Martin F. Randolph, M.D.

Martin F. Randolph, M.D. (M '43), died at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut March 3. His family and his wife of 61 years, Patricia Randolph, were at his bedside. He was 92.

In an article after his death, the Danbury News-Times said Dr. Randolph helped change the landscape of medicine in the city as Danbury's first board-certified pediatrician.

"He got Danbury parents to accept and embrace the use of modern vaccines to stop childhood illnesses like polio, measles, mumps and meningitis," the News-Times stated. "He got the city to inoculate every child in Danbury schools against measles in one day. He helped usher in the use of antibiotics to fight infection and did groundbreaking work on strep infection."

Dr. Randolph opened his practice in Danbury in 1948 and remained active as a pediatrician until 1997.

While maintaining a thriving practice, Dr. Randolph pursued his lifelong interest in medical research and writing. He was appointed associate professor of medicine by Yale University and served in that capacity for many years. He also was the Danbury school system's chief physician for many years. Throughout his career, he published 60 articles dealing with children's illnesses, and is known internationally for his pioneering research on streptococcus.

In 1987, he received the prestigious Practitioner's Research Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics for his outstanding contributions.

A strong advocate for children's health, Dr. Randolph helped to establish the Regional YMCA in Danbury. He also donated generously to his first love, Rochester's School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Dr. Randolph, who was born in New York City, graduated from Michigan State University in 1939. He graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1943 and completed his residency in pediatrics at the University of Chicago in 1945. He served as a captain in the United States Medical Corps from 1945 to1946. He was chief resident at Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C. from 1946 to 1948, when he met his future wife, Patricia Draper.

In addition to his wife, Dr. Randolph is survived by his eight children, Martin Randolph of San Diego, Calif., Christopher Randolph of Southbury, Conn., Fraser Randolph of Danbury, Conn., Jane Keeler of Danbury, Conn., John Randolph of Acton, Mass., Michael Randolph of Charlotte, N.C., Gregory Randolph of Larchmont, N.Y., and Joan Magruder of St. Louis, Mo., and 18 grandchildren.

Dr. Randolph donated his body to Yale University Medical School. Contributions may be made to the Martin F. Randolph Endowment Fund at Danbury Hospital.