Dr. Harold J. Wanebo, 86, of Bristol passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday Nov. 27, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Claire (Cookson) Wanebo for 57 years before his passing.

Born in Denver, Colo., he was the son of the late Clifford and JoAnn (Curtin) Wanebo.

After graduating from high school, Harold graduated from Regis College with a Bachelor of Science in 1957, and from the University of Colorado with a Doctor of Medicine in 1961.

After college Harold answered the call of the nation and served in the United States Army. While serving in the Army Harold studied Geneva Convention Code of Conduct and Military Justice. Harold served two tours of duty in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal with Valor.

In civilian life, Harold had a deep passion for studying cancer and helping those who are afflicted by it. In 1973 he was promoted to clinical assistant to the attending surgeon and associate of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and became an instructor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. He served as consultant of clinical immunology for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and assistant professor of surgery for Weill Cornell Medicine. He has also served as professor of surgery and the chief of the division of surgical oncology for the University of Virginia and a professor of surgery and the director of surgical oncology for Brown University.

He was an active affiliate of the Boston University School of Medicine and served as the Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Roger Williams Hospital in Providence from 1987-2002. He was the founder of his own lab, Chemo Enhanced, where he was working on cancer research. Over his career Harold wrote 290 peer-reviewed journal articles.

In addition to his wife Claire, Harold also leaves behind his children: John E. Wanebo (Sonja), Michael D. Wanebo (Sandra), Jacqueline E. May (Jeffrey); his grandchildren: Oliver Wanebo, Grace Wanebo, Ella Wanebo, Cameron May, Dylan May, Isabella Wanebo, Andreas Wanebo; his siblings: Clifford K. Wanebo, Jr., James Wanebo, Dennis Wanebo; and many friends and professional colleagues.

Funeral services from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., Bristol, are Saturday December 11, 2021, at 9 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St., Bristol. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Juniper Hill Cemetery, Bristol. Calling hours will be held on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, at Sansone Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to St. Mary's Church, 330 Wood St., Bristol, RI 02809

For obituary, directions, and online condolences please visit www.sansonefuneralhome.com.