Anthony Cosentino

1932 - 2016

Anthony M. Cosentino, MD

Of Tiburon, passed away peacefully, on January 20, at the age of 83. Dr. Cosentino was a prominent pulmonologist, known by many in the Bay Area medical community, and beyond. He was born in Chicago, May 20, 1932, to the parents of Michael and Concetta Cosentino. As a child, Dr. Cosentino excelled at sports and academics. He loved baseball, eventually pitching for his college team. He also enjoyed speed skating, once winning Chicago's "Silver Skates" competition.

Although he had an interest in law, he ultimately chose to pursue a career in medicine. He graduated from Xavier University, Cincinnati at age 19, and then received his medical degree from the University Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, cum laude, in 1956. He received his post-graduate training at University of California San Francisco, with a residency in Internal Medicine, and a fellowship in Cardiopulmonary Medicine at UCSF's Cardiovascular Research Institute. He served two years as a Captain in the US Army at Ft. Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Colorado, where he directed a cardiopulmonary research lab.

He returned to San Francisco to pursue a career in pulmonary medicine at UCSF and St. Mary's Medical Center. At St. Mary's, in addition to treating patients, he held the position of Chief of Academic Medicine and was Director of the Internal Medicine Residency program for 18 years. He also held director positions in critical care and pulmonary medicine at Mt. Zion and St. Francis Hospitals, and was an Associate Dean for Tan Tao University of Medicine, Vietnam. With Dr. Richard Martin, he co-edited the textbook "CardioThoracic Interrelationships in Clinical Medicine", and just before his passing, he self-published a guide for patients with COPD. He was a recipient of the Pillar of St. Mary's Award for his nearly 50 years of dedication to medical education and patient care. He never retired, still making rounds at the St. Mary's ICU up until his recent illness.

His hobbies and interests included reading, skiing, skating, tennis, wind surfing, baseball, mathematics, chess, cooking, opera, and the appreciation of fine wine and good espresso coffee. Later in life, he developed a passion for cycling, including climbing the mountain passes of Italy and the Markleeville Death Ride and following the Giro D'italia. He later took up fly-fishing and piano. He also took an interest in his granddaughter's education, helping any way he could, especially with her math. He loved spending time at his condominium at Squaw Valley, where he perfected his ski turns, and enjoyed cooking for family and friends. He was a philosopher, who sought to answer the perpetual question of the meaning of life.

He leaves behind his wife Barbara, his daughters Carla and Janice (and husband Frank Scancarello), his sons Frederick and Giorgio (and wife Nisha and granddaughter Nadia) and his brother, Richard (and wife Mary). He also leaves 5 nieces and 1 nephew, all who he greatly adored. To them, he was their Uncle Mickey. He is preceded in death by his parents, and a long list of feline companions.

Patients, residents, and colleagues will remember Tony fondly, and families will always love him. The communities he touched in his own way throughout his travels in Tahoe, France, Italy, including any skiing, cycling and fishing havens, will always cherish him. Even if they only knew Tony for a mere hour, his spirit left a candle shining brightly Â…shining with the energy of an inquisitive nature and genuine heart that will not be forgotten.

Doctor, Father, Husband, Brother, Grandpa, Uncle, Friend, Mentor, Philosopher, Soldier of LifeÂ…his memory will be honored forever in our hearts. A Mass and Memorial Celebration will be held at the St. Mary's Hospital Chapel, San Francisco, CA, on April 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Reception and Celebration to follow at Morrissey Hall.

If you would like to help carry on Tony's passion for education, donations can be made to St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation at (415)-750-5790. Please specify 'for Internal Medicine Education'.