Melvin Fuerst, 88, dentist who loved Phila.

Melvin B. Fuerst, 88, of Center City, a New York dentist whose love of Philadelphia drew him back here in retirement, died Monday, Aug. 5, of respiratory arrest at his home.

Dr. Fuerst grew up in Brooklyn, practiced dentistry in Baldwin, N.Y., for almost 40 years, and retired in 1981 to Philadelphia.

He came to love the city while studying at the University of Pennsylvania, both as an undergraduate and a dental student, in the mid-1940s. He knew all the Penn fight songs because he served as manager of the football team.

Dr. Fuerst met the former Blossom Perlmutter through their respective families. The two married in 1948 and made their home on Long Island.

A captain in the Army, he was stationed in Germany after World War II.

Through his late 80s, he continued to enjoy success playing duplicate bridge at the Center City Bridge Club. His bridge partner was decades younger.

"He loved it and was a fixture at the club," said his daughter Claudia Balderston, also a dentist.

His mantra was that life should be enjoyed. Dr. Fuerst paid careful attention to the needs of others, but also enjoyed showing off his considerable wit and goofy sense of playfulness.

"He always sought to find the humor in life's idiosyncrasies," his daughter said.

He cared for his disabled wife for nine years ending with her death in 2005. Afterward, he received many overtures from ladies impressed by his devotion to his wife, but never dated again, his daughter said.

In addition to bridge, Dr. Fuerst loved sports and politics. He was thrilled to have seen Babe Ruth play baseball many years ago. As recently as this year's May primary, he worked the polls.

Surviving, besides his daughter, are another daughter, Lisa Olmer; three grandchildren; a great-grandson; and a brother.

There will be no funeral service. Shivah will be observed at his daughter's Center City home at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Donations may be sent to the Abramson Cancer Center, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia 19104.