Unveiling of the Thomas E. Starzl sculpture will be emotional

June 22, 2018 – Post Gazette – Joy Starzl still struggles with the absence of her husband, Thomas E. Starzl, the “father of organ transplantation” who died March 4, 2017.

“I still haven’t accepted it,” she said.

That lack of acceptance was a driving force behind a life-size bronze sculpture of Dr. Starzl scheduled to be unveiled at 7:15 p.m. Saturday on the Fifth Avenue side of the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland.

Details of the sculpture are a well-guarded secret but emotions are roiling for Mrs. Starzl and Susan Wagner, the Friendship sculptor noted for her Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Bill Mazeroski sculptures at PNC Park, and the two children with a sea lion at the Pittsburgh Zoo, among others.

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