NEW JERSEY – Robert Zufall, MD, founder of Zufall Health, passed away on March 5 at the age of 99, according to a post on the Zufall Health Facebook page.
“It is with deep sadness that Zufall Health President and CEO Fran Palm, along with the Board of Directors, announce the sudden passing of Founder Robert Zufall, MD, known fondly as Dr. Bob,” the post said.
Dr. Bob died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, March 5 just three months shy of his 100th birthday.
“His passing is a tremendous loss for his family, the health center, and the community. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Kay, he is survived by his five children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Dr. Bob also leaves behind hundreds of dedicated colleagues and tens of thousands of grateful patients who consider the health center bearing his name their medical home,” the post said.
“Dr. Bob’s positive and cheerful spirit remained strong until the very end of his life,” said Palm. “We promise to uphold his remarkable legacy of service in every interaction with our patients.”
In 1990, Dr. Robert Zufall and his wife, Kathryn, with little seed money and a few volunteers, opened a small community clinic in Dover to provide medical care to poor, mostly immigrant families.
The retired urologist treated patients while his wife managed the clinic and doggedly pursued funding opportunities. Their tenacity for enlisting volunteers generated a core team of physicians, dentists, and support staff so they could provide a full spectrum of services.
Almost instantly, the once-a-week clinic attracted a growing patient base which, over the years, necessitated expansions of space and hours of operation. However, despite private and public support, funding for “La Clinica” was a constant struggle. In 2004, its survival was assured by its designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center. Renamed in 2006 to honor the Zufalls, the non-profit health center now proudly carries on their commitment in seven New Jersey counties.
Donations in Dr. Bob’s memory can be made to zufallhealthfoundation.org/donate.
