NEW BEDFORD — Dr. Harry Ainsworth, 76, of New Bedford and Mattapoisett, MA, died peacefully at home on June 7, surrounded by his family and his faithful golden retriever, Scamp.
Dr. Ainsworth was raised in Arlington, MA and graduated from the Arlington public school system. He graduated cum laude from Tufts University with a BS in Biochemistry. Dr. Ainsworth graduated from Tufts Medical School in 1958. After completion of his pathology residency, Dr. Ainsworth earned his Board certification in Clinical and Anatomical Pathology.
Dr. Ainsworth accepted a commission in the Army in 1963. He served as a Captain and director of Pathology at Walson Army Hospital, Fort Dix, NJ. He received a commendation medal for meritorious service at the end of his two year tour of duty.
He joined St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, MA in 1965 as an associate pathologist, and was appointed chief pathologist in 1983, a position which he retained until his retirement in 1995. He was an Emeritus Fellow with the College of American Pathologists, and a member of the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society.
In his spare time, Dr. Ainsworth was an avid reader, angler, investor, woodworker, and amateur horticulturalist. He especially loved growing exotic and tropical plants.
In addition to his beloved wife, Sally, he leaves a sister, Fidelis McKillop of Nashua, NH, and 4 children: Leslie Garber of Westborough, MA, Laurie Andrick of Nashua, NH, Harry Ainsworth, Jr. of Portland, OR, and Keith Ainsworth of Madison, CT. Along with his immediate family, Dr. Ainsworth leaves ten grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Wilson's Funeral Home, New Bedford, MA, is in charge of private family arrangements. A celebration of Dr. Ainsworth's life will be held at the Grace Episcopal Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Dr. Ainsworth's name to the SouthCoast Humane Society and Shelter in Dartmouth, MA or the Market Ministries Soup Kitchen, 60 Eighth St., New Bedford, MA.