A Eulogy for Willard A. Fry

Distinguished thoracic surgeon Dr. Willard A. Fry died on April 29, 2025. Beginning in 1966, he established a remarkable career at Evanston Hospital, Illinois, USA, where he became the chief of general thoracic surgery until his retirement after approximately 40 years. His professional mentor was William E. Adams, professor of surgery at the University of Chicago. Dr. Fry was a leading thoracic surgeon in the Chicago area and was well-known nationally and internationally. His research focused on lung cancer, especially the use of cytologic methods and clinical trials.  He gained international recognition, especially in France, where he often lectured in fluent French. He was an outstanding teacher as a clinical faculty member at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Fry was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy McDougal Fry. They are survived by their children, Kate Fry Kane, a renowned actor; Dr. Michael Fry, professor of pathology emeritus at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine; Peter Fry, a valued teacher of English at the Groton School in Massachusetts; and their seven grandchildren. He will be remembered for his contributions to the cardiothoracic surgery community. 

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