In Memoriam
Walter Scott Nettrour III, MD
Walter Scott Nettrour, MD, retired orthopedic surgeon and longtime North Hills resident, died Nov. 15. He was 86.
Dr. Nettrour was a well-respected member of the North Hills medical community. He attended medical school and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh. In the early 1970s, Dr. Nettrour and his brother, Lewis, both orthopedic surgeons, joined their father, a general surgeon, in practice and formed Tri Rivers Surgical Associates – known as Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers more than 50 years later.
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When Passavant Hospital relocated to the North Hills, the Nettrours moved their practice onto the hospital campus, where they were integral to the stability and early success of the hospital, more specifically to the growth and development of excellence in orthopedic care. The Nettrour brothers had a reputation not only for providing skillful orthopedic care, but also for treating their staff like family and conducting their business affairs with integrity. During his 30-plus years at Passavant, Dr. Nettrour served in various capacities, whether it was covering the operating room, taking call or serving on multiple hospital committees. In addition to numerous medical staff leadership positions, Dr. Nettrour served as Medical Staff President in 1991-1992. Until the 1990s, the practice remained small, with Drs. Scott and Pete and a group of loyal employees at its core. About that time, the brothers began to prepare Tri Rivers not only for changes in health care, but also for a time when they would not be around to run it, which meant bringing in new partners to expand the practice’s geographic reach and ensure its longevity. When medical issues curtailed his surgical practice, Dr. Nettrour remained active in the office and started medicolegal defense work, which lead to the formation of Tri Rivers Consulting Services, which is still in operation today.
After retiring in 2003, Dr. Nettrour continued to be a friend and mentor to many of the senior physicians at Tri Rivers. Enjoying time with his wife Carol and their extended family and nine grandchildren, he focused some of his energy and passion on landscaping and gardening. Also in retirement, Dr. Nettrour and his brother were recognized as Legacy of Caring honorees by Passavant Hospital Foundation for their role in establishing and building Passavant’s prominence and reputation within the community during the early years after the hospital relocated.
Although he retired more than 20 years ago, Dr. Nettrour’s legacy continues to be a driving force at Tri Rivers because of his vision, integrity and kindness. Long-time employees will tell you that Dr. Nettrour lived by one simple philosophy that many still uphold today: “If you are good and fair to people, they will be good and fair to you.”
Dr. Nettrour is survived by his beloved wife Carol Davidson Nettrour; daughter Elizabeth Lynn (Stephen Owen, Col. Ret., U.S. Army-DCMR) Carney; daughter-in-law Jamie Sue Nettrour; brother Dr. Lewis Fairbank Nettrour, Ret. LCDR U.S. Navy; sister Mimi Fairbank Nettrour; and grandchildren: Scott William Nettrour, EOD3, U.S. Navy; John Walter Coughlan; Nathanael Christian Coughlan; Caroline Ann Nettrour; Elijah Stuart Coughlan; Cadet MSG Tristan Owen Carney U.S. Army; Graham Seth Coughlan; Tatum Sophia Carney; and Sarah Fairbank Coughlan. Dr. Nettrour was preceded in death by sons, Dr. Walter Scott Nettrour IV and James Stuart Nettrour; sister, Sally Jane Nettrour; sister-in-law, Lila Groff Nettrour; and brother-in-law, William Kerr Angus Capt. U.S. Marine Corps.
Memorial contributions may be made to DCNR Keystone Tree Fund, https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/GoodNatured/pages/Article.aspx?post=168 or send donations to: ATTN: Rural & Community Forestry, 400 Market St., 6th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17105.