Dr. Howard H. Kirtland III, 73, a Franklin physician passed away at his home of an apparent heart attack on Monday, July 17, 2017.

Born in San Antonio, TX on June 23, 1944, he was a son of the late Howard H. Kirtland II and Yolanda DeRos Kirtland.

He was raised in Poughkeepsie, NY and graduated from Our Lady of Lords High School. Dr. Kirtland then graduated college from Georgetown University and then graduated from the Cornell University School of Medicine. He completed his Internship and Residency at the University of Virginia.

During his residency, Dr. Kirtland left school to enlist in the United States Army where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to the University of Virginia to complete a fellowship in hematology and oncology where he earned his board certification in Internal Medicine. Dr. Kirtland then joined the staff full time at the University of Virginia.

In 1979, the Kirtlands moved to Franklin, Pa., where Dr. Kirtland started working in Internal Medicine and later focused his practice to Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Kirtland was instrumental in developing the West Unit in conjunction with the former Franklin Hospital. In the late 1990’s Dr. Kirtland established Venango Hematology and Oncology.

The Kirtland Cancer Foundation was established in 2005 by Dr. Kirtland. The Foundation’s purpose was to give back to the community by helping people and families affected by cancer. His passion in life was working and caring for patients. Dr. Kirtland always maintained a selfless devotion to his patients. He was always available to help any patient and made sure to put patient care first.

Throughout his years in Franklin, he was an extremely strong and charitable supporter of many organizations and events in the community. He had a strong sense of community and tried to provide help to anyone in need with an ultimate goal of serving the community.

He was a member of the Franklin Rotary Club, Franklin Elks Lodge #110 and was selected as Man of the Year in 2006 by the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara G. Kirtland, who he married on August 2, 1969. Also surviving are his four children; Howard H. Kirtland IV, CPA and his wife Robin of LaGrange, KY and their daughter Sophia Kirtland; Dr. Rand Kirtland and his wife Jillian of Marietta, OH and their children, Samantha, Claire and Henry Rand Kirtland; Dr. Robert Kradel and his wife Denise of Youngsville, NC; and Magisterial District Judge, Matthew T. Kirtland of Franklin.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kirtland Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 108 Franklin, PA 16323.