Joseph Sataloff, physician, civic leader

DR. JOSEPH SATALOFF was a distinguished ear, nose and throat specialist, but he was also an expert on antique jewelry, which led him into a controversy far removed from his specialty.

In 1974, he donated a 5-foot silver candlestick, once appraised at $130,000 and described as "the finest piece of Russian silver in this country," to the Smithsonian Institution. He had purchased it for $2,200. Of course, he gave himself a large tax deduction, although that was not the purpose of this generous man's gift.

Then, to his horror, the IRS questioned the appraised value of the piece and determined it was worth only about $2,000. He was hit with a bill of $86,789.33 for back taxes.

Sataloff sued the distinguished New York auction house Sotheby Parke Bernet for telling him the candlestick was worth $130,000 and describing it as a "truly monumental work of art."

He demanded $92,000 to cover his tax bill, lawyers' fees and other expenses, and $5 million in damages for "extreme agitation and stress."

The suit, and a countersuit by Sotheby's, were settled in 1982 for an undisclosed amount.

Although the incident was intriguing, it really had nothing to do with Joe Sataloff's many accomplishments, both as a physician and a civic leader.

He died Friday at age 89. He lived in Bala Cynwyd.

As a professor of otolaryngology at Jefferson Medical College and adjunct professor at Drexel's College of Medicine, he was published more than 150 times, including 11 books.

He was one of the first specialists in ear surgery, having performed about 20,000 microsurgeries on patients around the world.

He was also recognized as a pioneer in creating the subspecialty of occupational hearing loss. His first book on that subject, in 1957, was seminal, and he served in leadership roles throughout his career.

He was a scientific adviser to President Richard Nixon on the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

"His efforts have saved the hearing of millions of American workers who are now provided with ear protectors largely through his tireless advocacy," his family said in an obituary.

"He remained active as a physician and consultant until he was hospitalized two weeks before his death."

Joe was a medical officer in the Navy for 7 1/2 years and during World War II. He served with the 3rd Marine Division, and during his 28 months stationed on Guam he founded the Boy Scouts of Guam.

One of the boys in the Scout troop went on to become governor of Guam.

Joe, an Eagle Scout as a youth, kept in contact with the boys the rest of his life.

He was a graduate of West Philadelphia High School and the University of Pennsylvania. He was active in Big Brothers, the Boy Scouts, the Union League and many other organizations in Philadelphia.

He served as chairman of the Mayor's Noise Abatement Committee in the administration of Mayor Richardson Dilworth.

One of his important books, written with his son, Robert Thayer Sataloff, also an ear surgeon, is "Hearing Loss," which has become a standard reference in the field. It has been revised and updated through the years, and includes the anatomy and physiology of the ear, testing of hearing and treatment of ear disorders, with new chapters on dizziness and facial paralysis.

"He was beloved for his infectious enthusiasm and ready wit," his family said.

Besides his son, he is survived by his wife, Ruth; a daughter, Jody; and five grandchildren.

Services: Were Sunday.

Donations may be made to the American Institute for Voice and Ear Research, 1721 Pine St., Philadelphia PA 19103. *