Herbert Gaither, M.D.

Dr. Herbert Gaither, 86, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022 at his home. He was born and raised in Cumberland, MD, the son of the late Frank Preston and Elizabeth (McNeil) Gaither. He was a graduate of Allegany High School, Dickinson College, and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he was president of Nu Sigma Nu medical fraternity.

Following a rotating internship at Harrisburg Hospital, he served two years in the U.S. Air Force as a captain and general medical officer. After a three-year Internal Medicine residency at Harrisburg Hospital and two years medical practice, he was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Gaither practiced medicine for over 30 years in the Harrisburg/Camp Hill area. He was past president of the Harrisburg Hospital Medical Staff, and a board member of both Harrisburg Hospital and Harrisburg Psychiatric Institute

Herb enjoyed making teaching rounds with medical students and residents for 30 years, and had an appointment as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Penn State’s MSHMC. For 22 years he worked part time as a medical director of Medicare Claims Review for Blue Shield of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gaither was a member of the Dauphin County Medical Society and the American Medical Society.

In retirement years, he became an avid watercolor painter under the tutelage of Jeanne Hartman, and enjoyed being friends with so many gifted classmates. He had several showings of his work at the New Cumberland Library, the Art Center, and with friends at the Harrisburg Gallery Walk at the John Harris Mansion. Herb also was a member of the Harrisburg Bridge Club and the Camp Hill Bridge Club where he met many new “best” friends.

He served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Mechanicsburg Art Center, and he was a volunteer at the New Cumberland Library. He was a longtime member of Christ Presbyterian Church, Camp Hill.

Dr. Gaither is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Kathryn (Eiler); a son, Frederic Preston of Mechanicsburg; and a nephew, B. Leigh Kaplan of Front Royal, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Herbert Matthew of Philadelphia; and a sister, Jean Kaplan of Middleburg, VA.

A public memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Christ Presbyterian Church, Camp Hill. Visitation with family will take place from 10AM until services begin in the church. Immediately following, friends and family are invited to share a meal in the church’s fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Dr. Gaither’s name to his church (christchurchcamphill.org), the Helen O. Krause Animal Foundation (helenkrause.org), or a worthy charity of your choice.