People: Milton A. Shangle, MD

Dr. Milton A. Shangle was one of the most dedicated and accomplished physicians to serve at Elizabeth General Hospital. His tenure at the institution spanned more than a half-century and his reputation was that of a surgeon of exceptional skill and compassion.

Three of the photos that were in our archives show Dr. Shangle, as a young man, participating on a physician's baseball team in 1912. The doctors played against other teams and bonded outside the walls of the hospital. Another was a photo of physicians who stood proudly for a photograph together in uniform, during World War II. His skill and dedication was an inspiration to legions of other physicians who interacted with him. The third photo was that of Shangle Hall, a meeting place for physicians that was full of other historical photographs that showed the dedication to excellence and tradition that the institution represented.

This was his obituary from the evening edition of the Elizabeth Daily Journal on Friday, February 7, 1958.

Dr. Milton Shangle Dies at 78; Ex-Chief of Hospital Staff
Surgeon Here for More Than 50 Years, Former President of County Medical Society, Other Professional Groups--Building Named In His Honor

Dr. Mtlton A. Shangle, 78, of 132 Chilton Hall, 127-147 Chilton St., a surgeon here more than half a century and former chief of staff of Elizabeth General Hospital, died at 3 a.m. today at his home.

The hospital's Shangle Hall, dedicated last November, was named in honor of the physician who served Elizabeth General for 54 years. Dr. Shangle, who retired two years ago, resided at 33 Prince St. for many years.

He was born in Roselle and lived here 54 years. He was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University in 1900.

Started Here as Intern
After completing his internship at Elizabeth General Hospital, he became dispensary physician and in 1908 was elevated to the post of attending physician.

In 1929, he was elected vice president of the medical board. Several years later he was appointed president of the medical board and the chief of staff.

Dr. Shangle was appointed senior attending surgeon of the institution in July, 1944 when he became 65 years old.

At a dinner marking the occasion, the late Dr. Charles H. Schlichter praised what he said was Dr. Shangle's humane attitude toward his work describing him as a "physician in the truest sense of the word."

A veteran of World War I, Dr. Shangle was in charge of the post hospital at Ft. Dix for several years. He was a captain.

Headed Professional Groups
The retired physician was one of the early fellows of the American College of Surgeons and a past president of the Society of Surgeons of N.J., the Clinical Society of Elizabeth General Hospital and the Union County Medical Society.

He was a member of the Medical Society of New Jersey and the American Medical Society and a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Shangle also was a former member of the staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital.

His hobbies included art and trout fishing. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for more than 40 years.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Frances Louise Palmeter Shangle; two daughters, Mrs. Ross Davidson in Panama and Mrs. Douglas Hall of Margaretville, N.Y., and a son, Chester A. of Mt. Tabor.

His first wife was the late Mrs. Lillian Kenney Shangle. He was the son of the late Amos and Angela Crane Shangle.

This information was last reviewed or updated on February 11, 2026. Adjustments may be made to this page as new information is added, making this a continual work in progress