Doctor dedicated to saving senses

Joseph Sataloff, 89, an indefatigable otolaryngologist whose work and research helped tens of thousands with ear, nose and throat problems enjoy better lives, died Sept. 26 at Hahnemann University Hospital after a head injury. Dr. Sataloff, of Bala Cynwyd, a leader in legislation on occupational hearing loss, worked until two weeks before his death.

"Dr. Sataloff saved the hearing of millions of American workers by making companies purchase ear protectors and conduct regular tests. It was because of his tireless advocacy that the OSHA legislation passed," said Anne Burke, a former nurse at The Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News who worked with him to protect pressmen's hearing.

Dr. Sataloff's journey into this medical field started in 1950 when he joined otolaryngologist George M. Coates, who had founded a practice shortly after the turn of the century in an elegant 19th-century brownstone at 1721 Pine St. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Sataloff performed more than 20,000 microsurgical ear operations and taught at Thomas Jefferson and Drexel Universities.

"Dr. Sataloff was a private attending doctor who taught ENT residents for no pay while I was at Jefferson," said Harvey Tucker, an otolaryngology surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. "He was a special person who believed you must pass on knowledge which was given to you to those who follow. He not only volunteered his time to teach young doctors, but he knew how poorly we were paid and often bought us a meal."

The practice on Pine Street expanded over the century and was eventually named Philadelphia Ear, Nose & Throat Associates. A staff of doctors, therapists, audiologists and musicians treat voice patients (especially professionals) and provide cosmetic and posttraumatic reconstructive surgery of the face and neck. Many performers from around the world go there for treatment.

Dr. Sataloff's son, Robert, a surgeon at the center who teaches otolaryngology at the Temple, Drexel, Jefferson and Penn medical schools, is also a singer and composer with a doctorate in musical arts.

"When I was 2, my father began teaching me the anatomy of the nervous system. I was 8 when I first watched him perform surgery," he said. "The center at 1721 Pine still has much of its historical charm, including the examination chair from the 1930s. Patients and staff in the offices often hear singing and music from the pianos in the basement."

In addition to his medical brilliance, Dr. Sataloff was an international expert in antique jewelry, and published two books on the subject. His greatest interest was Art Nouveau jewelry. Dr. Sataloff donated permanent collections to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and traveling exhibits to other major museums.

He and Ruth, his wife of 60 years, "had the finest private collection of Art Nouveau jewelry," said Yvonne J. Markowitz, a jewelry curator at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. "He introduced his annual lecture on Art Nouveau jewelry at the University of Maine in Orono with: 'You are about to discover the most beautiful and technically sophisticated jewelry ever created.' He then would mesmerize the audience with gorgeous slides and a passionate lecture. Joe wrote the groundbreaking book

Art Nouveau Jewelry

in 1984."

In 1981, Dr. Sataloff found himself in the middle of an embarrassing and complex legal case involving the world of collectibles appraising. A Russian candlestick he donated to the Smithsonian Institution had been appraised by Sotheby Parke Bernet at $130,000. After Dr. Sataloff claimed a tax deduction based on that amount, an IRS appraiser - who worked for Sotheby's archrival, Christie's - said the item was worth far less. Dr. Sataloff paid the back taxes and sued Sotheby's. The suit and a countersuit by Sotheby's were settled in 1982 for an undisclosed amount.

As erudite and accomplished as he was, "my father was unpretentious and humble," said his daughter, Jody. "He bought all of his clothes at a thrift shop in Maine, and never minded a little mustard on his shirt."

Dressed rather shabbily, Dr. Sataloff was once denied entrance to a jewelry shop in New York when he and his wife were on a buying trip. "The shop owner wouldn't let my father in and said he was saving all his Art Nouveau jewelry for some crazy doctor from Philadelphia," his daughter said.

A 1936 graduate of West Philadelphia High School, Dr. Sataloff earned a bachelor's degree on a Boy Scout scholarship in 1940 from the University of Pennsylvania and a medical degree from Hahnemann University Hospital in 1943.

He joined the Navy during World War II and was shipped to Guam to work as a medical officer with the Third Marine Division. In his spare time, Dr. Sataloff, an Eagle Scout, formed the Boy Scouts of Guam. He begged friends, family and organizations to send equipment and uniforms for his troop. The organization still survives.

In addition to his wife, son and daughter, Dr. Sataloff is survived by five grandchildren.

Services were held last Sunday.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Institute for Voice and Ear Research, 1721 Pine St., Philadelphia 19103.