Marvin H. Balistocky

Dr. Marvin H. Balistocky, 97 of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2020, in Philadelphia. Born in 1923 to Tillie (Wright) and Meyer Balistocky, Marvin is survived by his beloved wife Lorie, a daughter Anne, a son Paul, and two grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his sister, Lillian, and a brother, Louis. Marvin enjoyed a distinguished career of forty years as a dedicated general ophthalmologist.
Marvin graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1941 and went on to study at the University of Pennsylvania. He answered a call to serve his country in the Army from 1943-1945, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1946, and went on to University of Pennsylvania Graduate school and Hahnemann Medical School where he received his MD degree in 1953. His medical training was interrupted when he contracted pulmonary tuberculosis and spent eight months in the hospital. He then resumed training in 1952 to graduate the following year. After completing an internship at Philadelphia General Hospital where he served as Chief of Ophthalmology, Marvin served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy as Chief of Portsmouth Naval Hospital in New Hampshire. He served in the United States Navy Reserves until 1963. He was a Lieutenant in the US Coast Guard and served in the US Coast Guard Reserve.
He started a practice of general ophthalmology in Norristown and later expanded to King of Prussia. He was chief of Ophthalmology at Sacred heart hospital in Norristown and was appointed to the medical staff at Wills Eye Hospital, Montgomery hospital and Mercy Suburban Hospital. Marvin was a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology.
He taught and lectured in numerous medical education programs, including teaching surgical techniques to interns and residents at hospital programs including Thomas Jefferson Medical School, Wills Eye Hospital Residency Program, and Mercy Suburban Hospital. He was also a Professor at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marvin generously donated his services, caring for the indigent at the State Prisons and providing medical care for patients at hospital clinics and nursing homes. Dr. Balistocky provided medical and surgical care for a Catholic Mission in Mexico. Patients traveled to Baja, Mexico from several hundred miles away to receive his sight saving services. Dr. Balistocky oversaw the care of those afflicted with mental illness in Eagleville, Norristown and Haverford State Hospitals. He frequently performed eye screenings for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Montgomery County and for the Montgomery Association for the Blind. At a time before insurance plans were widely used, he had a policy of accepting all patients without regard for the ability to pay for care or surgery. He was commended frequently by hospitals for his willingness to handle emergency room calls.
Marvin was an accomplished athlete and tennis player, first learning the game as a boy on the streets of West Philadelphia. He played well into his 90s until an accident left him partially paralyzed. He was a co-founder of the Frog Hollow Racquet Club and Worcester Tennis Club. He was the recipient of numerous championship awards in singles and doubles. Marvin was an avid photographer and an enthusiastic traveler. He enjoyed stand-up comedy shows, classic films, art shows, and Frank Sinatra. He loved being outdoors and working on home and garden projects. He was a Founding Member of Congregation Or-Ami. His most treasured times were shared with Lorie, his devoted charming wife of 63 years. He was most proud of her tremendous accomplishments as a well known artist still active in award winning exhibitions.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations that will support access to tennis programs for youth in need throughout the USTA Middle States Section. Please mail a check to USTA Foundation, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604 (Memo: "Marvin H. Balistocky") or donate online at www.ustafoundation.com/donate. Donations may also be made to Congregation Or-Ami in Lafayette Hill, PA.
Arrangements By Joseph Levine & Sons (www.levinefuneral.com)