E. Gosfield Jr., 94, cardiologist

Edward Gosfield Jr., 94, of Center City, a longtime cardiologist at Graduate Hospital, died Thursday, April 25, of complications following surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

So respected was Dr. Gosfield in the practice of cardiology and internal medicine that he was designated attending physician to Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the United States in 1976.

He was a dapper dresser, almost never appearing in public without a signature bow tie. His sons, grandsons, and many medical residents all learned how to tie one by watching him.

Dr. Gosfield matriculated in 1947 at the Graduate School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, completing his training as a resident at Graduate Hospital in 1950.

He was appointed to the faculty of Penn's Graduate School of Medicine and later to the faculty of its School of Medicine.

Dr. Gosfield founded the hypertension clinic at Graduate Hospital in 1957 and was chief of the clinic until 1980, writing numerous medical articles.

He was elected chairman of the medical board in 1975 and again in 1992. He served as acting chairman of the department of medicine in 1979-80 and from 1990 to 1992. He went on to serve as associate chairman of Graduate's department of medicine.

He operated a solo medical practice for many years from 2113 Spruce St., his family's home.

"We lived over the store, so to speak," said his daughter, Alice G.

Born in New York City and raised on Pine Street in Center City, Dr. Gosfield was a 1934 graduate of Central High School.

He attended Penn, receiving his bachelor of arts degree with distinction, major honors in philosophy, and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He received a master of science degree in education in 1940, and a medical degree in 1944.

He served in the Medical Corps of the Army as captain and acting commanding officer at the station hospital at Fort Eustace, Va.

He was a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Dr. Gosfield acted as a consultant to Wills Eye Hospital, to the former Community Hospital at 10th and Reed Streets, and to the veterans hospital at Wilmington.

He retired from practicing cardiology and internal medicine at age 83 as emeritus associate professor of medicine at the Penn School of Medicine.

Three years later, the leaders of Graduate's cardiology residency program asked him back to instruct residents on managing cases in the cardiac care unit. He was unsure at first, but accepted.

"He said he would teach them 'what it means to be a doctor.' It was very cool," his daughter said.

Dr. Gosfield was married in 1941 to Cecelia Gevov, who died in 1983. In 1985, he married Thelma Bradburd White.

Survivors, in addition to his wife and daughter, include sons Edward III and Gregory G.; stepchildren Michael White and Stella White Fisher; four grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and six great-step-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S. 22d St. Interment is private.

Donations may be made to Morris Animal Refuge, 1242 Lombard St., Philadelphia 19147, or through morrisanimalrefuge.org.

Condolences to the family may be offered at monaghanfuneralhome.com.