Carl W. Konvolinka, MD, FACS

Konvolinka – Carl W., 87, of Johnstown, passed away on July 26, 2022, after a long courageous battle involving multiple medical issues. He was with his wife and close friends at the time of his death. Born on August 16, 1934, in Lewistown, PA. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl W. Konvolinka, Sr. and Hazel (Smith) Konvolinka. He is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years and best friend for 45 years, Susan (Hinderliter) Konvolinka. Additional family members include his mother-in-law Thereasa (Palumbo) Hinderliter and late husband Ronald, sister-in-law Lori (Hinderliter) Neitz and husband James, nephews Adam Neitz and Jesse (Samantha) Neitz, two great-nieces, Sofia and Evelyn Neitz and one great-nephew Gibson Neitz.

Carl graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washington and Jefferson University, Washington, PA and the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. Internship at Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. Surgical Residencies at Ohio State University and Harvard Surgical Service, Boston City Hospital and Pediatric Sugery at Columbus Children’s Hospital, OH. He was American Board of Surgery certified and a Fellow in the American Board of Surgeons. His special surgical interests and experiences included Gastric, Pancreatic, Liver and Colon Surgery, Breast Malignancy, Trauma and Pediatric Surgery. Carl’s professional experience began at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA as an Associate followed by Director of General Surgery and General Surgery Residency Program Director for 11 years. He served as Geisinger Medical Center’s pioneer of pediatric surgery and Geisinger’s first neonatal pediatric surgeon. He served as Chairman, Department of Surgery, General Surgery Director and Surgical Residency Program Director at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital (Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center) Johnstown, PA and Guthrie Clinic, Sayre, PA. Carl coordinated the creation of Conemaugh MMC’s current accredited trauma center services and spearheaded their current cardiac surgery services.   Teaching appointments included Harvard University, Hershey Medical Center, Temple Medical School, SUNY – Upstate Medical University, Advanced Trauma Life Support Instructor, ATLS - Pa State Faculty, Pediatric Surgical Consultant and PA State Board of Licensure Consultant. During his teaching career from 1967- 2006 he was responsible for the surgical education of nearly 200 residents who practice in the US, Canada, South America, Europe, Africa and India.

Carl’s research activities include serving as the Principal Investigator for the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project and National Surgical Adjuvant Bowel Project while employed at Geisinger Medical Center. This research supported the alternative treatments for Primary Breast Cancer that is practiced today.

The military service draft delayed his surgical residency at Ohio State University. He served as a Captain in the US Army, MC 1962-64; Department of Surgery, Walson Army Hospital, Fort Dix, NJ; Commanding Officer, 136^th Medical Detachment, Udorn Thailand; Post Surgeon, Boston Army Base, Boston, MA. His discharge – Honorable with a Letter of Commendation.

Awards include PA Senate Citation for Development of Professional Programs, Senator Wayne Langerholc 2020 and American Heart Association Hall of Fame Honoree 2020. On August 31, 2021 he was honored by Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics, and Geisinger’s Surgery Institute with the ‘Legacy Award’ for his legacy of service to the countless children he cared for during his time at Geisinger. In addition, an endowment was created in his name and presented at the same event: the ‘Dr Carl W. Konvolinka Annual Surgical Lectureship Endowment’ funded by Barbara B. Hudock, to “honor his lifetime dedication to educational leadership caring and innovation as it funds an annual lectureship for medical professionals and surgeons throughout the Geisinger footprint”.

From 1967 to 2021 he published in 53 various national journals, digests, bulletins and textbooks. He was most proud of his research and 1994 publication ‘Acute Diverticulitis Under Age Forty’ in ‘The American Journal of Surgery’ and it continues to be referenced.

Carl was an avid fisherman on Pennsylvania streams enjoying catch and release with good friends, Tim Yost and Bill Pruchnic prior to his passing. He was a member of and supported many local conservation groups to promote the improved quality of water for fellow fishermen and women. “To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, August 7, from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Carl’s Life with full military funeral honors will follow at 1:00 pm at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland section of Johnstown, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ‘Carl W. and Susan M. Konvolinka Endowed Chair of the Surgery Institute’ established and funded by Carl and Susan Konvolinka. Addressed to Geisinger Health Foundation 100 N. Academy Ave., MC40-36, Danville, PA 17822 in memory of Carl Konvolinka. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.