Donald M. Mrvos, M.D.

Donald M. Mrvos, M.D.

July 28, 1928 - April 5, 2025

Donald M. Mrvos, M.D., 96, of O’Hara Township, died on April 5, 2025. Don was born in McKeesport, Pa., the third child of Dan and Mary Mrvos. His parents were immigrants from the former Yugoslavia and owned and operated a popular restaurant and bar in McKeesport, where he lived until the age of 24. His mother, who had no formal education of her own, was the driving force in his life and steered all of her children toward ambitious professional goals under less-than-desirable life circumstances. Don once joked that his career paths were to "tend bar, work in the steel mill or go to med school." 

He graduated from McKeesport High School in 1946 and earned a B.S. in chemistry in 1949 from the University of Pittsburgh. In 1955, he received his M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. After his internship, he served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps in San Diego for more than two years. He met his future wife, Sahli Merrill, there while on a blind date arranged through her brother. They married in 1964 in La Jolla, Calif., and later moved to Pittsburgh to live and raise their family. They were a striking couple who complemented each other well, and were married for more than 60 years.

Don received his training in obstetrics and gynecology at Magee-Womens Hospital in Oakland and practiced medicine there for more than 40 years. He began his medical practice with Dr. Charles Barone and Dr. John McCarthy in 1962. He later went into private practice, founding Oakland OB/GYN Associates, Inc. of Pittsburgh in 1981, which had offices in the old Isaly's building and in Monroeville. He embodied the ethos of being a physician, and Magee became a second home to him where he dedicated countless hours to care for his patients and teach residents.  

In 1973, he made Pittsburgh history when he delivered the first-ever born quadruplets at Magee. Earlier in his career, Don joined the staff of "Medicine USA," a U.S. Information Agency exhibit that opened in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, to showcase American drugstores, doctors’ offices, typical hospital rooms and displays of recent medical developments to Yugoslavs. Fluent in Serbo-Croatian, he was on a team of six doctors and eight technicians accompanying the exhibit, which also traveled to Belgrade.

Don remained at Magee as a member of the active staff until his retirement in 2001. Following this, he continued as an emeritus member of the active staff of Magee and as a Clinical Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He was a past president of the medical staff at Magee and a past president of the Pittsburgh Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. 

He served for many years on the board of Child Watch of Pittsburgh (now Allies for Children), a child advocacy group. He was a longtime member of the Pittsburgh Field Club, Pittsburgh Athletic Association and Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.

Long after he retired, it was not uncommon for him to be approached by former patients who simply wanted to say hello or share an update on their families. His daughters still cherish these meaningful connections and are in awe over the impact he had on so many people.

Selfless and generous, Don was also full of gratitude and always ready and willing to help a friend or family member in need. He was meticulous in being and in dress. He enjoyed pecan balls with chocolate ice cream, Hershey bars with almonds and Old Grand-Dad on the rocks. He played golf (although not well) and after age 65, he began running in earnest. He was pleased that eventually he was able to compete with some success in his age group in the Pittsburgh Great Race, but remarked ­­— true to his self-deprecating sense of humor — that this was only after "the real athletes had become sidelined by injury or death."

He is predeceased by his parents, his wife, Sahli, his brothers, Miles D. Mrvos, M.D. and Ned "Sonny" Mrvos (who died at age 7) and his sister, Sally Mrvos.

Don is survived by his daughters Mertyce (Timothy Sudeith) and Mara (Beth Fedorowich); grandchildren, Logan and Meryl; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His incredible work ethic, calm, caring and humble nature, along with a deep devotion to his family and his patients will always be remembered and admired. Ziveli!

Per Don's wishes, there will be no visitation, funeral or memorial service. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (500 Craig Hall, 200 Craig Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260), Magee-Womens Foundation (3240 Craft Place, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213) or Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral (450 Maxwell Drive, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15236).

Arrangements by Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home.

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