Allen L. Gaspar, MD

May 7, 1951 – June 22, 2013

Dr. Al Gaspar came to Defiance Clinic in 1979 to practice internal medicine, straight from his residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. It soon became apparent that he was a gifted leader as well as a dedicated physician, and he was elected president of Defiance Clinic in 1983. Dr. Gaspar led the Clinic through major growth in services and an expansion of the building that more than doubled its size. He played a key role in Defiance Clinic’s increasingly close relationship with Mercy that resulted in the building of Mercy Defiance Hospital. The relationship culminated in 2012 with the clinic and hospital becoming wholly owned by Mercy Health and the clinic changing its name to Mercy Defiance Clinic.

Through it all, Dr. Gaspar maintained a busy practice. He loved both the challenge of correctly diagnosing and treating his patients’ problems and, as he put it, the simple pleasure of being part of their lives. A man of many talents and interests, he combined a keen sense of humor with a scholarly bent that allowed him to quote a Greek philosopher as easily as he made a joke. He was a devoted father, a good, loyal friend, a trusted physician and an exceptional leader. He is greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

Proceeds from this event help to fund programs and special projects and purchase equipment for Mercy Health - Defiance.