Joseph L. Territo, D.O.

Joseph Leonard Territo was born in Detroit Michigan on June 29, 1936, to Leonard and Josephine Territo. He was the oldest of 4 children: Luise, Mary and Carl, who are with us today.

Joe grew up and went to school in Detroit. He was a fine student and a talented dancer and stage performer, leading to high-level, radio and stage opportunities around the city.   Still in his teens, Joe ran a dance studio performing professionally with his sisters Luise and Mary at the Fischer Theater and on local radio.

While in high school, Joe met his beautiful princess, Beverly Jane Ciemniak.   After graduation, he made the difficult choice to study Pharmacy over a professional dancing career.   He attended Wayne State University. Joe and Beverly were married in 1956.

In the next 6 years, the happy couple had 5 children: Joe, Cindy Chris, Jeff and Jon. In the midst of growing a family, Joe was accepted into medical school at the Chicago School of Osteopathy.

In 1965, his life took a turn: His father and mentor passed away from lung cancer.

In 1968, he finished his schooling and he started a family practice in Waterford, Michigan, and connecting himself with Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital. As his career grew, so did his opportunities. Dr. Territo became the Medical Director and Director of Medical Education at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital.

If he was not at his practice, he was with his family - gardening, raising farm animals, building, fixing - always with family by his side.  No golfing for this doctor!

In 1978, at age 42, his life took another turn. Joe suffered a cerebral aneurism, which nearly took his life. After a long recovery he had a new lease on life. In December of that year, his youngest son Jim was born. The family also moved to Clarkston at the beginning of 1979.

In 1982, Dr. Territo opened his Drayton Plains office. He and Beverly were done having children. They began their GRAND children phase.

Dr. Joseph Territo stayed in family practice until 2015 when he retired due to cancer surgery and a heart condition. Complications from his heart condition lead to a gradual decline in his health. He died on March 31, 2018 in his home in Clarkston.

Joseph Territo leaves behind his wife, Beverly of 62 years, his 6 children Joe (Angela) Territo; Cindy Karagosian; Chris (Phil Treais) Morrisroe; Jeff (Dina ) Territo; Jon (Michelle) Territo and Jim Territo: , 14 grandchildren, Matthew (Rayna) Territo; Gregory Territo; Anna (Scott) Crumbly; Robert, Karagosian; Amanda (Jason) Uppleger; Anthony Karagosian; Jacob Morrisroe; Nathan Morrisroe; Joseph Territo, Michael (Michelle) Territo; Jeffery Territo; Marino Territo; Mariolina Territo; and Josephine Territo; 1 step-great-grandchild, Lydia, and one great-granddaughter on the way—baby Uppleger.

Additional Accomplishments:

• He led the way with his colleague Dr. Roger Byrd, to create the first Osteopathic Dermatology Residency Program

• He was the visionary for the hospital expansion of Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital with connectivity of two buildings (now McLaren Oakland)

• In 2017, he was honored and became a member of the Gold Medallion League of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine for his 50 years of dedication to his profession.

• He was elected Fellow by the Academy of Osteopathic Directors of Medical Education in 1987

• Put himself through medical school while raising five children with his wife Beverly.

Friends may visit at Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston Tuesday 4:00-8:00 pm with Rosary Service at 7:00 pm and Wednesday 4:00-8:00 pm with Remembrance Remarks at 7:00 pm. 

Funeral Mass Thursday 11:00 am at St. Daniel Catholic Church, Clarkston. Rite of Committal All Saints Cemetery, Waterford.  Memorials may be made in honor of Dr. Joseph Territo to McLaren Oakland Foundation or St. Daniel Catholic Church.