Walter McCool, 80, city schools' head doctor

Dr. Walter McCool, 80, of the Rhawnhurst section of Philadelphia, former head physician for the Philadelphia School District, died of renal failure Saturday at Aria Health-Frankford Campus.

After 50 years with the district, Dr. McCool retired in 2007, said his wife, Barbara.

"Every day he would go to a different school," his wife said, where he "would do physicals and train the nurse-practitioners."

Dr. McCool was an osteopathic surgeon, his wife said, conducting "mainly a family practice" from offices in their home.

He was on the staff at Frankford Hospital-Torresdale Campus (now Aria Health-Torresdale Campus) for 10 to 15 years before retiring from it last year, she said.

Born in Philadelphia, Dr. McCool graduated from La Salle College High School, earned his bachelor's degree in 1950 at what is now La Salle University, and graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1954.

Besides his wife of 39 years, Dr. McCool is survived by a son, Matthew; a daughter, Michele; four grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

A viewing was set from 6 to 9 p.m. today, and 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. tomorrow, at Burns Funeral Home, 9708 Frankford Ave. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Resurrection of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, 2000 Shelmire Ave. Burial is to be in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem.