RHA Statement on the Passing on Dr. Willard Fry
It is with heavy hearts we share that Dr. Willard Fry passed away on April 30, 2025. Dr. Fry was a former Respiratory Health Association Board member and long-time supporter of RHA’s mission and work. In many ways, he was ahead of his time. He counseled his patients on the dangers of smoking, as well as speaking out against the tobacco industry. And he advocated for cleaner air on the grounds that air pollution was causing a rise in respiratory illnesses.
“Dr. Fry was deeply committed to the lung health mission of RHA and was an influential leader in the organization,” said Cathy Catrambone, RHA Board Co-Chair. “As a powerful advocate for promoting smoking cessation and clean air, he inspired others to discover their passion and voice in the advocacy and policy arena.”
Willard Fry, lung cancer surgery, August 5, 1974
In a 1972 press conference to respond to false claims by the Tobacco Institute, Dr. Fry stated, “I hang up a Marlboro ad when I’m taking out a lung for lung cancer. It reads, ‘Welcome to Marlboro Country.” Further on, he added, “How many people have died in Vietnam? Our entire involvement there – no matter how you feel about it – equals the number of lung cancer deaths in one year… How long are efforts to hoodwink the public by Madison Ave. advertisers going to continue?”
He served as RHA Board President from 1987-89. In this role, Dr. Fry worked tirelessly to advance the fight against lung disease, particularly in the area of cigarette smoking. He served as RHA’s spokesperson, debated representatives of the tobacco industry, testified at legislative hearings, recruited Board members and volunteers. and raised funds to support RHA’s work. He also chaired the nominating committee and was a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion of board members.
In testimony to the Chicago City Council in 1988 voicing his support for the Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, Dr. Fry stated, “The facts are that the death toll from smoking-related disorders increases annually in an inexorable manner. The facts are that most Americans, even smokers, want some guarantee toward clean air…It is now established beyond a reasonable doubt that secondhand smoke is bad for all of us. Nonsmokers forced to inhale such smoke are in an unsafe and unhealthy environment, and they really are being made to smoke on an involuntary basis.”
After his time on the Board, Dr. Fry continued to actively support the mission by writing letters to the editor and supporting RHA programs and events. In 1995, he was awarded the Herbert C. DeYoung Medal, the highest honor RHA bestows on its volunteers.
Dr. Fry speaks at a press conference to counter the Tobacco Institute.
Dr. Fry served on the staff at Evanston Hospital for many years, including as Chief, Section of Thoracic Surgery. He later served as professor of clinical surgery at Northwestern’s Lurie Cancer Center.
“What I remember the most is that he was always an energetic and articulate advocate and spokesperson for all our RHA causes, especially tuberculosis eradication and later on anti-tobacco policy and COPD work,” said Diana Hackbarth, RHA Board member.
Dr. Fry served on the RHA board for many years starting in 1971. In the newsletter announcing his appointment, Dr. Fry shared, “In my practice, even more than the effects of air pollution, I have observed the effects of cigarette smoking in my patients…Once you start smoking it’s very hard to stop…what we need to do is make smoking less desirable for young people.”
Willard Fry teaching a class, August 5, 1974