Dr. Eugene Zuck, Sonics' Dentist
Dr. Eugene Zuck, the Seattle Sonics' first team dentist, combined pleasure with the serious business of dentistry.
Not only did he enjoy watching basketball and playing golf with colleagues, but he used his considerable persuasive skills as president of the Washington State Dental Association (1977) and of the Seattle-King County Dental Society (1970-71).
"He became one of the leading politicians in dental societies, and was interested in a lot of study clubs," said colleague Johnny N. Johnson. "A group of us would get together and work individually on patients, then come look at each other's work and analyze it."
Dr. Zuck, a root-canal specialist, died of complications from a blood disorder Wednesday (March 19) in Sun City West, Ariz. He was 74.
Born in New York City, Dr. Zuck served in the Army in World War II and earned his doctor of dentistry degree at Case-Western Reserve University in Ohio in 1946. He served in an Army training program and with the Public Health Service before going into practice in Seattle.
He opened an office in 1946 and worked there until his retirement in 1988, when he moved to Arizona.
"He was a hard worker," Johnson said. "He was president of WSDA when we got into the insurance part of the industry. He favored us joining to form the Washington Dental Service group in the mid-'70s."
Dr. Zuck served as a delegate to the American Dental Association, directed the American Endodontic Society, and acted as president of the Seattle chapter of Alpha Omega dental fraternity. He also was on the board of directors of Seattle YMCA and the Lighthouse for the Blind.
A friend of Sonic owner Sam Schulman, Dr. Zuck served as the first team dentist. He had to attend every game and examine any player, a Sonic or otherwise, who was hit in the mouth.
Other survivors include Dr. Zuck's wife of 50 years, Polly Zuck of Sun City West; daughters Mindy Hawk, Enumclaw, and Jody Hagen, Monterey, Calif.; and five grandchildren. No service is planned. Memorials may go to any charity.