Russell B. Puschak, M.D., 90, died March 26, 2020, peacefully at his home in Macungie. He was the husband of the late Ann (Wulchak) Puschak. Born in Coaldale, he was the son of the late Wash and Mary (Polansky) Puschak.

He attended Penn State University, Bucknell University and Hahnemann Medical College. After medical school he served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. Upon his return, he completed his pediatric residencies at Harrisburg Polyclinic Hospital and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, where he was chief resident.

He devoted more than 43 years to the care of children. In 1972 he opened his pediatric practice in Allentown where he became an integral part of the medical community. He had a distinguished career as second chairman of the Lehigh Valley’s largest pediatric department at the Allentown Hospital from 1975 to 1990. During this time he was influential in the development of the neonatal unit for the Allentown Hospital, which enabled newborns and infants access to neonatologists and the latest technology within the Lehigh Valley. This eliminated the need to transport critical patients to Philadelphia for care.

He was instrumental in passing the first Child Safety Seat Law in Pennsylvania in 1985, working tirelessly with Gov. Dick Thornburgh.

He served as chairman of the department of pediatrics at Allentown Hospital from 1976 to 1993, chairman of the Pennsylvania State Chapter of American Pediatrics from 1976 to 1978 and president of the Pediatric Society of Northeast Pennsylvania from 1980 to 1984.

He volunteered his time as a pediatrician on Make-A-Wish flights for children as well as the Police and Firemen Clinic in Philadelphia.

He was an avid tennis player and skier; in his later years he enjoyed traveling and playing golf. He was devoted to his work and will be greatly missed by many.

Among his joys were gardening, genealogy and spending time with his children, grandchildren and extended family.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown since 1971.

He is survived by a son, Thomas B., DMD and his wife, Carol, of Lexington, Mass., daughters, Susan and her husband, Thomas A. Schneider II, M.D., of St. Louis, Mo. and Anne-Marie and her husband, H. Peter Fuchs, of Concord, Mass; grandchildren, Erin, Natalie, Jeffrey, Sydney, Trey, Alex, Rose-Marie, Isabelle; brother, Paul and his wife Elaine, of Acton, Mass; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made in his memory to Lehigh Valley Health Network, Attn.: Children’s Fellowship, In-Patient Child Life Fund, P.O. Box 1883, Allentown, 18105 or First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, Attn.: Children’s Fellowship, 3231 Tilghman St., Allentown, 18104.

Interment will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the O’Donnell Funeral Home, Allentown. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Following CDC guidelines, please click the link for future service details. Friends and family may also upload photos and stories to share at www.russellpuschak.com.