Robert L. Yoxtheimer, 74, surgeon

Robert L. Yoxtheimer, 74, of Phoenixville, a surgeon, died of heart failure Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Yoxtheimer joined a general surgery practice in Phoenixville in 1971.

During his long association with Phoenixville Hospital, he was chief of surgery from 1983 to 2002 and served terms as treasurer, secretary, and president of the medical staff. He retired in 2008.

He was very caring and had a warm relationship with his patients, who called him "Dr. Y," said a daughter, Lorene, also a physician.

Dr. Yoxtheimer was past president of the Chester County Medical Society and served on its board from 1978 to 2007. He was also former editor of the society's bulletin.

Dr. Yoxtheimer, a native of Northumberland, Pa., earned a bachelor's degree in biology in 1960 as a scholarship student at Bucknell University and a medical degree from Temple University in 1964.

He was then commissioned as a captain in the Army and interned at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. For three years, he was stationed with the Army Medical Corps in Japan, where he met his future wife, Kimiko Nawa, on the tennis court. They married in 1967.

After his discharge, he completed a residency in general surgery at Temple University Hospital.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Dr. Yoxtheimer is survived by a daughter, Tina, also a physician; a son, Robert; three brothers; and two grandchildren.

Friends may call from 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Mellon Hall, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge Military Academy, 1001 Eagle Rd., Wayne.

Donations may be made to Phoenixville Hospital Cancer Fund, 140 Nutt Rd., Phoenixville, Pa. 19460.