John Francis Ditunno, Jr., M.D.

He was a super boss and friend. Regretably a long time of no contact.

It has been a week since I sat in the church at the John’s final goodbye. So many memories have surfaced in the past few days. I will always remember how he found resources to get me to Philadelphia to San Diego to present at my first ASIA meeting as a second-year resident and the following year, made it possible for me to present at ISCOS in Vancouver. He wanted to inspire young physicians to follow in his footsteps. John Ditunno, and others who trained under him, mentored me through...

John was always welcoming in his demeanor and interactions with others, and was approachable to all despite his immense stature in the field of spinal cord injury. He epitomized the best in his endorsement of a team approach to SCI care. He was engaging to talk to because of his wide interests and intellectual curiosity. He and I shared an interest in fly fishing; I only regret not having had the opportunity to spend some time with him in that shared passion.

John’s professional achievements continue to impact the field of SCI Medicine and benefit individuals living with SCI. His passion for studying this condition and educating others influenced the careers of countless health care providers and researchers.

We are remembering all the good times together and all the great contributions John made to the medical world. Thank you John for all of that.
There was much time spent together at the beach, in Vermont, to the multitude of restaurants we visited in Philadelphia. Lots of laughs and lots of fun.
We watched each others children grow up and then we got to enjoy retirement together.
Thank you for all of that and for such amazing guidance and concern as we lived through serious...

John was a kind and generous person. Have many fond memories during the years we worked together on the Board and many activities of the American Spinal Injury Association. He and Pat were very special friends.

Marianne Kaplan, Chicago

My teacher, professor, mentor, ASIA sponsor, friend, collaborator, and colleague, thank you, you have touched many lives. I am grateful for knowing and learning from you! MJ Mulcahey

In loving memory of a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend.

In loving memory of a wonderful person and great physician.