Dr. John T. Ziegler

John (Jack) Taggart Ziegler, 91, of Carlisle PA passed away with family by his side at the Swaim Health Center on March 12th, 2020. He was preceded in death 18 days earlier by the love of his life, Madge M. Ziegler. Jack was born April 19th, 1928 to the late William D. and Anna (Taggart) Ziegler in Norristown PA. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth A. Ziegler and brother William D. Ziegler, Jr.

Jack was a 1946 graduate of Norristown High School. Although he was a Quaker, Jack still joined the U.S. Army 1946-1948 where he was a PFC-receiving Honorable discharge in addition to Victory, ETO, and Good Conduct Medals. After attending Gettysburg College as part of the class of 1952, Jack went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1955. He served his internship at Westfield State Sanatorium in Massachusetts. In 1958, he graduated from the University of Tennessee with an M.S. in Orthodontics.

After setting up practice in Carlisle, PA in 1958, Jack became involved in many professional organizations in which he remained active for most of his career. These included the Harrisburg Area Dental Society where he served as Pres., V. Pres. and Sec. Treas. as well as serving on the Executive Committee. He was Chairman of the Harrisburg Area Insurance Committee. He also served as President and Vice President of the PA 5th District. Jack was a delegate for the Pennsylvania Dental Association as well as serving on their Government Relations Committee. He was also a Delegate and Alt. Delegate for the American Dental Association as well as the American Association of Orthodontists. His other roles with the AAO included serving on the Insurance Council which included 2 years as Chairman. Jack was also President of Pennsylvania Society of Orthodontists and went on to be President of the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists. He also served as President for University of Tennessee Orthodontic Alumni Assoc. Jack was a founding member, Councilor and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics College of Diplomates. He was a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and a member of Delta Sigma Delta. In 1986, the Harrisburg Area Dental Society honored Jack with a Distinguished Service Award.

As well as professional organizations Jack was involved with community organizations. Because he was proud of being an Eagle Scout himself, he served as Assistant District Commissioner of Boy Scouts for 7 years and was a member of Alpha Phi Omega. He was Director of Central Cerebral Palsy, served as Chairman for the Red Cross Fund and was a United Fund Worker. He served on the Carlisle Board of Health and provided local cancer and dental screenings. Jack served on the University of Pennsylvania Commonwealth Public Relations Council. He was also a member of Penn’s School of Dental Medicine Alumni Executive Committee as well as serving as its President and Vice President. He was on the Board of Fellows at Gettysburg College. There he also served on the Alumni Interfraternity Council. He was also Director and President of Phi Kappa Psi Alumni Corp. and received the Phi Kappa Psi Distinguished Service Award.

Jack married Madge Merkley on June 25th, 1952. They met while he was at Gettysburg College and she was at Hood College. They were together for 70 years, married for over 67. Jack was an avid golfer beginning as a youngster and then playing well into his eighties. He also enjoyed watching sports whether going to games or tournaments or watching on TV. Two of his favorites were the Philadelphia Eagles and The Phillies. Jack and Madge also enjoyed travelling extensively, a passion that has been passed on to the next two generations. Jack had visited all 7 continents. His ability to recall the places he’d been and the things he knew were amazing. In later years he and Madge enjoyed splitting their time between Carlisle and their second “home” Daufuskie Island, SC.

Jack will be deeply missed by his children and grandchildren. Kim (Jeff) Bryant of Altamont, NY—Conor (Katie), Ashley and Allison Bryant. Karen (Steve) Goldfine of Johns Creek, GA—David, Jared and Brett Goldfine. John (Mary) Ziegler of Bluffton, SC—Lauren and John Ziegler and Cindy (Gary) Ziegler of Richmond, VA. He was a great Dad and Grandfather who leaves us with wonderful memories of his stories and laughter. He truly lived life to its fullest and what a life he lived! In his memory we ask that donations be made to Norristown Friends Meeting, 20 Jacoby St. Norristown, PA 19401 or to the charity of one’s choice.

A private family memorial will be held.