William Theodore Strauss, MD, 95, of Damariscotta, died peacefully on Aug. 6 at his home.
Born in New York City, N.Y., he was the only son of Etta S. and William T. Strauss.
Dr. Strauss graduated from the Polytechnic Preparatory Country Day School, Columbia College, and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Meadowbrook Hospital, now Nassau County Medical Center.
After two years in private practice, he accepted a position as assistant medical director for the Hoffman LaRoche pharmaceutical company in Nutley, N.J. He subsequently served as medical director for other major pharmaceutical companies. While at CIBA Pharmaceuticals, he was credited with coining the term “tranquilizer” for their new drug Serpasil. He also developed and produced “Medical Horizons” on ABC television, the first nationally broadcast medical program, from 1955-1957.
In 1964, Dr. Strauss joined the faculty of Albany Medical College in Albany, N.Y. as an associate professor of postgraduate medicine. In 1972, he moved to Hampton, N.H. and became an editor of medical textbooks for the PSG Group in Acton, Mass. He also served as a member of the marine docent team at the University of New Hampshire.
In 2000, he moved to the Pemaquid Peninsula where he had spent many summers with his family, starting in 1947.
He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, the former Sylvia Dickey of Damariscotta; twin children, daughter Nona Strauss of New Harbor, and son W. Theodore (Ted) Strauss III and wife Janice of South Salem, N.Y.; and nieces, Diane Fraser of Clearwater, Fla., Marilyn Guddat of Melbourne Beach, Fla., and Janet Cate of Kennebunk.
Contributions may be made in his memory to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Highway, Edgecomb, ME 04556 or to the charity of your choice.
