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Darryl J. Powell Jr., 30, doctor who helped children and minorities

He always wanted to be a physician. He was slated to come to CHOP in July for a medical fellowship, but never got the chance.

Darryl J. Powell Jr. always wanted to be a doctor. With the help of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, he realized that dream.

When it came time to choose a specialty, the East Oak Lane native picked internal medicine and pediatrics, which he studied in Boston. He hoped to smooth the transition from child to adult care for patients with chronic illnesses such as sickle cell disease.

Dr. Powell, 30, was to return home in July to do a fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, but he never got the chance.

He died Saturday, April 15, at his home in Boston after telling friends that he felt nauseated. A colleague who went to his door summoned police when he did not answer, and officers found him unresponsive on the floor. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy, and termed the cause of death as pending while more study is done.

Though devastated by his early death, Dr. Powell's relatives remembered him fondly. "Darryl was very humble and funny, with a beautiful smile and hearty laugh. He was smart, compassionate, loving and caring," said his aunt, Diane Powell-Larché. "He had so many gifts and talents. He packed a lot into 30 years."

"He was a devoted son," said his mother, Zimbeana, who recalled that the two went to church events, concerts and movies together. "When Darryl came home, he was just Darryl. He would give me a big hug and a kiss, and lay his head on my shoulder."

Born in Philadelphia to Darryl and Zimbeana Powell, Dr. Powell was a precocious and energetic child who taught himself to play the piano, loved to read, and took special delight in pestering his sister and her friends.

He began his education at West Oak Lane Church of God Christian Academy. where he developed a disciplined approach to study. In seventh grade, Dr. Powell enrolled in the Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School. He participated in theater, formed the school's first gospel choir, and worked as an assistant research analyst at Monell Chemical Senses Center in West Philadelphia.

An excellent student, Dr. Powell earned a bachelor's degree in biological basis of behavior from Penn in May 2009. While there, he sang with and directed the New Spirit of Penn gospel choir.

His dream to become a doctor took shape when he was accepted into Penn's Perelman School in 2009. While there, he volunteered at Covenant House, directed an a cappella group - the Ultrasounds - and performed in the annual production of Medicine and the Muse. He earned his medical degree in 2013.

After medical school, he served dual residencies in internal medicine and pediatrics at Harvard Brigham and Women's Hospital/Boston Children's Hospital. Outgoing and genial, he was chosen chief resident by program leaders because of his clinical expertise, leadership skills, and concern for fellow residents.

"He took his job as chief resident seriously and extended it well beyond what the role required; we formed a very tight community because of his leadership," said Charles "Nick" Cuneo, a second-year resident.

In 2014, reacting to a lack of diversity within the program, Dr. Powell founded the Boston Combined Residency Program Diversity Council. He participated in national recruitment events for aspiring minority physicians and then served as a mentor to those who began the training.

Known for the exceptional care he provided to patients and his dedication to improving care for under-served communities, Dr. Powell was a joyful presence in the Boston hospital. "Anyone who had an encounter with Darryl left feeling better," said Colleen Monaghan, associate director of the residency program.

Even as a boy, Dr. Powell had a faith-driven impetus to serve others. At age 9, he pledged himself to Christianity at Montco Bible Fellowship. At age 13, he went on the first of many religious missions to Uganda. While in Boston, Dr. Powell attended Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Despite his work in New England, Dr. Powell never forgot his family and friends in Philadelphia.

"He took the time to make each one feel special. Whenever possible, he made a point to come home to Philadelphia to celebrate holidays, attend weddings, or just to spend quality time with loved ones," his relatives wrote in a tribute.

He enjoyed cooking, watching TV, hanging out with friends, and listening to gospel music, especially that of Kirk Franklin. He had a special passion for traveling to places such as Italy, England, Botswana, Spain, and Iceland.

In addition to his parents and aunt, he is survived by a sister, Darylisha, and aunts and an uncle.

A viewing from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, 7500 Germantown Ave., will be followed by a 10 a.m. funeral service at the church. Interment will be in Ivy Hill Cemetery.

Donations in his name may be made via http://bwhgiving.org/powell/.