Obituary for AAOM Diplomate Dr. James Guggenheimer

Peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, January 27, 2022. Loving husband of Constance "Connie" Elizabeth Guggenheimer for 52 years; father of Paul Guggenheimer, Pete Guggenheimer (Amy), and Gregor Guggenheimer; grandfather of Allison and Lucas; uncle of Sean Brennan; brother-in-law of Gail Brennan; son of the late Siegfried and Etta Guggenheimer.

Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia and grew up in the Bronx, New York, raised his family in Highland Park before moving to O'Hara Twp. For 55 years, Dr. Guggenheimer was a professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences in the disciplines of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He received his Bachelor's degree from the City College of New York in 1958 and obtained his D.D.S. degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 1962. Subsequently he received a Fellowship in Oral Medicine at the Philadelphia General Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He joined the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1966. He was certified by the American Board of Oral Medicine and was a member of the American Academy of Oral Medicine. He was a recipient of Pitt's Dental Educator of the Year award in 1974 and the School of Dental Medicine's Award of Appreciation.

A true patron of the arts, he and his wife Connie regularly attended Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet performances. He and Connie also travelled to New York to see Broadway plays. They also travelled throughout Europe. He was a runner who participated in Pittsburgh's Great Race and also was an avid kayaker. A rabid sports fan, he grew up rooting for the New York Giants baseball and football teams and later followed the New York Mets and Jets.

A funeral service will be held at Christ Church in Fox Chapel on Tuesday, February 8, at 1 p.m. followed by a reception at the church and a private interment. Masks are strongly encouraged but not required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a fund being established in the name of Dr. James Guggenheimer at the Eye & Ear Foundation to provide dental care for head and neck cancer survivors. Donations can be made online at www.eyeandear.org.

Checks made payable to the Eye and Ear Foundation can also be mailed to:
Eye & Ear Foundation
203 Lothrop Street, Suite 251 EEI
Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Please list Dr. James Guggenheimer in the memo portion of your check. Arrangements by WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, Aspinwall.

View Original Article on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette