Dana Mears, MD

Dr. Dana Christopher Mears died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on December 24, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born September 4, 1940, in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Robert Bruce Mears and Margaret Harriet Mears. Dana lived a life defined by brilliance, curiosity, dedication, and a deep love for his family. After graduating from Oakmont High School, he matriculated at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Following in his father's footsteps in the field of metallurgy, Dana earned a PhD in Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge and later received his medical degree from Oxford University. As a surgeon-bioengineer, his career began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he served as an Attending Physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Over the course of his career, Dana held 18 patents, authored 3 books, and edited numerous journals. A revolutionary in his field, he pioneered minimally invasive hip and knee surgeries that became the standard orthopedic practice worldwide. He was at the forefront of medical robotics and developed techniques and devices that allowed patients to return more quickly to their daily activities. Through his patience, precision, and relentless curiosity, he improved thousands of lives.

Beyond the hospital, he was an avid gardener who enjoyed skiing, playing tennis, exercising, and spending time outdoors. A devoted sports fan, he loved watching tennis and cheering for his favorite teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his beloved family.

Dana lived with a level of commitment that defied his age, performing surgery well into his 80s. He proved that a life well-lived is not measured by what one endures, but by the love and purpose squeezed out of every day.

Dana is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Janice Wagner Mears; his six children, Dr. Simon (Mary Grace) Mears, Clare Stefanini (Paul), Megan Mears, Lauren Mears, Alison Mears, and Haley Snyder (Zachary); his sister, Diana Marquis; and his grandchildren, Saffron Stefanini, Skyler Stefanini, and Rocky Snyder.

A funeral service will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church on Saturday December 27, 2025 at 10 AM. A memorial in his honor will follow at Calvary Episcopal Church on Friday January 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research)

Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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