Edward J. Petrus, M.D.

Dr. Edward "Ed" Petrus, 85, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 24 following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Ed lived a life marked by purpose, intellectual curiosity, and service to others. He graduated from Seton Hall University then University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed his medical residency in ophthalmology at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas. During the Vietnam War, Ed was proud to serve as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco—a time that deepened his lifelong dedication to healing.

Ed later returned to Texas, making Austin his home, where he practiced ophthalmology for decades. Ed was awarded sixteen medical patents through his companies, Advanced Medical Instruments and Applied Medical Research. He also wrote "Aspirin: The Golden Pill," a book on the sociological impact and therapeutic use of aspirin.

Dr. Petrus is survived by his sister, Patricia Murphy (Paul Murphy), a niece, Brooke Kelly (Kevin Kelly) and a nephew, Scott Murphy. His ex-wife, Pamela Bodoin who remained a close friend, predeceased him.

Private funeral arrangements will be held. In lieu of formal services, those who knew him are invited to celebrate his life in the way he would've loved best—with a donation to your local animal shelter.