Obituary North: Dr. Richard W. King / Dentist could identify some patients by only an X-ray
Thursday, February 22, 2007

By Alisha Hipwell

After more than three decades as a dentist, Dr. Richard W. King didn't need a name or a face to identify his longtime patients.

"He could look at an X-ray without a name and say, 'Oh, that's so and so,' " said his wife, Gwendolyn F. King.

Dr. King, of Hampton, practiced dentistry on Mount Royal Boulevard in the township for 34 years. He died Saturday of pneumonia, a complication of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He was 63.

Diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in January 2006, Dr. King initially experienced difficulty speaking. By March of that year, his hands were weakening and he was forced to close his practice.

Dr. King knew early that he wanted to be a dentist.

"He started being interested in dentistry when he had braces on his own teeth," his wife said.

He was raised in Shaler, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry and enlisted in the Army Dental Corps. He served three years, including a year in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. In addition to treating soldiers, he gave dental hygiene instruction at local orphanages.

After his discharge, he opened his own practice here.

"He loved his work. ... He really liked the people," said Mrs. King, who described her husband as outgoing and friendly.

When he wasn't in his office, he loved to be outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, camping, running, biking and just about anything that kept him active.

In addition to his wife, Dr. King is survived by his parents, Joseph J. and Mary L. King, of Shaler; a son, Brian A. King, of Laurel, Md.; a daughter, Laura A. King, of Pittsburgh; and a brother, Joseph B. King, of Cleveland, Ohio.

A Mass was celebrated yesterday in St. Ursula Church in Hampton. Burial was in Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery in Ross.


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