Donald I. Trachtenberg, C’58, D’63, GM’67, a former lecturer, clinical associate, and adjunct professor in the department of preventive and restorative sciences of Penn Dental Medicine, died on December 20, 2023. He was 86. 

Dr. Trachtenberg was born in Philadelphia and grew up in nearby Wynnefield, attending Overbrook High School and receiving a full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated from the School of Arts & Sciences in 1958 and participated in the Christian Association. He went on to serve as a dentist in the U.S. Coast Guard in Groton, Connecticut, then returned to Penn to complete his training in prosthodontics, earning a dental degree from Penn in 1963 and a medical certificate in 1967.

Dr. Trachtenberg joined Penn Dental Medicine’s faculty in 1967 as an associate professor in the crown and bridge department, the precursor of today’s department of preventive and restorative sciences. In 1975, he became an associate clinical professor in the department of histology, a position he held until 1992, when he became an adjunct professor in preventive and restorative sciences. He retired from Penn in 2007. Dr. Trachtenberg also ran his own dental practice from 1976 to 1999 (and practiced for several years afterward in other offices), specializing in periodontology and prosthodontics.

He loved nature photography, writing, playing folk and bluegrass music on his guitar and banjo, telling stories, and spending time with family and friends. “Don wanted the best of everything for those he loved and even for people he just met, and couldn’t believe that wasn’t always possible,” said his family in an online tribute. 

Dr. Trachtenberg is survived by his daughters, Julie and Jennifer; and his granddaughter, Janey Hecht. A memorial and reception were held on December 23, 2023. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Indian College Fund, Planned Parenthood, or the Environmental Defense Fund.

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