Dr. John George Shutack, 78, of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 2, 2022, of cancer. John, “Jack,” is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Fran Shutack, and his cherished children, Jackie (Eugene), Corie, and Greg (Nicole). He is the doting grandfather of Helena and Gavin. He is also survived by his sister, Marianne Lavelle, Esquire.
Jack grew up in Nesquehoning, Carbon County, Pennsylvania. His Eastern European immigrant grandparents and parents instilled in him a strong work ethic. Jack graduated from Georgetown University in 1965 with a B.S. in Biology. He graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine as a D.O. in 1969. Followed by medical school, he completed a series of postgraduate programs: a rotating internship at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital in Detroit, a residency in Pediatrics at Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital in Philadelphia, chief resident in Pediatrics at Medical College of Pennsylvania, fellow in Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Jefferson Medical College and Hospital. In 1974, he began practicing pediatrics in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. He then became a fellow in Pulmonary Research in Neonatology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Jack would eventually become a Resident in Anesthesia at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, an Instructor in Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School at Children’s Hospital of Boston, and an anesthesiologist with Hahnemann University Hospital, where he worked from 1983 until his retirement in 2013. He was board certified in pediatrics and anesthesiology. His career in medicine produced many rewarding moments - Jack’s happiest days were spent going the extra mile to help a patient. He thrived in situations when he took an extra minute to speak with a nervous patient, helping them to understand their medical condition and treatment. Jack’s colleagues appreciated his compassion, his thorough approach to patient care and his unique sense of humor.
Jack married Fran in 1979, and they raised their three children in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Academics were important to Jack. He was a proud father, watching his children thrive in school, with his daughters at Notre Dame Academy, and his son at St. Joseph’s Prep. All three of his children would go on to attend Syracuse University, Jack and Fran relished every parents weekend visit. He laughed at every Seinfeld episode, and enjoyed the excitement of a weekend afternoon watching college sports. Jack enjoyed planning family vacations. The peace and beauty of America’s National Parks resonated tremendously with him; they were among his favorite travel destinations. For nearly 40 years, he was an active member of St. John Neumann Church. When he was first diagnosed with cancer nearly 20 years ago, Jack traveled with Fran to Lourdes, France, to pray to
Our Lady and experience her healing powers. They would travel to Lourdes five times, praying to Mary for Jack’s continued cancer recovery. In his later years, Jack spent summer vacations with his family in Ocean City, New Jersey. “Paps” took solace in watching the ocean while playing with his adoring grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Saturday, October 8, 2022, 9:30 AM -10:50 AM in St. John Neumann Church 380 Highland Lane Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 followed by his Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM (to view via livestream www.sjnparish.org) Interment will be in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John Neumann Church 380 Highland Lane Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, or North American Lourdes Volunteers www.lourdesvolunteers.org
