Dr. Henry Mayer

Dr. Henry “Hank” Sawyer Mayer, 74, of Berwyn, PA, and Avalon, NJ, died peacefully on January 16, 2020, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was born on February 23, 1945, in Abington, PA. He was the second son of Donald Franklin Mayer and Vera Jane (nee Sawyer) Mayer.

Hank grew up in Wyncote, PA, next door to his life-long best friend John J. Leonard, Jr. and graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1963. During his childhood, Hank was an accomplished trumpet player, varsity swimmer, and an Eagle Scout. At 21 years old, he met his wife, Liz, at Les Chalets Français in Deer Isle, ME, where they both worked as camp counselors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Denison University in 1967, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and the ROTC. He then followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in medicine. After graduating from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1971, Hank enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, becoming a captain and flight surgeon with stints on Air Force bases in San Antonio and the Upper Peninsula.

After completing his medical residency and fellowship at the University of Michigan Hospital (where all three of his children were born), Hank and his wife Liz returned to their East coast roots and touched down in St. Davids, PA.

Hank joined the cardiology department at Bryn Mawr Hospital in 1978 and became a partner with Bryn Mawr Medical Specialists Association in Haverford, later serving as president. He dedicated his time to expanding access to continuing medical education, opened and expanded the echocardiography lab and was instrumental in establishing Main Line Health’s cardiac rehab program. Later in his career, he served as chief of internal medicine at Bryn Mawr Hospital, then as president of the medical staff, and ended his career as vice president of medical affairs. In addition to practicing cardiology, Hank conducted flight physicals for pilots throughout his career. Hank cared deeply for his patients and his humor and easygoing nature helped to put his patients at ease.

Hank was active in the community, serving as a tireless volunteer and member of the trophy committee at the Devon Horse Show, which benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital. Hank and his wife were members of the Wayne Presbyterian Church. Hank was involved with Radnor Scout Troup 284, and served on the Radnor Township Board of Health and the Radnor Fire Company’s ambulance committee for many years.

Hank’s hobbies are too numerous to list, but he was passionate about the outdoors throughout his life, from boating to fly fishing to numerous Scout trips, the most memorable of which were three expeditions to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Later in life he focused on travel, wine, golf, and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Mayer, brother Donald Franklin Mayer, Jr. (Judith), his children Christopher Mayer (Sharon) of New Providence, NJ, Rebecca Knutsen (Brian) of Mattapoisett, MA, and Timothy Mayer (Gena) of Philadelphia, grandchildren Lily Mayer, Josh Mayer and Travis Henry Knutsen, and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff of Bryn Mawr Hospital and Sunrise Senior Living in Newtown Square for their excellent care of Hank. Per Hank’s wishes, his ashes will be scattered off the coast of Avalon, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in Hank’s memory may be made to the Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation.