Obituary of Harry Keiser

Dr. Harry R. Keiser, 78, of Palm City, Florida, died November 23, 2011 after a long illness. He was born in Chicago and attended both Northwestern University undergraduate and medical schools. He completed residencies in internal medicine at the VA Research Hospital in Chicago and the University of California Hospital in San Francisco.

He joined the U.S. Public Health Service in 1960, working throughout his career at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, where he served in research and management positions. He retired in 1998 as Clinical Director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and a Scientist Emeritus. He was also a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical School.

Dr. Keiser authored and co-authored more than 200 articles for medical journals and textbooks. He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of numerous professional societies. He received several awards for his work at the NIH as well as recognition by the Washington Academy of Sciences for an outstanding and distinguished career in science.

Dr. Keiser was an avid sailor, spending many pleasant hours sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. He moved to Florida in 2002, where he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, serving in several capacities.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of Palm City; two sons, Rudy Keiser of Reston, VA, and Robert Keiser of Germantown, MD; stepsons, Mark Bentz of Palm City, and Daniel Bentz of Stuart, FL; sister, Mary Ann Keiser Anderson of Northbrook, IL and Sarasota, FL; two grandsons and two nephews.

SERVICES: There will be a memorial service at 11:00 AM on December 3, 2011 at Palm City Presbyterian Church with military Honors.

Donations may be made in Dr. Keiser's memory to the Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997, or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Forest Hills Funeral Homes Palm City Chapel.