James G. Pitcavage, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church and surrounded by his family, James Geddes “Doc” Pitcavage, MD, of Edgeworth passed to eternal life on December 26, 2016.  He was born in Waterbury, CT on August 7, 1933. He was the son of the late Geddes and Estelle Pitcavage (nee Markevicius).

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Pitcavage earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 1960. He served pediatric residencies at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, NY, and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Captain Pitcavage served as a flight surgeon with the United States Air Force, where he was assigned to the Thunderbirds Flight Demonstration Team. A fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Pittsburgh Pediatric Society, he also served as a distinguished Member and Director of the Allegheny County Medical Society and Vice Chairman of several committees of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.  During more than 51 years with Sewickley Valley Hospital, among other positions, Dr. Pitcavage served as the Chairman, Pediatric Department and Past Chief of the Medical Staff.  As an educator, Dr. Pitcavage’s teaching assignments included Assistant Clinical Professor at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for many years, Lecturer in Physician Assistant Studies, Chatham College, and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Lake Erie College of Medicine. He founded Sewickley Valley Pediatrics in September 1965, which later became Sewickley Valley Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine.  Through his practice, he selflessly served the families of Beaver and Allegheny Counties for more than 51 years. Dr. Pitcavage’s leadership in the community also included service as Medical Director of Verland Foundation for more than forty years.  Since 1977 he served as the Quaker Valley High School team physician.  The school honored him in 2008 by inducting him into the Quaker Valley School District Sports Hall of Fame. 

Jim Pitcavage was a man of many talents.  A distinguished high school baseball and football athlete, he earned a track scholarship to the University of Notre Dame where he was elected team captain during his senior year.  He ran a 9.7 second hundred yard dash, which qualified him for the Olympic Trials.  He opted for medical school over pursuing an Olympic career.  He also played football for the “Fighting Irish” under Coach Frank Leahy.  Post medical school, he was an avid golfer and softball player well into his middle 70’s.  He was distinguished as a softball Senior Olympian.  Elected a member of the Greater Pittsburgh Bowling Hall of Fame in 1997, “Doc” was bowling until this past fall.  Jim was also an artist and an accomplished accordion and button-box player, best known for his love of Polkas and was a member of the Northeastern Lowline Association and the American Lowline Registry/ He enjoyed working with his herd of Angus cattle on his farm in Apollo, PA.  He was a lifetime member of the American Medical Association, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Allegheny Medical Society and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Julia Ann Pitcavage (nee Lickman); two daughters and three sons: Jo Ann (Joseph) Heuler, Judith (William) Rebholz, James (Ann) Pitcavage, Jon (Nancy) Pitcavage, Joel Pitcavage. His loving grandchildren, Genevieve (Casey) Turner, Nicholas Rebholz, Michael Rebholz, James (Sarah) Heuler, Julie Heuler (Benjamin, fiancé), Jessica Heuler, Emily Pitcavage, Gregory Pitcavage, Sophia Pitcavage and one great granddaughter, Grace Turner. A sister and brother-in-law, Norine and James Fanning, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carole and Joseph Yarosz, numerous nieces and nephews, and his loyal canine Ziva

Friends received on Sunday 7-9 PM and Monday 2-4 & 7-9 PM Copeland’s Sewickley, 702 Beaver Street where Prayers will be recited Tuesday  10:30 AM  followed by a 11:00 AM  Mass of Christian Burial at St. James Church Sewickley with Father Thomas J. Burke Celebrant. Interment National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 12:30pm with full military honors. In lieu of flowers family suggests memorial contributions to St. James School, Children’s Hospital or the Verland Foundation in James’ memory.

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