Ralph A. Jessar, Rheumatology

Ralph A. Jessar, a retired assistant clinical professor at the Perelman School of Medicine and former chief of rheumatology at Graduate Hospital, died on April 15. He was 93 years old.

Dr. Jessar was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Central High School. He earned his bachelor of science in 1943 from Penn’s College of Arts & Sciences. He earned his MD in 1946 and GMD in 1947 from what is now Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine. He served in the US Navy as a lieutenant, junior grade.

Dr. Jessar returned to Penn in 1953 as a research fellow in rheumatology. In 1954, he joined the teaching staff as an instructor. He was promoted to associate in medicine in 1956, then to assistant professor of medicine in 1962. He was appointed assistant professor of clinical medicine in 1971. As a rheumatologist, Dr. Jessar was a member of the research team that developed the use of corticosteroid injections for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. He also served as chief of rheumatology at Graduate Hospital before retiring from Penn in 1986.

Dr. Jessar is survived by his wife, Gayle; his children, Hilary Schaper (Reed Schaper), Todd Jessar, Jamie Jessar (Robert Dann), Kevin Jessar (Nancy Siegel); six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Contributions may be made in Dr. Jessar’s memory to Holisticare Hospice, 1131 Lancaster Avenue, Suite 200, Berwyn, PA 19312.

Anna S. Lev-Toaff, Radiology

Anna S. Lev-Toaff, professor of radiology at Penn, died from complications secondary to multiple myeloma on April 3. She was 60 years old.

Dr. Lev-Toaff earned her bachelor of arts in biology in 1975 and her medical degree in 1979, both from New York University. Early in her career, she was an instructor in radiology at the Perelman School of Medicine from 1985-1986. She was also on the faculty at Thomas Jefferson University for 18 years and at Temple University for four years.

Dr. Lev-Toaff returned to Penn in 2008 as a professor of radiology in the Perelman School of Medicine and a member of the Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania (CPUP). She taught and practiced at Penn until 2014.

Dr. Lev-Toaff was an accomplished academic radiologist, prolific researcher and expert clinician. She was a great friend to many radiologists nationally and internationally, as well as to her community of neighbors, staff and colleagues, and will be remembered for her sharp wit, generosity to those in need and commitment to her profession and patients. 

Dr. Lev-Toaff is survived by four children, Rachel Toaff-Rosenstein (Arye), David Toaff, Miriam Toaff and Benjamin Toaff; two sisters, Esther Shkop and Debbie Shenkman; her former spouse, Michael Toaff; and three grandchildren, Matan, Gefen and Naveh.

Donations in Dr. Lev-Toaff’s memory can be made to the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Foundation, 1891 Preston White Drive, Reston, VA 20191, Attn: Heidi Salkeld. Please note that the contribution is in memory of Anna S. Lev-Toaff, MD.