HULL, David
David Hull, MD, of West Hartford, died at the age of 59 on Monday, (February 11, 2013) at Saint Francis Hospital. Dr. Hull was Emeritus Director of the Hartford Hospital Transplant Program and a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Hull was born and raised in Astoria, NY, the son of the late Robert and Frances Hull. He attended Beloit College where he earned a degree in Special Chemistry Biology, a minor in Studio Art, and met his wife, Connie Donofrio. He attended medical school at University of Florida and completed his residency at Boston University Affiliated Hospitals. He went on to graduate from Tufts University Medical Center Transplant Fellowship Program. In 1987, Dr. Hull began his career in Transplantation and General Surgery at Hartford Hospital and would become Director of Clinical Transplantation at Hartford Hospital in 1998. His career was devoted to care of patients in need of a transplant and endstage organ illnesses. He performed countless surgeries and transplants and authored more than 70 medical publications and abstracts. Dr. Hull taught surgical residents, physician's assistants, and nursing students from John Dempsey Hospital, St. Raphael's Hospital, Waterbury Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, Quinnipiac University, Dartmouth University, Baystate Medical Center and Springfield College. He was a proud member of the New England Surgery Society, Chairman of the Organ Availability Committee of the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) and recently voted to be a member the UNOS Board of Directors. He also served on numerous local and national committees and boards pertinent to his field. He was a tireless volunteer for such organizations as the American Liver Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation and the LifeChoice OPO. Dr. Hull performed the first laparoscopic living-kidney-donor surgery in New England. He won numerous teaching and professional awards including the American Liver Foundation's "Physician of the Year", the National Kidney Foundation's "James P. Colangelo MD Achievement Award", and UCONN Residency Training Program's "Best Teacher" award. In 2009, Dr. Hull accepted an award from the 5th National Learning Congress on behalf of the Hartford Hospital Transplant Program in recognition of their "commitment to increasing the number of lives saved through transplantation." In 2011, after three years of struggling with lymphoma and a bone marrow transplant, Dr. Hull was honored for his 24 years of service at Hartford Hospital and transitioned to Emeritus Director of the transplant program. Aside from his career, David was a fun-loving Renaissance man. He had a great sense of humor and was an adventurist. He loved traveling West with his family experiencing different thrills from whitewater rafting, mountain biking or skiing to backpacking the Teton's and Rockies. One of his utmost enjoyments was relaxing at the beach or walking with his German shepherds in the West Hartford Reservoir. He could shape wood into furniture, weld discarded parts into creative sculptures and rebuild engines. It was only natural that he would work on the ultimate machine, replacing parts in the human body. Later in life he enjoyed photography. He overcame hurdles through determination and a positive outlook. There was no quit in David. A lifelong friend described him "full of heart, having integrity, enthusiasm, compassion, dedication and especially tenacity. Talent, endurance, loyalty, laughter, fun-loving, adventurous, loving and kind, these are just a few of the many outstanding qualities he possessed that immediately come to mind. There are dozens more. Despite his many accomplishments, or maybe because of them, his spirit never changed from his childhood." He succumbed to graft-versus host disease related to the treatment of his lymphoma. Dr. David Hull was truly a remarkable and inspirational man that had extraordinary number of gifts, but it was his love for family, friends and work that influenced us the most. He will be sorely missed. Aside from his wife Connie, he leaves two sons, Jason and Aaron Hull of West Hartford; his daughter Stephanie Hull of NYC; his sister Gail Birs of Loxahatchee, FL; and his dogs Caesar and Titus. He was predeceased by his sister, Beth Hull.
A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the LifeChoice Donor Services, 8 Griffin Rd. North, Windsor, CT 06095 The American Liver Foundation (ALF), 127 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 or The National Kidney Foundation (NKF), 1463 Highland Ave., Cheshire, CT 06410. For information or to leave online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
A great guy, sad gone so soon.
Paul Taublieb
Friend
February 8, 2024
David Hull will always remain in our hearts for all the good he has done for so many.
Sincerely,
Diba and family
Diba Khan-Bureau
Friend
February 8, 2024
Dr. Hull continues to inspire me to bring a greater awareness to the importance of Organ and Tissue Transplantation. Peter and Frances Kupczak
Peter Kupczak
Friend
February 12, 2023
Without you I would not be here today.. your never forgotten- what a wonderful man and surgeon! He touched so many lives. My deepest condolences to his family.
Christine Duley
February 13, 2022
The CT Transplant Community continues to mourn the loss of Dr. Hull as well as his many colleagues that continue his work to save lives through Organ Transplantation. Peter and Frances Kupczak
Peter Kupczak
Friend
February 8, 2022
Thank you for all done for medicine and transplantations you were really one of Gods angels on earth Rest in Peace
Judith Ridley-Robert
Other
February 8, 2022
Dr. Hull saved my life 18 years ago with a liver resection due to Neuroendocrine cancer. He is thought of daily in my routine. Your missed by many!
Christine Duley
February 8, 2021
As a class mate of David in my science courses and Connie's in art, I just want to say that these were/are two of the gentlest, smartest and charming people I knew at Beloit.
Patrice Showers Corneli
Classmate
February 8, 2021
You are missed each and every day. You are one of those unforgettable human beings
February 8, 2021
We (Howard and I) were so deeply saddened to learn of David's death but delighted to learn of his very, very rich life.
David was perhaps the calmest, most intelligent and most pleasant person I knew in our class at Beloit.
I was very fond of Connie as we both shared an art and biology double major and often chatted about that. So it is for Connie that I give my deepest sympathy. I always felt that Connie and David were truly wonderful together.
Patrice Showers Corneli
July 24, 2013
I am so sorry to her about Dr. Hull. My husband has passed for a while now but while he was alive Dr. Hull took care of him with a Kidney transplant. My husband and I both thought very highly of him. He will surely be missed. Sincerely, Margaret Bacha
May 15, 2013
On Jan 19.1999 I recieved a second chance at life a kidney transplant.My brother was the donor and Dr Hull the surgeon if wasn't for this truly gifted surgeon I would not be alive today.I am greatful everyday for this gift.Dr Hull you will be missed.To his family I am sorry for your loss.He touched so many lives god bless
Evelyn Smith
April 24, 2013
Dr. Hull went the extra mile. While waiting for a kidney transplant, he offered to do a minor surgery I needed on a Saturday when no other doctor could do it. He himself wasn't feeling well then. I last saw Dr. Hull in 2011 at an Organ Donor Appreciation banquet. He'd gotten a bone marrow transplant and I had gotten a kidney transplant. We sat next to each other. He was smiling and happy and encouraging. I will never forget him. He was a wonderful human being and will be greatly missed.
Nicole King
April 14, 2013
A wonderful surgeon and compassionate human being.He saved my sisters life wih a kidney transplant ten years ago.My family is eternally grateful.GOD bless Dr.Hull.
jim teach
March 26, 2013
On Aug 8, 2002 Dr. David Hull was the only doctor who knew how to do my surgery in CT he saved my life there hasnt been a day I dont think about my surgery and the doctor! To the family I am so sorry for your loss!! He touched my life forever!
Christine Duley
March 1, 2013
Dr Hull operated on my daughter in 2000 he saved her life and she had (2) boys and went on to function in a normal life... he was the most amazing man I had ever met......I just learned of his passing...to the family...what a great loss of such a intelligent and amazing man...
linda grant
March 1, 2013
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Dr. Hull touched our lives by giving my mother a second chance at life when he performered her kidney transplant. This allowed her to create many more memories with her family and friends. We are forever grateful to Dr. Hull.
Nancy Anderson on behalf of Maria Pires
Maria Pires
March 1, 2013
I would like to express my condolences to the family of Dr. Hull, as well as to all who were touched by him. His contribution to the surgical community was far reaching and profound, to both patients and professionals. It was an honor to work with him in the transplant program.
Amanda Hurwitz
February 23, 2013
I was deeply saddened to hear of David's passing. He personified everything great in the medical profession. He was tireless in his efforts to help people, always available and always caring. David helped my father in law when all other physicians said there was nothing more they could do, giving him another summer in his beloved beach home. My deepest condolences to his family, he was a hero to many!
Jeffrey Berkman, MD
February 22, 2013
Having gone to high school with David, I don't know that I would have predicted that he would have become such a magnificent physician and man. But he did. I work with people on dialysis and have been aware of David's loving contribution over the years. May you all be held in God's loving embrace and may David's memory be for a blessing.
Jane Scheibel
February 20, 2013
I was deeply sadden to hear about the passing of Dr Hull. He was one of the doctors that help save my brother's life when he lost his kidney. The one thing I will alway remember is how much he cared for my brother and the truth he told us no matter how much it hurt. He was alway showed interest and loving care during that and I hope he knew we all appreciate all that he had done. He transplanted my 3 brothers and one nephew. Thank- you for all you have done for my family.
RIP
Judith D Ridley-Robert
February 19, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
GARY RIDLEY
February 19, 2013
may your soul rest in peace David...my condolences to your family...
Jessie Bergman
February 19, 2013
I first met David in College back in 1971 when we became instant friends - and my life was made much better by knowing him. My thoughts are with Connie and David's children during this difficult time. He was a wonderful guy.
Rick Davidson
February 19, 2013
Very sorry to hear. We were in elementary school and high school together - and on the swim team. A great guy, amazing life. Condolences and thoughts are with his family. Paul Taublieb
paul taublieb
February 18, 2013
To the Hull family. Please accpet my sincere ondolences for your loss. I met Dr. Hull several years ago at Hartford Hospital at an event to promote Organ and Tissue donation. I myself am a Donor Dad. Dr. Hull touched my life deeply through his caring and compassion and his deep committment to promote Organ and Tissue Donation. We will miss him. Peter and Frances Kupczak
Peter Kupczak
February 18, 2013
TO THE HULL FAMILY- I WAS A PATIENT IN DR.HULL'S OFFICE. HE WAS A GENTLEMAN. MAY HE REST PEACEFULLY.
MICHAEL TUTLER
February 17, 2013
Mentioning David Hull transplants livers to anyone from our high school in a go-round of 'what happened to' never failed to elicit shock and awe. A prankster, tenacious boundary pusher, distracted student, and every mother's worry - David was a great buddy. His superb antics are at the heart of many memories. RIP.
Peter Tigler
February 17, 2013
David, Dr. Hull was a considerate, kind, honest, dedicated man. He saved my father's life more than once after a failed kidney transplant (Dr. Hull didn't perform that transplant). My father had many complications and it was Dr. Hull that operated twice to save my dad's life. He took the time with my family to talk and explain the complicated issues that my dad. He would meet even after he was done for the day. I ran the Hartford marathon in honor of David. He always insisted to include his "partners" in the thanks that I wrote. He never saw the bad in anyone but always tried to see the good in all of those around him. My family and I will miss his friendship. He was truly courageous with his battle. He never complained and always asked about others without thinking about himself. He will be missed by many of those who's lives he touched. He touched mine, he touched my family's.
To Jason, Steph, and Aaron you were blessed to have a dad that loved you so much. I am sorry for your family's loss.
Sincerely and with love always,
Diba and my dad; Duran Khan's family.
Diba Khan-Bureau
February 16, 2013
I had the honor of working with David for many years in the Operating Room at Hartford Hospital. He was passionate about the Transplant Program and dedicated to promoting awareness about "the gift of life". A Transplant Surgeon's hours are long, and he often worked on weekends and throughout the night. He was a kind and compassionate, to his patients, staff and friends. I will always be grateful for his support to my family after the death of my nephew.
Thank you to his family for sharing David with us. He made a difference in this world. I am blessed to have known him.
May beautiful memories comfort you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judith Conley
February 16, 2013
This loss leaves me speechless. He gave me an amazing gift when he saved my husband's life. We were able to have 9 amazing years with family and friends because of Dr. Hull's dedication and talent. I hope and pray that Connie and their children find some comfort from family and friends who also adored this unique man. There are not enough words to describe this special human being. My love to all.
Marcy Hollander cromwell, ct.
February 16, 2013
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Hull in the OR. Seeing your name assigned to his room meant a day of challenges, and being the best scrub nurse or circulating nurse you could be, because working with him made you want to rise to your top level of professionalism. Transplanting with Dr. Hull was a constant reminder to me of why I have this job. He was a role model for me and I know for many others. My condolences to his family.
Liz Rutledge
February 16, 2013
I am so sad, my prayers are with the family. Dr. Hull gave so much hope to the little people, like me, his special touch will be with me and my cousin who he gave my kidney to. Love and Resepct Joanada.
February 15, 2013
To Dr Hulls family he was an amazing part of the renal community and we were all so lucky to have learned so much from him. His compassion and talent will be sadly missed.
Margie Locke RN
February 15, 2013
Dr. Hull was truly one of the most remarkable Physicians I have ever met. He was my customer for many years. He had an enthusiasm for not only his profession but also for life. Our lives were all enriched by knowing him. He will be missed and I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
Anita Smith
February 15, 2013
Thank You Dr. Hull for giving my son Dr. Thomas Dempsey the "Gift of Life".
Doris McDermott
February 15, 2013
Thank you Dr. Hull for saving the life of my son-in-law twice. Also for being his dear friend and running partner. Your talents, heart, and kindness meant so much to many of us for what you have given us through your work. Always to be remembered. Pat Neligon, Griswold, Ct.
Patricia Neligon
February 14, 2013
David: I know you will be watching over all of us now. I am blessed to have had the pleasure to work with you for so many years at HH, and I will miss your kindness and thoughtfulness. The world is a better place because of you, and you will be missed by all. You were truly a gift to the many patients you care for. Thank you to your family for sharing you with all of us.
Joan Sadowski
February 14, 2013
I am sorry for your lost of Dr. Hull. He saved my husband's life and I am so grateful for that. Dr. Hull gained his angel wings now like he had angel hands here on earth. He is going 2 be missed by all. So sorry again for your lost.
February 14, 2013
Connie,Jason,Steph and Aaron-
David will be sorely missed by so many, including all of the LeBlanc/Tillinghast family who knew him, laughed with him, shared holidays and meals, as well as an enduring respect and caring friendship. He truely was an amazingly giving person and it was a privelege to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Laurie, Pete, Scott and Karin
February 14, 2013
God rest your soul, Doctor Hull. Thank you for daring to make a difference for me, and for so many others. I thank God on every remembrance of you.
Phil Moberg
February 14, 2013
Dr. Hull saved my life Dec. 6, 2000 with a liver transplant. He was a wonderful and caring man who will be so missed..blessings to his family and friends!
Lorraine Wheeler
Lorraine Wheeler
February 14, 2013
Connie, Jason, Steph, Aaron - David was one of the greatest men I have ever known. It was my privilege to be his coworker and his friend. He will certainly watch over us from above. Thinking of you. Rosanne Uricchio
February 14, 2013
Dr. Hull, thank you for being a part of the team that saved my husband's life, 2/18/99, with a liver transplant. I thank your wife and family for sharing you with us. May blessings of peace and comfort surround them. Forever grateful.
Janet Moberg
February 14, 2013
Dr. Hull was my idol. A man of integrity and courage. He was the most selfless person I knew. His tireless dedication to organ and tissue donation was second to none. He took wonderful care of me when I was ill and was amazing with my donor sister. His skill and knowledge saved my life. I will never forget him.
Dawn Lawlor
February 14, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
Jane Dowling
February 14, 2013
On November 5, 2005, Dr. Hull saved my life with a kidney transplant. May God continue to bless his family as they go through this period of grief. I will never, ever forget him. With God's hands, they gave me 'life.'
Eva Seward
February 14, 2013
UDear Connie,Jason andAaron, I am so sorry for your loss. David was such a dedicated healer and wonderful person. Boys, I hope you follow in his footsteps.
Coach Peter Wallack
February 14, 2013
Dr Hull not only saved lives, he encouraged such a positive attitude to go along with it. He was always there when we needed him and he will never be forgotten.
Jane Andrews
February 14, 2013
David was an amazing man. His energy and dedication to his patients was nothing short of amazing. His amazing skills gave many people years of life, including my father. Post surgery he was the most caring and involved physician I have ever seen. He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace.
Steve Hollander
February 14, 2013
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