Herbert "Herb" E. Meyers
March 4, 2024
HERBERT "HERB" E. MEYERS: Age 90, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 4, 2024. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 21, 1933 to Max and Sadie (Wittlin) Meyers. Herb was preceded in death by his son Andy Meyers, his parents, his brother Robert Meyers, and his brother-in-law Freddie Kitman. He is survived by his devoted wife Ryna (Kitman) Meyers of 65 years; his beloved son James "Jim" (Kim) Meyers of Pittsburgh, PA; and his dearest grandchildren Andrew Thomas and Kira Rose Meyers who lovingly referred to him as "Poppy." He is further survived by his extended family, Lance and Nicole Ruttenberg and their children Elle, Reese, and Brooklyn who also lovingly referred to him as Poppy; and several nieces and nephews.
Herb graduated from The Kiski Prep School where he was an outstanding football player and boxer. He was also a stand out in baseball and was asked to try out for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but his passion for science led him to college where he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh in 1954. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Pittsburgh and then completed his Periodontal residency training at The University of Pennsylvania and Boston University in 1959. He returned home to Pittsburgh and joined a periodontal practice with Dr. Louis Baraff and became one of the first practices to specialize in periodontics. In 1977, Dr. Fran Ceravalo joined as his partner. In 1989, he went into practice with his son Jim and they worked together at Oakland Periodontal until his retirement in 2008. Oakland Periodontal today remains one of the premier institutions for the treatment of periodontal disease and dental implants. Now in its 67th year of existence and still run by his son, the longevity and quality of treatment and the loyalty of a devoted staff is a credit to Herb's vision. In addition to his practice, he also served as a professor of dental medicine at The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and he enjoyed immensely the opportunity to run into students that went on to build their own successful careers in dentistry.
In addition to his career, Herb kept up his athletic prowess by excelling in racquetball, becoming a nationally ranked doubles player and has several tournament wins to his name including a National Title. He and Ryna were also members of Westmoreland Country Club where they enjoyed time with family and many wonderful friends. Herb spent time at the club playing tennis and it is where he would "try" his hand at golf. Later he had fun days at the pool with his grandchildren. Herbie was also a passionate Pittsburgh sports fan and a frequent Steeler tailgater holding season tickets for 80 years. He was an avid reader who loved to engage in discussions regarding current events. He had an incredible dry wit and sense of humor and there is no one that had the chance to sit and talk to him that wouldn't credit him with well thought out insights and a perspective that could be appreciated. He remained fully engaged in the world and world events even as he turned 90.
Herb and Ryna raised two wonderful sons. He was a loving and proud father to Andy and Jim. Andy was a professional photographer in California and New York while Jim joined Herb in his periodontal practice. He was immensely proud of both of his sons and he was recognized by all of his children's friends and those who knew him as a great Dad. There isn't a friend of his boys who didn't enjoy being with Herbie.
Herb and Ryna's love of travel took them around the world and their love of animals took them on safari to East Africa and then again to South Africa. Their passion for the theatre took them to NYC for many Broadway shows. In his retirement years, he spent many winters in Florida enjoying the beach and dinners with close friends. It was, however, his grandchildren that became the light in his life. He loved them and they returned his love tenfold. Although a boxer and football player in his younger years, there was no sign of this toughness when he became Poppy. Of all of Herbie's accomplishments, it was always his family that meant the most to him.
Herb was a dedicated husband to Ryna, a loving father to Andy and Jim and an engaged and ever present grandfather to Andrew and Kira who he adored. He was beloved by his patients and friends. He was an athlete and an academic and to those who knew him, he was as fine a man you could meet. He will be dearly missed by so many. He was easy to love and loved by all who knew him. Herb has been laid to rest next to his beloved son Andy.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions to the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh. Please make checks payable to the Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh and mail to Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh, 1922 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 or online www.fcpgh.org in memory of Herbert Meyers.
Service and Interment were Private. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com
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Dr Meyers is a huge loss.Never anyone like him .My condolences to Jimmy and entire family the office people too
By nick rosenberg - March 15, 2024
So sorry to hear that your dad passed away, what a great person. Whenever I saw him he would always mention that he remembered me dunking off the walk at the Y, he really got a kick out of that. Cherish the memories that you have of him.
Condolences from Lauren and Alan MallInger
By Mal - March 12, 2024