Donald Amatuzio

Amatuzio, Donald, M.D. Died peacefully at home on Sunday, August 13, 2006, as a result of end- stage kidney failure. Donald Amatuzio was a distinguished and beloved physician, research scientist, and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He practiced internal medicine in Minneapolis with Dr. Ralph Silas and Dr. Frank Martin. He left his practice in the capable hands of Dr. Ronald Kauffman and Dr. Peter Kiely. Donald Amatuzio was born on March 1, 1918, to Margaret Chivotte and Albert Amatuzio, both of whom were Italian immigrants. He grew up in West Duluth with his four siblings, Maria Johnson (Dolly), Antoinette Sand (Toots), Albert (A.J.), and Richard (Dick). He graduated from Denfeld High School, Duluth, in 1936. He attended two years of junior college in Duluth and then traveled to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis where he attended the Institute of Technology in Chemical Engineering. He applied to medical school on a "dare" and was immediately accepted in the Class of 1940. He graduated from medical school with a M.D., interned at Mercy Hospital in Chicago and married his beloved wife, the love of his life, Verda Ann Barry, R.N. of Sisseton, South Dakota on March 14, 1945. After completing his internship he entered the Navy and served as a physician on the USS Merrimack, and at Naval Hospitals in Japan. After his discharge in 1950, he was called back into duty for the Korean Conflict where he cared for wounded Marines in Japan. He was discharged in 1954 as a decorated war veteran. In 1954 he returned to Minnesota, and studied Internal Medicine until his retirement in 1986, and then worked part-time for the Medical Evaluation of Recruits for the US Armed Forces (MEPS) until age 83. Donald was distinguished by his passion for knowledge, and his frequent counsel: "Knowledge Is No Secret" The library was his favorite room in the house, however, his other passion was his enduring love for his wife and family. Verda and Don celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on March 14, 2006. He had three children; Janis Amatuzio, husband Tom Baumgart; Barry Amatuzio, wife Paula and daughter Samantha; and Patricia Amatuzio, husband Chris Bohler and son Nick; all of whom live in the Twin Cities. Indelible optimism marked the path of his life. He was a consummate teacher and a perpetual student. Perhaps his most profound lesson was his life lived. He will be remembered as a wise man, loved forever by family and friends; marked by generosity, wisdom, and great kindness; he will be dearly missed. Mass of Christian Burial 12 Noon Wednesday at The Church of St. Helena, 3201 E. 43rd St., Mpls. Visitation at church 10:30 AM-12 Noon. Interment 12 noon Thursday at Oneota Cemetery, Duluth. Gearty-Delmore 952-926-1615
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.