City Man who was Medical Pioneer, Hollywood Doctor, Veteran, and More, Harry Arthur Bishop, Passes at 96

Dr. Harry Arthur Bishop, 96, of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 17, 2025. He was born on August 4, 1928 in Oakland, California.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Joan Lawson Hooker Bishop.

After completing high school, Harry went on to graduate from the University of California Berkley in 1954 with a degree in Physics. While attending medical school at UCLA, he also completed his nine years of service as a flight surgeon and medical officer in the United States Air Force. Much of that time was spent leading a medical wing in Clovis, New Mexico. During his time at UCLA Medical Center, Harry was directly or indirectly involved with the development of many procedures in the new field of nuclear medicine.

In 1960, Harry briefly served as a Hollywood set doctor, working on Bonanza, then, later, on director John Huston’s The Misfits, starring Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Montgomery Clift. Harry would often cite the unexpected death by heart attack of the seemingly extremely healthy Gable as the reason for his continuing deep interest in coronary research. It was around this same time that Harry discovered an important correlation between blood flow and coronary disease that would form the basis of his life’s work. This led to the development a simple nuclear test for coronary disease that was published in the third issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine in 1962. In 1980,

Harry moved to West Virginia to become the chief of radiology at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg. Throughout his many years as a practicing radiologist, Harry continued to be involved in medical research, developing new techniques as technology changed and improved. After leaving UHC, Harry worked as a radiologist and researcher at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and West Virginia University Medical Center. He finished his career in his early eighties, working as a locum tennens radiologist in Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and throughout West Virginia. Even after losing his vision in 2014, Harry continued to be deeply engaged with his research.

Throughout his life Harry found great joy in playing tennis. Harry credited his love of the game for his career in radiology. After initially rejecting an offer for a residency in the field, he returned minutes later when he discovered tennis courts immediately outside of the building’s exit. He played weekly games in Morgantown and was a proud member of the World Medical Tennis Association. He remained active in the sport well into his eighties.

Harry cherished moments with the people he loved. His gentle disposition and ability to sit and listen endeared him to his grandchildren and those who knew him best. He always had time to talk, whether in person, on the phone, or, especially, over a meal.

In addition to his wife, Joan, Harry is survived by his three sons, Byron Bishop of Huntington Beach, CA, Ronald Bishop of Los Angeles, CA, and Jason Bishop of Fredericksburg, VA, one stepson, John Hooker of Parkersburg, nine grandchildren, Christina Hooker of Bridgeport, Sarah Elliott and her husband Justin of Bridgeport, Meghan Burgess and her husband Kristopher of Bridgeport, Matthew Wade and his wife Brandi of Salem, VA, and John, Daniel, Marie, and Matthew Bishop of CA.

Harry will also be missed by his seven great-grandchildren, special friends, Patricia Dick, Sheila Hart, James F. Carr, long-time friend and tennis partner, Eric Teltcher, and dog, Eli, who was his close companion and guardian in his final fifteen years of life.

In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his step-son, Timothy Hooker and his step-daughter Pamela Wade.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrison County Humane Society, PO Box 4397 Clarksburg, WV 26302.

The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Allen Chapel, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport. In accordance with Harry’s wishes, cremation services will occur.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 10am until 12 Noon. The memorial service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 12 Noon with Chaplain Justin Elliott officiating. A service of committal will follow in the West Virginia National Cemetery, 42 Veterans Memorial Ln, Grafton, WV 26354, where full military honors will be rendered by the Harrison County Honor Guard.