Dr. Joel William Eisner

Dr. Joel William Eisner, of Phoenixville, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, in Philadelphia after a brief illness. A devoted physician, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Joel dedicated his life to family, faith, and community.

Born on January 27, 1938, in Philadelphia to Margaret and Jerome Eisner, Joel moved with his family to Pottstown in 1942. There, they opened Milton’s Youth Center, a children’s clothing store, and were active members of Congregation Mercy and Truth, where Joel was deeply influenced by Rabbi Emil Schorsch. A graduate of Pottstown High School, he was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1990.

Joel attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he rowed crew, performed in Mask and Wig, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a focus on pre-med studies. He earned his medical degree from Einstein Medical School, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Temple University, where he won the Golden Apple Award three years running.

In 1968, Joel married his beloved Judith Asher. During his service as a U.S. Army doctor in Japan, they enjoyed an extended honeymoon in the Far East before returning to Phoenixville in 1969. There, Joel founded Phoenixville Medical Associates, which grew into one of the region’s largest practices.

A tireless and compassionate doctor, Joel was a driving force behind the growth of Phoenixville Hospital. He treated all patients, regardless of means, often working late into the evening and through the weekends. His colleagues became lifelong friends. Over a career spanning more than 55 years, he also founded the HMO Freedom Healthcare, later sold to US Healthcare, and served as a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Even after selling his practice to Penn Medicine in 2023, Joel continued seeing patients until his recent illness.

Joel and Judy raised four daughters, whose families brought him immense pride and joy:

• Dr. Elana Eisner (Dr. Charles Pritchard) – Rebecca and Rachel Civan
• Dr. Dina Green (Dr. Eric Green) – Julia, Jeremy, and Jordyn
• Alyssa Eisner Henkin (Evan Henkin) – Nathan and William
• Lauren Najarian (Dr. David Najarian) – Alex, Isaac, and Orli                                                                                                                                                                                           

The Eisners were pillars of Jewish life in Phoenixville and Wynnewood, active in Congregation B’nai Jacob and Temple Beth Hillel Beth El. Joel was especially proud that all four daughters graduated from Solomon Schechter and Akiba Hebrew Academy. Deeply involved in his community, Joel served as President of Congregation B’nai Jacob and was named Man of the Year by the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce. He supported the Jewish Federation, Israel Bonds, and numerous charitable causes in the U.S. and Israel.

Joel loved classical music, golf, and leading Shabbat services. With Judy’s graciousness and culinary prowess and Joel’s warmth and generosity, their home was the heart of countless family gatherings from Seders to swimming parties. He is survived by Judy, their daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to services on Friday, July 25th, 2025, 11:30 am at Congregation B'nai Jacob, 101 Manavon Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Interment to follow at B'nai Jacob Cemetery, Lovers Lane Mont Clare, Pennsylvania 19453. Shiva will be held at the late residence Sunday, July 27th through Wednesday, July 30th with visitation from 2:00pm-4:30pm and nightly minyan at 7:00pm.

Donations in Joel’s memory may be made to Congregation B’nai Jacob (Phoenixville, PA), Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El (Wynnewood, PA), or a charity of your choice.

www.levinefuneral.com