Dr. DeCherney's family emigrated from
Vienna at the turn of the 20th century. His great-uncle was a longtime Chair of the Department of
Otorhinology at
Temple University School of Medicine, who persuaded DeCherney's father to become a family practitioner. Growing up, DeCherney's father, William worked from 6 AM to 11 PM, in the office that was also their home. Alan recalls sharing meals with his father in between seeing patients. Seeing his father working hard to help his patients kindled Alan's love for medicine from an early age. Alan met his wife, Deanna (DeeDee), when he was looking for someone to help him with an important report. After completing the manuscript, they went on a date, and were married 4 years later. DeeDee is an artist, a talented creamiest, sculptor, and interior designer. She served as the editorial director of
Design Times magazine. Now she is a senior trustee of her alma mater,
The University of the Arts, in Philadelphia. Together, the DeCherneys had 2 sons, Peter and Alexander. They now live in
Maryland, and are engage in a number of charitable works. ==References==