Dr. Charles H. Sackett

Dr. Charles Henry Sackett, 86, died peacefully at home on August 13, 2010. He was born on April 17, 1924 in Lynchburg. After graduating from Episcopal  High School in Alexandria, VA he attended the University of Virginia. Like many students during World War II, his college career was divided between the classroom and military service.   Before graduating, he served in the U.S. Navy in the V-12 Program and spent two years on a destroyer in the Pacific. He  graduated in 1951 from the University of Virginia School of Medicine with honors and as Valedictorian of his class. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at UVA and Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. Dr. Sackett also performed a Cardiology fellowship in Boston with Dr. Samuel Levine, one of the founding fathers of modern cardiology. Dr. Sackett practiced Internal Medicine and Cardiology in Lynchburg from 1956 to 1996. He was instrumental in establishing coronary care units at Lynchburg General and Virginia Baptist Hospitals. He developed the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center in 1977, which was a pioneering concept at the time and has since served thousands of cardiac patients and received numerous state and national awards for the quality and  service of the program.   Dr. Sackett was instrumental in the opening of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories in 1987 and the Cardiac Surgical Program in 1989. He played a leadership role in the merger in 1987 of Virginia Baptist and Lynchburg General Hospitals to create Centra Health. Throughout his career he strongly supported the work and mission of The American Heart Association. Dr. Sackett was honored in 1998 with the creation of the The Sackett Heart Fund and biannual Sackett Heart Ball. These were established \"in honor of Dr. Charles Sackett, The 'Father of Cardiology\"™ for the Greater Lynchburg Community, whose service, dedication, and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for the Stroobants Heart Center of Virginia." Throughout his career Dr. Sackett held numerous leadership positions in the medical community. In 1991, he was honored by his peers for his numerous accomplishments by being named Laureate of the 1,500-member Virginia Chapter of the American College of Physicians. His contributions to Lynchburg as well as his leadership in advancing medical care and cardiology in Lynchburg were recognized. First and foremost, however, Dr. Sackett was a \"physician\". He was a \"doctors\"™doctor\". He was dedicated to his patients and put in countless hours to make sure they all had the best care possible. He was loyal to and was loved by his staff and especially by the nurses. His care of patients and commitment to the nursing staff is still legendary today. Dr. Sackett felt his biggest accomplish in his professional life was working with and teaching nurses. Scores of nurses have received and will continue to receive continuing education grants as a result of the Sackett Heart Fund.

Dr. Sackett is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Louise \"Barney\" Sackett, and three daughters, Peggy and her husband Billy Andrews of Lynchburg, Sally and her husband Bill White of Raleigh, NC, and Leila and her husband David Carr of Columbus, GA; grandchildren, Maragaret, Will and Charlie  Andrews, Sackett, Leila and William White, and Ben and Sackett Carr. His family and and friends will always remember him as man with a kind heart, a sharp mind and wise words for us all. He was a man whose life was devoted to others, whether be it the medical community, the community of Lynchburg or those whose knew him best, his family and friends.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, August 15 between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502. A celebration of his life will be held at St. John\"™s Episcopal Church on Monday, August 16 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Sackett Heart Fund, c/o The Centra Foundation, 1920 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501 or St. John\"™s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 3123, Lynchburg, Va 24503.