Doctor From Mahwah, Responsible For Medical 'Firsts,' Dies At 94

MAHWAH, NJ — A Mahwah man and Harvard graduate who was among the first people in the country to hold a doctorate in both medicine and law has died at age 94.

Harvey Peck passed away on Saturday, according to his obituary.

Peck was part of several medical "firsts" in the area.

"A brilliant radiologist, he led a rich and varied life filled with adventure, world travel, scholarship and love of history, music and poetry," says his obituary. "He was especially devoted to his extensive and accomplished family."

Peck grew up in Brooklyn, graduating from Yeshiva and James Madison High School. He and his sister Sylvia were the first generation in their family to attend college, the obit says.

Dr. Peck graduated with honors from Harvard College, then from both Yale Medical School and Seton Hall Law School.

He served as a doctor in the Air Force in Germany, then built and grew his radiology practice for 55 years at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, the obit says.

"There, he spearheaded the acquisition of advanced imaging and therapeutic equipment including the first cobalt machine, first super voltage unit, and one of the first CAT scan machines in the region," the obituary notes. "In 1970, he moved his family to Israel for a year where he helped build the radiology department at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, today one of the world's foremost centers for diagnostics and therapeutics."

He also launched a network of walk-in health care clinics, "although the concept was too early for its time," notes the obit.

Peck also helped defend doctors pro bono at a New York law firm, spoke five languages, performed in local musical theater, climbed mountains, and recited poetry, his obit says.

He had four children, one of whom is married to the son of late Pennsylvania senator Harris Wofford.

Burial will be private, the obituary notes, but a celebration of his life will be planned the future. Contributions may be made to Magen David Adom (www.afmda.org) and CityStep, www.CityStep.org. Read more here.