Merrell Eugene Thallinger, M.D., 84, of Norwich went to his eternal home from the New York State Veteran's Home in Oxford, NY on December 1, 2013 after a long illness.
Born in Binghamton, NY on August 22, 1929, Merrell was the son of Merrell E. and Mary (Grundy) Thallinger, Sr. He was a graduate of the Vestal High School Class of 1947 and Binghamton University (Harpur College), Class of 1951.
Merrell served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-1954 with the Medical Corps as an X-Ray Technician. Following his military service, he attended Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia graduating in 1958. He completed his internship and a residency in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at the Robert Packer Hospital and Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, PA. Merrell was Board certified in both Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. Dr. Thallinger also completed a traveling fellowship, studying at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX with the renowned Dr. Robert Eagan, who was called "The Father of Mammography" because he invented the mammogram procedure. Merrell worked with him and was honored to be asked to contribute several chapters for Dr. Eagan's book on mammography. Merrell also studied at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, The Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY and several large Medical Centers in New York City and Chicago. Following this training, he was invited to return to The Guthrie Clinic and join the medical staff in the radiology department performing diagnostic radiology and as chairman of the Nuclear Medicine Department.
In 1966, Dr. Thallinger joined the medical staff at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich as a diagnostic radiologist and chairman of the newly built Ilse Jacoby Nuclear Medicine Department. Merrell also provided radiology coverage for The Hospital in Hamilton, NY, Fox Hospital in Oneonta, NY and the Sidney Hospital. During the years he was in Norwich, he was a member of many professional organizations, attending seminars and additional training in new procedures. He also contributed to many professional publications in his field.
When he retired from radiology, he was appointed Chief Medical Examiner for Chenango County following the death of Dr. Primitivo Cruz who formerly held the position. During this time he was active in The New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners (NYSACCME) serving for several years as a trustee for the association.
Merrell was a faithful member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norwich. He also enjoyed many hobbies. More than anything else, however, Merrell loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Many who knew him said he was a gentle, kind and caring man, always cheerfully helping others before being asked. He was truly loved by many people.
On August 17, 1957 in Binghamton, NY Merrell married Elizabeth Johnson Thallinger, who survives. He was predeceased by their daughter Alison Ann Thallinger in 2004. Merrell is survived by two grandsons, Thomas C. Votaw of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and Jonathan M. Votaw of Canton, OH; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Frederick O. and Barbara Johnson as well as a nephew, Dr. Frederick E. Johnson and many cousins.
Funeral services for Merrell will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at the Christ Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ernie Varga officiating. There will be no calling hours. Burial will take place in the Riverside Cemetery, Windsor NY at a later date.
Those wishing to remember Merrell may do so by making a donation to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 Co. Rd. 32, Norwich, NY 13815 or to the Endowment Fund of the Christ Lutheran Church, 94 N. Broad St. Norwich, NY, or to a church or charity of your choice.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.