This past year saw the passing of the two founders of Willows Pediatric Group, Dr. Albert Beasley and Dr. Jack Shiller. We are honored to follow in their footsteps; both men dedicated their careers not only to taking care of children, adolescents, and families for generations, but also to the improvement and well-being of our entire community.
Dr. Beasley came to Westport 65 years before he passed away last June at age 96. Similarly, Dr. Shiller came to the area when Westport was a small town first known as a haven for artists and other creative professionals. Dr. Shiller passed away in January at age 92. Dr. Beasley and Dr. Shiller joined together in 1973 to form Willows Pediatric Group.
Dr. Shiller was active on the staff of Norwalk Hospital, where he started the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and later served as interim chief of pediatrics. He maintained his academic ties to Babies Hospital (Columbia Presbyterian) as part of the teaching staff, and helped found the Westport Weston Health District.
Dr. Beasley had long standing ties to local students and schools through his inspired support of the Staples Tuition Grants for over 45 years. Dr. Beasley was also associate clinical professor of pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine. In addition, he immersed himself in community work as a pediatrician for the Intercommunity Camp, as a member of the board of directors for the United Way, and as a trustee of Earthplace, where he organized the Green Earth series on health and the environment.
We are proud of the deep roots Willows Pediatrics has in our community, roots first planted by Dr. Beasley and Dr. Shiller. We are also grateful for Al and Jack’s years of service, education, and dedicated patient care that set the standard we strive to continue to this day.
