ADA News
Former ADA trustee John Staubach dies
York, Pa.—Dr. John W. Staubach, a former ADA 3rd District trustee (1997-2001), died at home July 22. He was 77.
Early in his career as a general dentist in private practice, Dr. Staubach took an interest in organized dentistry. In time, he rose to the presidencies of his constituent and component societies—the York County Dental Society, the Fifth District Dental Society, the Pennsylvania Dental Association—and along the way had a lasting impact on a number of his colleagues.
"John Staubach epitomized the grassroots aspect of organized dentistry," said Dr. James Boyle, a York, Pa., oral and maxillofacial surgeon who called Dr. Staubach a dear friend. "He tried to get as many people involved and informed as possible. He embraced dentistry as a true profession and through his leadership, professionalism reigned at every level of organized dentistry."
Dr. Boyle, treasurer of the Pennsylvania Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, said "it's because of John Staubach that I got involved in organized dentistry. His enthusiasm for the profession was so contagious. He was always available to talk, and made me feel good by seeking my opinion on motions and issues coming up at ADA and the PDA."
"John was very special man in his community and in our association," said Dr. William T. Spruill, PDA president, who called Dr. Staubach a role model and a mentor. "His encouragement is the reason why I am the PDA president today.
"John was man of many talents," one of which included the ability to run meetings, said Dr. Spruill. "He could decipher a budget and make sense of it while the rest of us—our eyes would glaze over."
"He would be the one to make sure proper decorum and procedures were in place for local meetings," added Dr. Boyle. "He led by example, and he always had a joke."
Before he became a member of the ADA Board of Trustees, Dr. Staubach served terms as a member of the ADA Council on Insurance and a delegate and alternate to the House of Delegates. In York County, Pa., he was a forensic dentist with the coroner's office, a Boy Scout Council leader and a contributor to Pennsylvania Archaeologist.
Born in Basel, Switzerland, Dr. Staubach was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War (1952-54). He received his dental degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1963.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lois; two daughters; two sons-in-law; and five grandchildren.
Services were held July 27 in York. Contributions in his name may be made to the American Heart Association, 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603; Yorkshire United Methodist Church, 125 Edgewood Road, York, PA 17402; or SPCA of York County, 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, York, PA 17406.
