Pitt Ortho alumni, Dr. Andy Wissinger passed away peacefully at his home on August 3, 2023. He was a month from his 93rd birthday. Since his passing, I have corresponded with several of our alumni regarding his career and impact on our field and Pittsburgh Orthopaedics.
Dr. Wissinger was a great surgeon, leader and mentor of orthopaedics. Many reflected on the difficult cases he would undertake and his multiple Golden Apple awards as best educator to graduating classes. Dr. Wissinger played center for Pitt and served as the Chair of Orthopaedics at St. Francis and St. Margarets He also served as the President of Oakland Orthopaedics (now Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Association – GPOA). He was a national leader in our field, serving on the boards of the AAOS, AOA, and Editor of the Orthopedics (the Blue Journal). His contributions to the field further led to the development of the Wissinger Rod.
As stated to me by so many who knew him….he was a Legend and a reflection of the best of Pitt Orthopaedics.
Please find full obituary below.
H. ANDREW WISSINGER, M.D. | Obituary | Pittsburgh Post Gazette (post-gazette.com)
H. ANDREW WISSINGER, M.D. “Andy” passed away peacefully at his home on August 3, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born in Pittsburgh, to the late Zonar and Marie (Knape) Wissinger on September 14, 1930. Andy was a graduate of Peabody High School and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and continued to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Post graduate training consisted of an internship and general surgery residency at Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and an Orthopedic surgery residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Post graduate training consisted of an internship and general surgery residence at Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and Orthopedic surgery residence at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He served as a medical officer in the United States Navy with an honorable discharge in 1959. He then attended a hand residence with Dr. Joseph Boyes in Los Angeles. In 1960, Andy went into private practice and became a clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, chief of orthopedic surgery at Saint Francis General Hospital and Saint Margaret Memorial Hospital. He retired after 35 years in the private practice of orthopedic surgery to pursue a second career as a tree farmer in Armstrong County. His entertainment was supplied by his family, friends, his beautiful farm and home, the great wine he made, his dogs and Pitt football. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Patricia Bik Wissinger, his sons David F. (Karen) of Armstrong County and Eric A. of Allegheny County. He has four grandchildren, Erica L., John D., Gordon A. and Andrew F.; a sister, Ann A. Atkison, and many nieces and nephews.
Private interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Brick Church, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Burrell Township Volunteer Fire Department, 108 Cochran’s Mill Road, Ford City, PA 16226, or a charity of your choice. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life that will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 27, at Lenape Heights Golf Resort, 950 Golf Course Road, Ford City, PA 16226.