Dr. Gary Seth Wasserman, age 67, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2014 after a courageous battle with leukemia. He is survived by his wife Cheryl Ann Wasserman, daughter Madison Lambrecht Wasserman, stepson Brian Edward Lambrecht, as well as sister Tina Silidker and brothers Lary & Evan Wasserman.
Dr. Wasserman known to his family and friends as “Wass” was born in Brooklyn, NY. He grew up in Jersey City, NJ, and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1963. He graduated with a BS degree in Biology and Chemistry from Albright College, Reading, PA in 1967, and received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in KC, MO in 1971. He completed a Pediatric Internship and Residency, and Fellowship in Medical Toxicology at the Children’s Mercy Hospital, KC, MO, 1971-1975. He worked in the Emergency Department for 20 years. He was Director of the Poison Control Center, Chief of the Section of Medical Toxicology, and was on numerous committees at the hospital, for the State of MO, and national organizations.
Wass is professionally considered one of the founding fathers of pediatric toxicology in the United States and internationally. He was one of the nation’s foremost experts on snakes and spider bites, as well as poisonings in children. He enjoyed teaching and taught generations of pediatric fellows, residents and medical students the principles of toxicology. Over the five decades of his career, Wass published over 200 articles, contributed many chapters in pediatric textbooks and served as the toxicology expert for a number of medical journals. With his indomitable spirit, tireless dedication to children, ever present sense of humor and positive attitude, he was an inspiration to many and a friend to all.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Children’s Mercy Hospital, Resource Development, or to the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit Fund, University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Arrangements: Royer-Hays Funeral Home, Blue Springs, MO 816-229-5551