Paul A. Pietsch

Paul A. Pietsch, Ph.D., 80, retired Professor Emeritus of Optometry at the I.U. School of Optometry died on Thursday, Nov.26, 2009 at Bloomington Hospital. He was born in New York City the son Elwood and Bridget (McDonnell) on August 8, 1929. An Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Paul credited the GI Bill for providing him with the means to an education. He received his B.S. in Zoology from Syracuse University and a Ph. D. in Anatomy from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Pietsch was world renowned for his teaching and mentoring to thousands of students, publishing nearly 100 articles and winning numerous awards, including 12 awards for outstanding teaching. Some of the publications that recognized Dr. Pietsch included Quest, Harpers Magazine, Science Digest as well as many periodicals. He was also interviewed by the television media including "60 Minutes", "Television Francais" and the Canadian National Radio broadcasts. Survivors include his wife, Myrtle (Miller) Pietsch of Bloomington, sons Samuel H. (Kathleen) Pietsch of Dearborn, MI, Benjamin E. (Cheryl) Pietsch of Chambersburg, PA, step-sopn Geoffrey L. (Sharron) Hewston, Au Sable Forks, N.Y. and daughters Mary T. (Andrew)Alexander, Abigail L. Pietsch and Mary K. Wheeler, all of Bloomington, grandchildren; Kate E. Pietsch, Jeffrey Pietsch, Sean (Jennifer Scott) Randall and Ian Randall, step-grandchildren; Jacquelyn (James) Girardin, Christopher (Sharon) Hewston, and Jessica (Brandon) Maliezewski, great grandchild Aila Scott Randall and step-great grandchildren; James and Jessica Girardin, Emilee, Ethan and Grace Hewston, Aden Scott and Henry Maliezewski. Also surviving are his sister, Anna (Alfred Battle of Spring Hill, Fl, brother Robert (Joann) Pietsch of little Egg Harbor, N.J. and brother-in-law, Louis Vanacore, of Little Egg Harbor, N.J. and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Evelyn Vanacore and beloved family members Nana and DeDe. Private family services will be conducted at Clear Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Bloomington Hospital Hospice and Home Health Care, P.O. Box 1149, Bloomington, IN 47402. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.

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Paul A. Pietsch

August 8, 1929 - November 26, 2009