An angel among us, J. Robert Love M.D., M.S., C.M.D., 78, passed away peacefully Thursday.

Born Feb. 7, 1932, in Pittsburgh, he was the eldest son of the late Joseph and Mabel Love.

Dr. Love was the beloved husband of Diana L. Love; brother of Nancy Melnick, Michael Love, Cathy Sabo, MaryAnn DeNooyer and William Love; father of Kimberly Whyte and Michael Love with the late Dorothy Love, Christine Paracca, Jennifer Fischer, James Love and Stephen Love with Marilyn Love; grandfather of Heather Whyte, Donald Paracca, and Isabella Paracca; stepfather of Kendell Romanelli and Mardi Kolozie; and stepgrandfather to Breanne Kolozie. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Love graduated from Oakmont High School in 1949 and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1953. In 1957, he continued to earn a doctor of medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. He also is a graduate of Carlow College, where he proudly earned a master's degree in health leadership in 2001.

He began his professional career in West View from 1958 to 1970 and moved to Miami, Fla., from 1970 to 1980. He moved back to the Pittsburgh area and continued practicing medicine from 1980 to the present, retiring from his private practice in 2009 but remaining active in the medical community as clinical medical director at Pain Management and Suboxone Clinic and as a physician at Vitas Hospice Care.

Dr. Love was a fellow and diplomat of the American Academy of Family Practice, the American Geriatric Society, the American Medical Association and a board member of the Physician Hospital Organization at UPMC Passavant hospital, with special interest and expertise in geriatrics and medical leadership. Certificates include the American Board of Family Practice and a degree in clinical medicine and medical direction (CMD) from the American Medical Directors Association.

Due to his knowledge and leadership, he served as past president of the medical staff at North Shore Hospital in Miami, at Suburban General Hospital in Pittsburgh, in the family practice department at UPMC Passavant hospital for two terms, in the family practice department at Suburban General Hospital for one term and served as medical director for the Sherwood Oaks Continuing Care Retirement Community.

He was a 32-degree Mason, a member of Lodge 716 and also was a past member of the Shrine association.

Dr. Love was voted best doctor in the North Hills multiple times as he touched the lives of everyone he knew and cared for, both personally and professionally. He loved life and lived it to the fullest, enjoying the affection of his family and friends.

He was a devoted and faithful member of Dutilh United Methodist Church in Cranberry Township.

<B>LOVE </B>— Family and friends of J. Robert Love M.D., M.S., C.M.D., who died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, will be received Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the <B>H.P. Brandt Funeral Home</B>, 1032 Perry Highway Ross Township, 412-364-4444, where a funeral service will be Monday at 11 a.m. Interment will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Hills Food Bank, 845 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh PA 15237.Online condolences may be offered at www.brandtfuneralhome.com.