Obituary of Monroe H. Mufson

Dr. Monroe H. Mufson died on Tuesday October 1, 2002 at his home in Denville, NJ. He was 76 years old. Born in New York City, NY in December 1925, he lived in Denville since 1954. Dr. Mufson practiced Internal Medicine and Cardiology for 46 years. He was founder and senior partner of Denville Associates of Internal Medicine, as well as one of the founding physicians of St. Clares Hospital Denville, NJ. He was a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, and was a graduate of New York University College of Medicine in 1947 at the age of 21. He was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honorary Medical Society. Dr. Mufson had an active involvement with St. Clares Hospital as a former president of the Medical staff and director of medicine and cardiology. He was an assistant clinical professor at the New Jersey School of Medicine and Cardiology, and was involved in counseling high school and medical students for careers in medicine, teaching nurses, students, and technicians. After his retirement, he volunteered at the Dover Free Clinic. He served in the Army during World War II from 1943- 1946 and as a first lieutenant during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. Dr. Mufsons professional memberships included the American College of Physicians, the American Diabetes Association, the Morris County Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Interested in civic matters, he was an active Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow. He was a Harvest Festival volunteer at St. Clares Hospital, and was an initiator and participant in Bikeathon for ten years, an event which raised over $40,000.0 for the hospital. His interest in municipal affairs began with a term on the Denville Planning Board in the 1960s, which was highlighted by the prevention of oil storage tank business along Rt 53. He was a frequent attendee of municipal meetings in the 1970s and alerted the municipal council to the dangers of smoking by wearing a World War I gas mask. It was common practice for both council members and the public to smoke at meetings. Dr. Mufson vigorously supported the preservation of 430 acres of former watershed land in Denville, and was a founder of Protect Our Wetlands Water Woods (POWWW), a non-profit land trust. He was also involved in the preservation of Pony Post Farm. An avid sportsman, he served as president of the Lakeland Rod and Gun Club Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Barbara; his brothers, Donald of Closter, NJ, Dr. Alan Mufson of Boonton Township, NJ and Sam Schatz of San Rafael, CA; seven nieces and nephews and several grand nieces and nephews. A Memorial Tribute Service will be held on Saturday November 2, 2002 at 11:00 AM at the Urban Auditorium at St. Clare's Hospital in Denville, NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to Denville Rotary Club P.O.Box 35, Denville, NJ 07834 or New Jersey Conservation Foundation 170 Longview Rd., Far Hills, NJ 07931-9983 would be appreciated.