Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Cosmo DiFazio Obituary
September 10, 1933 - August 21, 2024
Cosmo Americo DiFazio, Sr., age 91, passed on August 21, 2024, in Palmyra, VA.
He was born in Rumford, ME in 1932. After graduating from Rutgers University, with a B.S. in Pharmacy, he went to graduate school at the University of North Carolina, receiving a Ph.D. and M.D.
He served his residency program in Anesthesiology at the University Of Virginia Medical Center, and served as a clinical Anesthesiologist and Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Virginia for nearly 40 years. He was also a pioneer in the field of regional anesthesia, conducting research on the medications that are now regularly used for epidural blocks in obstetric procedures.
During the Vietnam era, he also served in the Army Reserves as a Major, attached to the Army's 56th Station Hospital in Richmond, VA.
His professional successes were secondary to his most cherished accomplishment, his family. While a student at Rutgers University, he met the love of his life, Connie, also a pharmacy student. They were married for 62 years, before her death in 2017. He credited her as the reason behind all of his professional successes. They had five children, Cosmo Jr., Michael, Charlie, Maria and Patrick. They also enjoyed spending time with their daughter-in-laws, Faye, Bonnie, Diane, and Cathy; their 13 grandchildren, Cosmo, Michael, Emma, Ryan, Cody, Melissa, Kevin, Arielle, Greg, Kyle, Andrew, Bella and Francie; and three great-grandchildren, Jaclyn, Wyatt and Dean.
Cosmo is preceded in death by his parents, Cosmo and Maria; his beloved wife, Connie; and his older brother, Anthony. He is survived by his five children; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother, Louis DiFazio; and sister, Mary Peterson. He is also survived by a host of colleagues and friends who he considered part of his family.
A viewing will be held at Teague Funeral Home, in Charlottesville, VA, on Wednesday September 4th, between 5 and 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., on September 5th, at the Church of St. Peter and Paul, in Palmyra, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cosmo DiFazio Research Chair for the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Virginia, or the American Cancer Society.
Teague Funeral Home
2260 Ivy Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22903
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cosmo DiFazio
4 Entries
Randolph Canterbury
October 22, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Cos. He was a close colleague at UVA--a person and a physician whom I greatly admired.
Richard Creasy, MD
October 16, 2024
I was a resident in Anesthesiology, ''74-'77, and felt that Cos exemplified both the best in being an anesthesiologist as well as in being a physician. He was patient, kind and caring with his patients and a terrific teacher and role model to his residents and staff. I was truly blessed to have trained with him and my other professors then, and he helped shape my 30+ years in Anesthesiology. God bless you, sir.
Donna DiMurro
August 31, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I knew Dr. DeFazio working in the Anesthesia Dept in the OR. He was a sweet and kind person! May you rest in heaven!
Carolyn Engelhard
August 31, 2024
Dr. DiFazio was the anesthesiologist for the birth of my daughter some 40+ years ago -- a planned C-section for my high-risk pregnancy. I remember so well the care he took of me, making sure I could be awake and comfortable, and the joy in the OR as my husband and I welcomed our long awaited daughter. Dr. DiFazio had that Italian dad kind of way that made one feel safe and important. Being a good physician is a calling, and Dr. DiFazio exemplified the role.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Cosmo DiFazio's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Cosmo DiFazio
Sep
4
How to support Cosmo's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Cosmo DiFazio's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
