William J. Molinari

William J. Molinari, Jr., M.D. of Ambler, died peacefully at home on October 4 after a sudden illness. He was born 78 years ago in Philadelphia to William J. Molinari, Sr., D.D.S. and Rose (née Forte) Molinari, a school teacher (both deceased). They lived on Erie Avenue, where his father's dental practice served the neighborhood.

He attended La Salle College High School (Class of '63) and then Penn State University (Class of '67), doing a combined 5-year program with Jefferson Medical College (now, Thomas Jefferson University), graduating from medical school (Class of '68) at the age of 22. He married his loving wife, Marianne (née Kohler), after meeting her at Church of the Epiphany in Longport, NJ. October 10 will be their 54th wedding anniversary. Bill was a devoted father to William J. Molinari, III (Kirti) and Lori A. Molinari - and instilled in them both a lifelong love of learning.

He served in the Public Health Service in Gallup, New Mexico, for two years before returning to the East Coast. They lived briefly in Margate, New Jersey before coming to Ambler, moving into the house next-door to his in-laws, John J. Kohler, Sr. and Marion B. Kohler (both deceased).

He was an anesthesiologist at Abington Memorial Hospital (later, Jefferson Abington Hospital) for 47 years, where patients often remarked that his calm, reassuring manner and dry sense of humor reminded them of the character Doc from the 80's TV show 'The Love Boat'. He retired from medical practice in March 2020.

He was quiet, but unfailingly generous, kind, and patient. He always had a sweet-tooth (especially for anything chocolate), but, despite that, never seemed to gain unwanted weight. He enjoyed watching 'Star Trek' and other sci-fi television shows and movies - and would often fall asleep in his favorite chair, especially after coming home from 24-hour calls at the hospital. He spent many weekends during the summer months down the Jersey shore, whether at Longport, Seaview Harbor, or Ocean City.

'Pop-pop' was a proud grandfather to William 'Liam' J. Molinari, IV. Bill was a beloved brother-in-law of Kevin and Karen Kohler. 'Uncle Bill' will be remembered fondly by his nephews Kevin Kohler (Diana), Brian Kohler (Theresa), and Frank Kohler (Morgan), and as great-uncle by Thomas, Conner, Reilly, John, Veronica, Jake, and Katie.

He was the nephew of Edmund J. Forte, Sr., Ph.D. (deceased) and Anna Forte, and his cousins, Edmund 'Ned' J. Forte, Jr., M.D. (Josephine) and Barbara A. Forte, Esq. (Christopher) will always remember him as a role model.

Family and friends are invited to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 1571 Temple Drive, Maple Glen, PA 19002. for a Viewing on Friday, at 10 A.M., followed immediately by a Funeral Mass at 12 P.M. Interment in Whitemarsh Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to a charity of your choice.

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