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Joseph Gerbasi Obituary
June 30, 1934 – Jan. 16, 2016
Dr. Joseph Roy Gerbasi, of East Aurora, former director of transplant surgery at Erie County Medical Center, died Saturday in Father Baker Manor, Orchard Park. He was 81.
Born in Niagara Falls, he attended LaSalle High School. He was a 1957 graduate of the University of Rochester and earned his master's degree in bacteriology and immunology the following year at the University of Buffalo. He graduated with high thesis honors from UB Medical School in 1962.
Dr. Gerbasi completed his internship and residency at Buffalo General Hospital in 1966, then was a captain in the Army Medical Corps from 1966 to 1968, serving in Vietnam at a field hospital at Nha Trang.
Returning from service, he was director of transplant surgery at ECMC from 1969 to 2004 and an assistant professor of surgery at the UB Medical School from 1969 to 1977, then became a clinical associate professor of surgery.
He founded Surgical Associates of Western New York in 1976 and continued to practice until 2014.
Dr. Gerbasi was a founding member of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Artificial Internal Organs, and national and local medical societies.
He served on the board of directors of Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS) from its inception in 1995 and received its Gift of Life Award in 2000.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Joan Kennedy; two sons, Patrick and Kenneth; two daughters, Diana Izydorzak and Lynda Schmidt; two brothers, Ross and Robert; a sister, Patricia Sosnowski; and eight grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 520 Oakwood Ave., East Aurora.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gerbasi
Mark Munro
January 25, 2016
Joan, Patrick, Diana, Lynda and Kenny, Cousin Joe, his advice, and often humorous commentary on life's events will be sadly missed.
Mary Ann Brown
January 23, 2016
Deepest sympathy to his family. I am a retired employee of Mercy Hospital having worked in the Admissions Office and Medical Transcription Dept. He was a very kind and compassionate doctor. Rest in peace.
Lucille Wozniak
January 22, 2016
It had been my honor to work side by side with him at Surgical Associates. When he interviewed me for the job, I stood up when he came into the room. He waved his hands and told me to sit down, that we are not that formal here. Since I was just finishing school, he asked me how his son could get a job!! I laugh every time I think of that. He was such a great teacher that I think I learned more from him than I did at school. He was always patient and caring to his employees and his patients. Dr. G. also like to have fun with us and we spent many times together just socializing. As a result, we became like family. He will be missed by all. RIP dear man.
Vickie Keidel
January 22, 2016
Dr.Gerbasi preformed my two kidney transplants.I couldn't have hoped for a better surgeon.He was skilled,kind,caring,and compassionate.I truly believe I am still healthy today,because of the great renal team from ECMC.I also had the honor to work with Dr.Gerbasi on National Kidney Foundation of WNY projects,that benefited local renal patients.My sincere condolences to his family.
Ashlee Kasprzak
January 22, 2016
Dr. Gerbasi did all my moms breasts surgies and became a very close family friend. He was such a wonderful doctor and surgeon. He will be missed by everyone. I will always cherish the memories I have of him. Rest in peace doctor. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. Now you are reunited with my mom in heaven. Make sure my mom and you watch over me.
Jean Montante
January 21, 2016
A great Loss. Dr Gerbasi was a great man and an Doctor. My husband was very lucky to have him take care of him. Sincerely, Jean Montante (late Joseph)
C M
January 20, 2016
Sincerest sympathy to the entire Gerbasi family. A friendly, caring and compassionate man, who put the needs of his patients above all else. Thank you for sharing your husband, father, grandfather with the communities and people he served! RIP
Debbie and Barb and Don Spors
January 20, 2016
So sorry for the families loss. Dr Gerbasi will be missed. He was a great surgeon and an amazing man.
Carol Davenport
January 20, 2016
My sincere sympathy to the Gerbasi family. I only meet Mr. Gerbasi a short while ago but what a joy it was.
Andrea Mann
January 20, 2016
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Gerbasi's passing. He certainly was a dedicated, compassionate man and doctor. He helped to maintain my father's health for many years. My sister and I will be forever grateful for him. Many years after my father's passing, I called Dr.Gerbasi to ask him a question and he accepted my call immediately as if we were friends. I will forever remember him and his kindness. RIP Doctor
George Anderson
January 20, 2016
My condolences and prayers to Dr. Gerbasi's family. He was my surgeon years ago. Also, as administrator at UB Dept of Medicine, I enjoyed many conversations with Joe in the coffee shop at ECMC . Wonderful person!
Peace,
George Anderson
Margaret O'Sullivan
January 20, 2016
My sincerest sympathy to the Gerbasi family. He was a wonderful man who I had the pleasure of meeting when I was at Mercy Hospital. Such a kind, caring and talented man. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Tony Curatolo
January 20, 2016
Ken, Diana, Patrick and Lynda,
Your dad gave everyone confidence and a sense of pride. He is forever in our hearts, Tony Curatolo
January 20, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one,Dr. Joseph Roy Gerbasi. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, And may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father , who loves us, comfort your hearts and "Make you firm." ( 2 Thess 2: 16, 17).
Mark Simon
January 20, 2016
Dr Gerbasi was great man, passionate about his family, friends, patients and his work. We at UNYTS are appreciative of all his support over the years. He will always be remembered.
Mike Wisniewski
January 20, 2016
My deepest Condolences. The loss of Dr Gerbasi is a great loss to those who he saved. My grandfather is one who he saved and allowed us to have him for 20 more years. Thank You Dr Gerbasi may you now be joined by all those who you have saved. RIP
Grace Obrien
January 20, 2016
Thanks Joe for being the great man, comforter and grandfather that you were. You will be sorely missed by all. Rest in peace and Godspeed.
Angel Piazza
January 20, 2016
Such a sweet manworked with him many years agoMay he rest in peace
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