Aaron J. (John) Ladman passed away on November 7, 2023. His 98 years of life included remarkable achievements in the academic and medical fields.
Ladman was born July 3, 1925, in Jamaica, New York, to Thomas Ladman and Ida Sobin Ladman. He grew up in Whitestone and Flushing, New York, attending elementary school in Whitestone, secondary school in Bayside, New York, and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio (1942–43).
He fought in World War II with the Army’s 286th Engineer Combat Battalion (1944–46), stationed in Europe and was part of the liberation of Dachau.
Ladman returned to college at New York University, from which he received the A.B. degree in 1947. Following completion of his undergraduate education, he spent some time (1947–48) as a research assistant at Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. He returned to this renowned research facility for seven summers between 1949 and 1959. During this time, he met Barbara Powers, whom he would marry. He attended graduate school at the University of Cincinnati (1948–49) and received his Ph.D. degree in 1952 from the University of Indiana. At both institutions Ladman was a Teaching Fellow in Anatomy. From 1952–61 Ladman was at Harvard University, where he held the titles Research Fellow in Anatomy (1952–55), Research Fellow of the American Cancer Society (1952–55), and Associate in Anatomy (1955–61). In 1961 he became an Associate Professor in Anatomy at the University of Tennessee. He spent the summer of 1964 as a visiting Associate Professor at Yale University.
In 1964 he was hired at the new School of Medicine at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and was the founding chairman of the Department of Anatomy. Here he helped raise his two children, developed a love of Southwestern arts, culture and food, became an avid racquetball player and, as a life-long lover of classical music, occasionally sang in a choir with the symphony orchestra. He was very involved in faculty development in his department. He encouraged research, assisted in the development of writing skills, fostered an interest in editing and editorial skills, and nurtured excellence in teaching. He did research on a variety of topics, including reproductive biology, the biology of cancer cells, the retina, and cancer research in smokers and nonsmokers.
In April 1968, he was appointed the sixth managing editor of The Anatomical Record. He would serve at the helm of the journal for 30 years (April 1968–April 1998) which he considered his finest work. The A.J. Ladman AAA/Wiley Exemplary Service Award was created in 1998 and is given annually to an individual who has distinguished himself or herself in the field of anatomy.
In 1981 Ladman remarried and moved to Philadelphia to become Professor of Anatomy (1981–94) at Hahnemann University; he also served as Dean of the School of Allied Health Professions from 1981–86. The couple would together raise their son, and share passions for vacationing in Ocean City, New Jersey, and of travel, especially cruises. They also shared their tremendous love of dogs. Some of his greatest joy came from the simple act of walking his standard poodles and Labrador retrievers, which also kept him active.
Ladman continued as Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology as Hahnemann evolved into Drexel University. He also taught at the University of Pennsylvania until retiring in 2015 at the age of 90.
His body was donated to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, honoring his final wish to continue teaching.
To quote a niece, “Uncle John has lived such an incredible, fulfilling and inspiring life. His intelligence, humility, kindness and the way he went through life with such grace have always been something I’ve looked up to. And will always remember and strive for.”
He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Bergbauer, and their son Peter Ladman, as well as his daughter, Susan Ladman Brown, and his son, Thomas Ladman, from his first marriage.
A Mass will be held at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer on December 5, 2023, at 11 a.m. at 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales, PA. 19454.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, 580 Virginia Drive, Suite 110, Fort Washington, PA 19034.
Pat Ellen and I are saddened to hear of John’s passing. It was an honor to know both of you.
Bob R
Some of the most important life lessons I have ever learned came from Uncle John. If you ever wanted to learn, you sat down and listened to Uncle John. Feel very fortunate to have been a relative, thank you for everything. Your advice will stay with me forever.
We were saddened to learn of my uncle’s passing. He was the younger brother of my father, Leon Ladman. He was the youngest of three siblings, including his older sister Sylvia. Our condolences go out to his wife and children and grandchildren.
Cassia Ladman Brown and Stephan Brown
Tom and I are so sorry to hear that John is gone. We enjoyed his friendship, humor and counsel. He was both wise and witty and we always looked forward to spending time with him. Every time I saw John he would say “there’s a good woman.”. And now I must say there was a good man.
Mauria and Tom Tesauro