Max Negri M.D.

Max Negri M.D.

Retired orthopedic surgeon, philanthropist, beloved husband, father and friend Max Negri, M.D., died Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Little Company of Mary Hospital. Born in 1925 he was raised in East Los Angeles. Dr. Negri was a life-long learner and active community member. Dr. Max served in Patton’s Third Army and received the Purple Heart for wounds suffered at the Battle of the Bulge. In 1946 he entered U.S.C. and was honored with membership in Phi Beta Kappa society in 1950. Dr. Negri attended U.S.C. School of Medicine, and became the first orthopedic resident at the Harbor Los Angeles County Hospital. He was a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon from 1959-1989, initially in Long Beach and subsequently in Rolling Hills and Torrance. Dr. Negri was a wonderful asset to his community and Little Company of Mary Hospital. He started his career as a highly respected general orthopedic surgeon, later developing special interest and skills in spinal surgery. In addition, Dr. Negri performed extensive clinical research in chymopapain lumbar injections, helping many people and creating a fine reputation, evolving into a special and unique ability to care for and operate on challenging and complicated spinal problems. Notably, he worked closely in the 1970’s and 80’s with the radiologists at MPDI in Torrance, performing landmark and novel multiplanar diagnostic imaging, providing a new landscape for advancement in the clinical evaluation and surgical planning of primarily cervical and lumbar disorders. Dr. Negri taught at U.S.C., U.C.L.A, Cal State Los Angeles and U.C.S.D. He served as director of multiple clinical research projects and numerous appointments in Orthopedic clinics and lecturing. Dr. Negri founded River City Medical Clinical in 1982 in West Sacramento, which became Occupation Urgent Care Health (O.U.C.H.) the largest P.P.O. for workman’s compensation in the country at that time.
Max Negri was also known for his legacy of generosity which extended around the world. His philanthropic activities included Marymount College in Rancho PV, The Norris Theatre and Sunset Rotary. Perhaps the best known philanthropic interest created by Dr. Negri is the Negri Learning Center associated with the Norris Pavillion. The Negri Learning Center, set up by the Negri Foundation, is a performing arts education program that promotes excellence and accessibility to the arts. This investment and advocacy for the arts and arts education, according to Dr. Negri, is a “wonderful place for people to reach their inner talents.” Dr. Negri served for many years on the Board of Trustees at Marymount College where he and his wife Ana created The Negri Lecture Series in 1994. The series is a dynamic and interactive approach to bringing topics of interest and people of learning to the Peninsula. The Negri Foundation, founded in 1990, supports charities around the world. Through the Foundation, Dr. Negri was a pioneer in helping with Siberian tiger preservation by funding research for the first GPS- based radio tracking system for Siberian tigers in Russia.
In recognition of their generous support of cancer research Max and his wife Ana were awarded the 2006 “Angels of Hope” award. This award honors individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the medical field, to people in need, to the surrounding community and it to the City of Hope itself.
Max travelled the world, but felt there was no place as beautiful and meaningful as his home, Casa del Mar. He said that, “A man should be a spreader of joy and beauty” and to this end he created a beautiful Garden Trail on the seaside cliffs of his home, which has been a popular site for numerous charitable events. Local organizations such as BRAVO, the support group for Palos Verdes’ unique Norris Theatre, Marymount College and Palos Verdes Peninsula Symphony among others held functions in his home.
His surviving wife of 32 years, Ana Rodriguez Doran Negri, shared Dr. Negri’s passion for medicine and community involvement. Ana, a retired anesthesiologist, is the mother of 10 children. Dr. Negri and his first wife Gloria Valencia, who preceded him in death in 1975, had seven children. All 17 children participated in the joyous marriage of Max and Ana who at that time maintained a residence in Rolling Hills and later in Rancho Palos Verdes. Max is survived by his children and their spouses; Cynthia Negri Anthony (Andrew Anthony, M.D.), Laura Linda Negri Pool (Mike Pool), Scott Negri M.D. (Karen), Glenn Negri (Stephanie Negri), Roxanne Negri Gunther (Andrew Gunther), Felicia Negri Merrick (Paul Merrick), Guy Doran, Kathy Doran Copley (Steve Copley), Michael Doran (Claudia Doran), Steve Doran (Kathleen Doran), Mark Doran, Sharon Doran(Ken Wilson) Nancy Doran Giffin, Dee-Dee Doran Mullinex (Henry Mullinex), John Doran (Robin Doran) and Robert Doran (Margaret Doran). Dr. Negri’s grandchildren, Byron Max Anthony, James Anthony, Grace Anthony, Adriana Greigo, Jordan Pool, Max Pool, Emily Kay Negri, Deborah Gunther, Rebekah Gunther, Josiah Gunther, Sean Merrick, Gloria Merrick, Angela Merrick and Niko Merrick, Kelly Doran Schaurmann, Jessica Boff, Lauren Doran, Daniel Hasey, John Doran, Michael Doran, William Doran, Colleen Doran, Esebei Rodriguez Doran, Bonnie Giffin, Brian Giffin, George Mullinex, Preston Doran, Benjamin Doran, Gabriel Doran and Abigail Doran and his great grandchild Chloe Shauermann.
His eldest son, Mark Negri, and grandaughter Laurie Ana Anthony preceded him in death.
A private gathering for immediate family was held at the family home on Saturday, November 7. A community Celebration of Life service is pending. For information, please call (310)377-0274. The family suggests that any memorial gifts honoring Dr. Max be given to the Negri Learning Center, c/o the Norris Theatre for the Performing Arts, 27570 Crossfield Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274, or The Negri Lecture Series c/o Marymount College, 30800 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Please sign the guest book at www.pvnews.com.