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Karl Lanocha Obituary

Dr. Karl Lanocha

Sacramento, CA - Dr. Karl Lanocha, 68, formerly of Hopkinton, passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 2, 2023, following a brief illness. Born in 1954, Karl was the eldest of five children in a family tightly interwoven into the thriving Polish community in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from Loyola High School in Towson, Maryland, and went on to study linguistics and international relations at Georgetown University. His love of foreign languages and travel led him to continue his studies at the prestigious Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. On returning from Poland, he completed a degree in biology at Towson State University and subsequently received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his residency training in psychiatry at The Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital and a fellowship at The Tavistock Clinic in London, and he went on to become the Assistant Director of Residency Training at Sheppard Pratt. In 1989 he became the Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, a role he held for over 20 years.

Karl will be remembered for his tireless dedication to his patients and his work expanding transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy during his four-decade career in medicine. Karl was among the first psychiatrists in the nation to offer this revolutionary treatment in a clinical setting. In 2009 Karl founded the TMS Center of New England in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and in 2013 he joined Mindful Health Solutions in Sacramento, California, as Director of TMS Education. He was highly regarded as an expert in the field, co-editing a clinical textbook on TMS for the American Psychiatric Association. He was also a founding member of the Clinical TMS Society and was honored as one of the Society's 2023 Fellows.

Karl's greatest joys in life were his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Julie, his children, Leigh and Maxwell, and his granddaughter, Eleanor. He loved traveling, and memories of family trips to Poland, Switzerland, the Outer Banks, and Disney World, among others, are ones his family will always treasure. While Karl had the opportunity to travel to and live in many places around the world, the quiet woods of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, were close to his heart as the place he, Julie, and their children called home for more than two decades and shared many of their happiest days.

Karl had a passion for cooking, was a prolific smuggler of fine cheeses, and could craft a gourmet meal from scratch. His breadth of knowledge and command of facts meant discussions on almost any aspect of history, philosophy, music, art, and cinema were always entertaining, engaging, and educational.

Karl was preceded in death by his father and mother, N. Frank and Teresa Lanocha, and his brother, Stephen Lanocha. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Julie Lanocha, of Sacramento, CA; daughter, Leigh Lanocha, and her husband, Thomas Fitzgerald, of Boston, MA; son, Maxwell Lanocha, and his wife, Natalie, of Portland, OR; granddaughter, Eleanor Lanocha, of Portland, OR; sisters, Teresa Sisson, Janet Fedder, and Lisa Lanocha, of Baltimore, MD; and his cherished cockapoo, Theo. He will be remembered fondly by his extended family, friends, colleagues, and countless patients whose lives he touched.

A celebration of life will be held in Maryland at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org) or the Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA (www.spiritrock.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Monitor on Jun. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Lanocha

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Adam

May 12, 2025

I remember Karl very well from the 1974-75 academic year in Krakow, Poland. I shared a room with Karl and Stan for a year at a student campus hall of residence in Krakow. Karl was enthusiastic about so many things, a great musician - his guitar playing and singing left a lasting memory for me. Bless you, Karl.

Julie

April 29, 2025

I miss you every day.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Ms. Olivia

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Ms. Olivia

June 5, 2024

Dr. Lanocha saved my life with TMS. This is a tremendous loss I cannot even comprehend. His knowledge, education & expertise cannot be matched. He saw me through several challenging periods in my life. Dr. Lanocha passed away a hero. I am alive because of him. Thank you isn´t enough for this wonderful man. He was the first doctor in all my years in the mental health system who actually listened to me & my symptoms ... & believed me. He treated me like a person, not just a patient. He is very, deeply missed. I hope he knew what a profound impact he made while here on this earth.

My deepest condolences,
Ms. Olivia

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Magy Garcia

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M. Garcia

March 21, 2024

My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. I cannot stress the impact this man has made in my life. After, decades of struggling, the TMS treatment that he oversaw not only saved my life but drastically improved the quality as well. As a provider myself I can continue to serve my community, and I can continue being here for my children and loved ones. What a great loss, Dr. Lanocha you were brilliant, kind and compassionate and your impact on your community is truely immeasurable.

Peter S

January 28, 2024

My sincere condolences to your family - you have lost a great man and incredible person. I cannot thank you enough for allowing him to work the long hours to bring his help and treatment to others.
He helped my wife using TMS - helping her get out of depression permanently - now having raised a son we are proud of. She has accomplished many things in her life she could only dream of before meeting Dr. Lanocha. Without all he did, we would never be in this wonderful place.
I hope he realized what he accomplished.

Andrew

November 2, 2023

Just found out today he had passed away. Dr. Lanocha was my first psychiatrist and I was fortunate enough to have someone as compassionate, caring and intelligent as him. He was instrumental in my successes in life by providing treatment of my severe ADHD and anxiety disorder.

He always made sure that I was taken care of and did not hesitate to do what was right for his patients. I was lucky enough to be under his care for 8 years.

He was definitely a one of a kind human being. He truly made a difference in so many people´s lives.

Kimberly Kight Stocker

September 15, 2023

Oh! What a loss!

Reading the remembrances shared, here's yet another "Dr. Lanocha saved my life" testimony.

Not only did he save my life, but he profoundly changed the QUALITY of my life. There will never be enough gratitude to adequately express this.

The daily struggle with Treatment Resistant Major Depressive Disorder and C-PTSD, and the sheer energy and force of will required to not succumb to the ever-present, daily-reality of the Siren's call of Suicidal Ideation, endured for decades, had drained the last vestige of hope. I didn't have a Plan A, I had Plans A through C, carefully researched, choreographed, and timed to the minute.

Thanks to Dr. Lanocha, in stunned disbelief, I got to experience life, for the first time, without the constant burden of 10,000 bricks on my soul and psyche. I never believed those people who said they'd never been suicidal, until I got to experience that feeling, for myself.

The change to the QUALITY of my life was profound. Monumental.

Yesterday, I finally mustered the courage to make a call to ask for what would be the fourth round of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in fifteen years, after accepting I wasn't going to be able to "pull myself up by the bootstraps" after losing my mother, my dear brother, and my best friend in the last four months.

It was only after saying, for a third time, "I'll drive to any facility, as long as Dr. Lanocha is there," that the devastating news of his passing was delivered.

It's no surprise, reading the incredible and impressive story of his life, that his private life was as meaningfully impressive as his professional life. It's also no surprise that the Bio written about him was so incredibly humble, in comparison.

Selfishly, I'm heart broken as a patient. But far beyond that, I'm heart broken that a person who lived such a rich life, and who did so many incredible things, is gone at such a young age. And, finally, for his family, I'm just so very sorry for your loss, and pray for your comfort and peace as you navigate your new normal.

Dr. Lanocha was someone who truly made a difference.

Amanda Visger

August 3, 2023

Dr. Lanocha was an incredibly compassionate doctor and an inspiring human. It was an honor to have been a patient of his. His passion, attention to detail, and advocacy for wellness is truly unmatched. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Dolores Arnold

July 26, 2023

Just learned of Dr. Lanocha´s passing. I was a patient for a short time. He was a wonderful, kind, and caring man, and an extremely knowledgeable doctor. You have my deepest condolences for your loss.

Dolores A., Citrus Heights, CA

Pat Ristaino Dutton

July 16, 2023

Karl was a Renaissance man who did not hesitate to go the extra mile for anyone in need. It was a privilege and pleasure to work with him, learn from him and share challenges. He will long be remembered. Pat Ristaino Dutton

Richard Bermudes, MD

July 13, 2023

Karl Lanocha - was a great friend, colleague and mentor to me. He taught hundreds of physicians about the art and science of treating patients with clinical depression. He was a wonderful friend and we enjoyed many good dinners, laughs and fine wines together! Missing you Karl...
- Rich Bermudes

Diane MacDonald MSN RN

July 4, 2023

I worked with Karl back in the 1980s at Concord Hospital. He was a kind and generous person with the staff and patients. On a humorous note he could be observed smoking a cigarette in his office next to the open window. Quickly shutting the desk drawer he had the ashtray in. Blessings to his family, colleagues. He was a good man.

Mary

June 26, 2023

My brother received care from Dr. Lanocha and we always felt grateful that he was getting the best treatment possible for his chronic disease.

Emily

June 23, 2023

So sorry to hear of Dr. Lanocha's passing. May the great work he's accomplished and his legacy live on.

Cynthia

June 22, 2023

I'm so very sorry to hear of Dr Lanoca's passing. As his patient of many years, I would like to express my eternal gratitude for Dr Lanoca's work with me. He was a dedicated, kind, compassionate Doctor of Psychiatry. Through the use of TMS, four separate times over the years, he helped me recover from the biologically driven clinical depression & anxiety that I've lived with most of my life. He gave so much to his patients and contributed so much to the field of Psychiatry. Please accept my condolence's to his family and friends and colleagues. He is greatly missed.

Noreen

June 19, 2023

So many wonderful memories of spending time with Karl and Julie throughout their 20 years in Hopkinton. I can attest to his cooking skills and I'm grateful for the many wonderful meals we shared at their home. Our trips to Montreal were always fun and definitely included good food especially wine and cheese!
He was like a kid in a Candy Store!
He was also there for me both as a friend and psychiatrist when I needed some guidance years ago and I will forever appreciate that.
A loss for sure...

Anne Josselyn

June 18, 2023

Dr. Laroche saved my life with transmagnetic stimulation. Thank you dear sir, I wish you could see how well I am because of you. Rest in peace dear doctor.

Garrett Abben

June 15, 2023

I was a patient of Dr. Lanocha for many years. He helped me though some very difficult times. I literally owe him my life. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I´ll never be able to thank you for all you did for me.........

Neptune Society of Northern California

June 18, 2023

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Marco Battistoni

June 14, 2023

Dr. Lanocha was a true gentleman, and a real pioneer in bringing TMS to his patients. He is fondly remembered...

Robert J Varipapa MF

June 13, 2023

Carl was a great friend during medical school and the CAPP program (combined accelerated program in psychiatry.) We had a great group back then and I´m sure he will be missed by all.

Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

HP

June 12, 2023

I agree thank you for sharing Dr Lanocha with us as patients. It will be a total loss for Mindful Health Solutions and to his patients. I first met him 8 years ago. He helped me with the my darkest times. Thank you for all of your help.

Kim F.

June 12, 2023

Thank you to the Lanocha family for sharing the doctor with us, his patients. I was his patient for the past 5 years; I am so appreciative of the support he provided me. Not a super "warm and fuzzy" guy, but I knew he cared deeply and always approached our appointments with professionalism, compassion and included me in my own treatment (not always found in psychiatry); his loss hits deep, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been his patient.

Bo Ciaverelli MD

June 11, 2023

Julie--Karl was a chief resident when I started at Sheppard--what a class act and great example and mentor. Bo Ciaverelli

Paul Walker

June 11, 2023

I have fond memories of singing and playing guitar with Karl and the rest of "The Mob," the folk group that led liturgies at Maryland Training School.
Rest in peace, Karl.

Jeri Shuster Bruce Rosenblum

June 11, 2023

Julie, we are sad and shocked. We had so much fun together. Remember our trip to London to visit you during the freezing winter? We are both about to retire and had hoped to see you again. May his memory be a blessing. Love, Jeri and Bruce

Amy Crider

June 10, 2023

Dr. Lanocha was a wonderful person and I'm very sorry for your loss.

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