Notes:
Emerson Floyd Fackler, 94, passed away peacefully at Holy Spirit Hospital on December 25, 2009. He was born November 4, 1915 in Bressler, Pennsylvania and spent most of his life in the Harrisburg area. He was the son of Floyd and Ida Fackler.
Dr. Fackler attended John Harris High School from 1931-1934 where he excelled in track and football. He quarterbacked the John Harris State Championship team in 1934. An honor role student, he also received football and track scholarships to Syracuse University. Dr. Fackler earned both his B.S. undergraduate degree and Medical Degree at Syracuse where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1941. As a student at Syracuse he was involved also with student council, interfraternity council, varsity club, Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity, Hutchings Psychiatric Society, Nu Sigma Nu medical fraternity, and R.O.T.C.
Upon graduation in June of 1941 he entered the Army's 389th Battalion-98th division as a Second Lieutenant and was assigned as regimental surgeon. By 1944 he was the commanding officer of his medical battalion and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Dr. Fackler was awarded Combat Ribbons for the Philippines, the Pacific Theatre, and Okinawa, along with an Occupational Ribbon for Japan.
Dr. Fackler began his medical practice with Dr. William McBride (ex-mayor of Harrisburg) in December 1945 and continued until 1950 when he left for Baltimore to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He became an instructor in OB-GYN at the University of Maryland in 1952 and came back to Harrisburg Polyclinic Hospital in 1954. He was Chief of the OB-GYN department there from 1958 to 1979. He also served as President of Staff in 1967. Dr. Fackler also taught at Hahnemann Medical School, and Temple University.
Over the duration of his practice Dr. Fackler published dozens of articles on OB-GYN procedures in medical journals, mostly on new procedures he pioneered. During his years in practice, he delivered more than 15,000 babies in this area, and a set of quintuplets while in Baltimore (all survived and are named after him).
Dr. Fackler is survived by his spouse of 69 years, Margaret Fay Fackler of Mechanicsburg. He is also survived by son and daughter-in-law: Terry E. Fackler and Marietta Egervary, of Mechanicsburg; son and daughter-in-law, Kim F. and Ann Fackler of Newport; daughter and son-in-law, Valerie F. and Carl Gsell of Boiling Springs. In addition there are 5 grandchildren: Jeffrey Fackler, Shari Capriola, Justin Fackler, Jodi Gsell and Adam Gsell. He also leaves 4 great-grandchildren: Kristin Fackler, Paige Fackler, Danielle Capriola and Nicole Capriola.
Dr. Fackler was also active in several medical societies, among them: Dauphin County Medical Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society, American Medical Association, American College of OB-GYN, and American College of Surgeons.
He enjoyed playing golf until age 92, was a lifetime Yankee's fan, and would not miss any Syracuse football or basketball game on TV. He was a member, or past member, of West Shore Country Club, Range End Country Club, Zembo Temple, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Navy League, Naval Depot Officer's Club, and Syracuse Alumni Club.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 2, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 20th and Chestnut Streets, Camp Hill, from 10am to 1 lam. The Memorial Service will begin at 11, with a reception to follow in the church. Burial will be at a later date with military honors at Indiantown Gap.
Harrisburg Patriot News, Dec. 30, 2009