PSYCHIATRY AND HISTORY
Fall 2021 Issue |
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In Memoriam
Anthony Leonard Pelonero, MD, MBA
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| Dr. Pelonero |
Anthony Leonard Pelonero, MD, MBA, Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, was born in Paterson, New Jersey, to Leonard and Rosary Pelonero on February 16, 1957. He lost his over six-year battle with a rare sarcoma on July 16, 2021. He is survived by his wife of nearly 39 years, Jo Ann. He is also survived by son, Alex and daughter-in-law Katherine Pelonero, and their daughter Caramia Sophia and son Anthony George of Ashburn, Virginia; his son, Lee Stephen Pelonero; his daughter, Theresa Rose Pelonero of Richmond Virginia; his sister, Sharon Kessinger and her husband Steven of Midlothian, Virginia; nephews, Charlie and Michael; his brother, Steven and wife Patricia of Little Falls, New Jersey and their son Steven; and his brother, Michael Pelonero of Houston, Texas and his children Marisa Bible and Michael Pelonero and their families.
Dr. Pelonero earned his undergraduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1979 and his Medical Degree in 1983 at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – New Jersey Medical School, which is now the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University. Tony returned to Richmond for his internship and psychiatric residency. In 1987 Dr. Pelonero became faculty at VCU and served as a teacher, researcher, and clinician. Dr. Pelonero published numerous scientific articles and book chapters on psychiatric topics, with a focus on the illness schizophrenia. Dr. Pelonero‘s career evolved into healthcare administration when he became the medical director of Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia. He continued to teach and do clinical work while an administrator and volunteered at Crossover Healthcare Ministries’ free health clinic for many years until his health would not allow it. He also had many productive years as a medical director at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield where he always strived to be collaborative with practitioners and be responsive to those needing to access their healthcare benefits.
Tony’s thoughts to add here for friends and family are as follows: “I had a great life! I was blessed with parents who loved and nurtured me and I fulfilled my dreams of becoming a husband, father and physician. I was thrilled to become a grandfather. During my life I got to be a coach, teacher, researcher, published author and life-long student. I spent many hours on the racquetball court competing and was proud to be a local racquetball champion in my divisions. I was blessed with a wonderful wife who loved me and cared for me to the end. She was my best friend. We hiked in national parks across the United States and treasured being in the mountains and wilderness. I pray that you can have as happy and fulfilling life as I had. As a physician that died of cancer, I would recommend to all that they consider themselves the #1 patient, and to take care of themselves first. My thanks to the many fine physicians, nurses, and other practitioners that took care of me.”
Remembering Dr. Pelonero
By Anand Pandurangi, MD, MBBS, DLFAPA
July 22, 2021
My association with Tony began when he was a 2nd year psychiatry resident at MCV/VCU. I was impressed by his enthusiasm to learn and agreed to be his mentor. He was a quick learner and hard worker. We had a fruitful and productive relationship for the next 10 years during which we published high quality scientific articles on the biology of schizophrenia. We also presented our work at major conferences in San Diego and Santa Fe. We became family friends and spent much time together in each other's homes. Tony and I played tennis together for several years. We went to Kings Dominion many times with our spouses and kids. It was a fun time.
After he moved to healthcare administration in the private sector, and I remained in academia, our paths rarely diverged except for occasional interactions. He was very thoughtful and recently called me to express his gratitude and say goodbye. It was sad. I wasn't willing to accept that he would soon be gone. I told him how proud I was of his career and accomplishments. We had a good long conversation about his health, our families, and the good old days.
Rama, our children Abhi and Ashvin, and I will always remember Tony as a smart, warm, endearing and helpful person, bubbling with energy and ideas, someone who cared deeply especially about his family, and also friends, colleagues and patients.
Our deep condolences to Jo Ann, Alex, Lee, and Theresa. We are keeping Tony and the family in our thoughts and pray that the good Lord give them strength in this time of grief and mourning. He will be remembered for a very long time to come.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Crossover Healthcare Ministry, 8600 Quioccasin Rd., Suite 101; Henrico, VA 23229. Also find them at https://www.crossoverministry.org/donate/.
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