Finally, Dr. Makley made further contributions as a physician when he returned to a part-time position at the Cleveland Veteran Affairs Medical Center’s Orthopaedic Surgery unit as an orthopedic oncologist in the late 2000s. There, Dr. Makley staffed a large number of out-patient consults and offered non-operative care. He retired from the VAMC in 2015.
Makley was known for his passionate scientific curiosity, sense of justice, moral integrity, compassion for suffering, sense of humor in the face of great difficulty and unwavering Catholic faith. He demonstrated grace and the use of his sense of humor in facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2015. He was beloved by caregivers at Judson Park, where he spent his final months.
OTW spoke with Martha Anderson, EVP, Donor Services of MTF Biologics about Dr. Makley’s contribution to the field. Anderson said, “Dr. Makley was a long-time member of the Medical Board of Trustees of MTF Biologics (also known as the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation) and MTF’s Board of Directors. His commitment to and compassion for his patients were only matched by his surgical expertise, commitment to education and sense of humor. The Board of Directors and staff of MTF Biologics mourn his loss and appreciate his contributions to advancing the science of orthopaedic oncology and transplantation.”
Donations of Support
The family of Dr. Makley extended its “heartfelt gratitude to the heroic nurses and doctors at Judson and at the University Hospitals Intensive Care Unit who watched over him as he battled the coronavirus. Those practitioners put themselves at great risk, treating him with the utmost care, compassion and dignity, giving Dr. Makley the peace and comfort he deserved in his final hours.”
Charitable donations in the name of Dr. Makley can be sent to the University Hospitals COVID-19 Caregiver Support Fund or Lake-Geauga Habitat for Humanity.
John was always collegial, friendly, helpful
John was a very special man and colleague. Even though we were in different departments his astute advice helped save the life of one of my patients with a rare recurrent orbit tumor, where the advice of those in my field would have led to the child’s demise. We shared woodworking as an interest as well. He was a very special man. It was a privilege to have known him.