Burton Zweiman, medical professor

Burton Zweiman, 82, of Haverford, longtime chair of the allergy and immunology division at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, at his home.

The death, possibly from heart failure, was sudden for Dr. Zweiman, who had remained active in personal and professional affairs, said his daughter Amy Harwood.

Dr. Zweiman, formerly of Wynnewood, served as president of the American Academy of Asthma and Immunology, chairman of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, and editor of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

He was chair of the division at Penn from 1974 until his elevation to emeritus professor of medicine in 1998.

"My father was truly a renaissance man," his daughter said, describing his passion for education and his interests in music, art, and ancient history. He was a "devoted teacher and trusted adviser and absolutely committed friend," she said.

He was born in New York City to Charles and Gertrude Zweiman. He received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1956.

He served in the Navy and was stationed at the naval hospital in Oakland, Calif., when he was introduced in 1961 to his future wife, Clair Traig, a nurse in San Francisco. They were married on Dec. 30, 1962.

After his naval service, he joined the faculty at the Penn School of Medicine and became a professor of medicine and neurology. Dr. Zweiman was described as a pioneer in clinical immunology. He helped to establish the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania's renal transplant program.

In addition to his daughter and wife, he is survived by another daughter, Diane Weidenbaum; four grandchildren; and a sister.

A service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at Joseph Levine & Sons, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall. A reception will follow at the auditorium of the Quadrangle, 3300 Darby Rd., Haverford.

Interment will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, in Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, N.Y.