite literally.  There are few who can wear a hat labeled “Older than Dirt,” and shoot their age in his beloved game of golf when 83, while reciting limericks from memory between shots.  We love you and know that you will rest in peace.”  His life was the epitome of a life well-lived.

            In lieu of flowers, please make donations to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Visitation and a viewing are scheduled on Saturday, June 29 at Campbell’s Chippewa Funeral Home, Inc. located at 2618 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.  Visitation will be followed by a celebration of Bob’s life at Campbell’s Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m. luncheon at the Chippewa United Methodist Church.  All are welcome.