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BORN
1941
DIED
2014
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Donato LaRossa Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Donato LaRossa
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Libby camp fugate
May 16, 2025
I was one of Dr. LaRossa´s patients, and even years after his passing, his name still carries weight. In 2020, a surgeon in Colorado told me it was an honor to meet someone Dr. LaRossa had cared for. Though they had never met, he knew of Dr. LaRossa´s reputation and spoke of him with deep respect. That moment reminded me just how far Dr. LaRossa´s impact reached-and how lucky I was to have been in his hands.
Ruth Fisher
April 2, 2024
I just today found out about Dr. LaRossa's passing. I worked with him at FAMC in the 70's and we reconnected in 1978 at CHOP when he was the surgeon for my infant daughter who was born with a cleft lip/palate .Other problems caused more surgeries and he always visited with her during her hospital stays and was a real comfort and help when a surgical mishap occurred. {not by him} He was a wonderful man and doctor and I just wish I knew of his passing earlier as my daughter also died.
Allison Goldstrohm
January 16, 2024
Thinking of Dr. LaRossa today xx
Stephanie A. G. Ferrandez
July 7, 2022
I met Dr. LaRossa when my daughter was an infant in 2005 and he performed her initial cleft repair in October of that year. I was terrified to send my tiny little girl into an operating room. But something about Dr. LaRossa put me at ease. Today she had her very last cosmetic adjustment at age 17 and I googled to see what Dr. LaRossa was up to these days. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. He touched so many children´s lives. He told me at the time that my daughter was one of his last cases as he was heading towards retirement and handed us off to one of his wonderful colleagues. But I will never forget his kindness or the beautiful smile my baby emerged with that day in 2005. My deepest condolences to his family.
Delores Pascale
January 16, 2022
I think of him from time to time, and thank God my son had him as his surgeon. He had hands of gold. I will, forever, be grateful for him giving my son his smile
The Leggio Family
January 16, 2021
I think of Dr. LaRossa every time my 16 year old son smiles. I am forever thankful for his kindness and his care. Gone too soon for sure.
Helen Pickering
January 16, 2020
Dr LaRossa will forever be in my heart & the hearts of my family as a hero - He changed the course of our lives in a very, completely significant way by providing a far better outcome for my mother than was expected. He also provided hope and compassion, but realistic expectations. Though my mother is now in heaven with Dr. LaRossa - they live on not only in heaven but on earth in our hearts and memories. Bless Dr LaRossa & his family and loved ones on this special day.
Allison Goldstrohm
January 25, 2017
Dr. LaRossa changed my life. He took care of me for 18 years repairing my bilateral cleft lip and palate. He was one of the kindest, gentlest souls I have ever met. I learned of his passing today when I called CHOP to ask how I could give back and help other families or patients in need. I am deeply saddened by the news and I truly was so blessed to have been under his care.
Dr. LaRossa, you had a heart of gold and hands of an angel. I hope you know the impact you had on my life and I am forever indebted to you. Thank you so much and may you rest in peace. <3
paul craig
October 18, 2016
the best surgeon I had I am a major cleft with more to go today is my birthday I am 54 my mom had a top job with the cia on the manhattan project as a legal secretary and dealt with 4 presidents I graduated number one in my high school have 3 degrees and will be a cpa starting to close the estate with the president and money will has been donated to operation smile I have given money to chop thru the years too I believe my mom dealt with 4 presidents and her work on nuclear weapons he cared about both of us a lot and was genuine person to touch are lives I believe I met him when I was 7 and I think he did 8 procedures on me I had major difficulty breathing out of the left side my face he was a remarkable with great gifts and will greatly missed as one the best surgeons and dignity to make people special and beautiful he really gave me my face as cleft
May 6, 2015
I just found out today of the passing of Dr LaRossa while my granddaughter was having a procedure done at Chop. He operated on my daughter in 1985, when she was four years old, after a dog bite to the face. Dr LaRossa operated on her again in 1997. As a very upset mother, I knew after our initial appointment that my daughter would be alright. His work was beautiful and I will always be thankful that he was her doctor during this difficult time. RIP
April 17, 2015
Dr. Larossa,
At the age of 13, you changed my life. Now I'm a 53 year old mother
I looked up your name and was so sad to see that you had passed.
I just want to thank you for being the wonderful, caring man that you were and for how many children's lives you changed and the smiles you brought to all our faces.
Peace be with you and your family
Jacqueline Bell Fitzsimons Army Hospital 1975
April 9, 2015
Dr. Larossa calmed and comforted our family during the very hard time of correcting my son's lip and palate with surgery back in 1978-83. My son looks great, and remembers Dr. L. with great fondness, as do we all. But more than that, I know the world is the worse for losing his good heart, great talent and kindness. Rest well please, Dr. L. You will be long missed.
Jennifer Makoczy
July 18, 2014
Dr. LaRossa and family. I was a patient of yours for 18 years and was born with a cleft lip and palate amongst other things. I wanted to let you and your family know how much you have changed my life, my physical appearance and my outlook on life in a positive way. Dr. LaRossa was the most compassionate, kind, understanding person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. What an amazing individual, amazing physician, and what incredible, life altering things he has done for me of that I can never repay or thank him enough. He is gone and never forgotten because he is always in my heart.
Jennifer Makoczy
CHOP patient May 19th, 1985 (Date of Birth) for 18 years.
My condolences to the family. He was everything to me. I just wanted to let the family know how incredible he was.
Christa Ruppert
July 17, 2014
Just learned about his passing today, and I just wanted to thank him for all that he has done for me. He was an amazing surgeon and I am now able to live a happy and healthy life now that he fixed my cleft palate 18 years ago. Thank you so much, So sorry and sad to hear about your loss. R.I.P
Margery Hesney
June 5, 2014
Our family is so sorry to hear of Dr. Larossa's passing. Our son, Adam, was born with a cleft lip and palate 30 years ago. Dr. Larossa performed all of his surgeries over a time span of 16 years. He was such a wonderful and caring person who inspired Adam to become a doctor. Adam just graduated from Jefferson Medical College last week and also became a father 2 weeks ago. I called CHOP to find out how to contact Dr. Larossa, who would have loved hearing our wonderful news and I was told that he had passed away recently. Please accept our condolences.
Carol Dandrea
March 19, 2014
I just learned of Donny Laroosa's passing today and posted it to the I Grew Up in Plainfield New Jersey group Facebook page as we were so sorry to have lost Donny who we all remember from the Class '59 PHS...He was a presence in our class and by his life as described he was truly a presence in our world...Donny, you left us too soon..RIP
March 19, 2014
I remember Don as our paperboy in Plainfield, NJ, and as a classmate. Reading all the wonderful remembrances makes me proud to have known him. My condolences to his family. He truly touched many lives.
Lorrie Holloway
February 25, 2014
Dr.LaRossa changed my life in 1986. He was an expert but what made him stand out from others was his kindness and compassion. I was sad to find out about his illness and passing. My sympathy to the entire family. He will be missed by many.
wendy class
February 11, 2014
Dr. Larossa was an amazing surgeon as well as a human being. We went to him after our first surgeon passed away in new York, we decided we would go to the best and sure enough, he was above and beyond the best. My son took to him immediately and we just adored him and felt our son was in the best hands. He operated on him with tender loving care and everything was successful, we never doubted him !!
I always looked forward in seeing him at the Cleft Palate meetings, with a big smile on his face and the kids just adored him as well as the parents.
He will truly be missed, God has an Amazing angel now.
I send my condolences to his family and wish them healing !!
Wendy Class
Danbury, CT
Josephine Cirrinone
February 10, 2014
Dr. Larosa changed my son's life. He performed amazing surgery and transformed my son's appearance. He is very handsome and has done quite well. He just got accepted into Law
School and is very excited about his future. We were just talking about where he started in his life and how grateful we were for Dr. Larosa, when I googled him and found this obituary! I hope he knew what an impact and incredible difference he had on many children and how they grew into incredible adults!! I'm sure that my life changed because of Dr. Larosa. He's a Saint in my mind!! Thank you for saving my son's life and giving me hope for his future!!
Lucia Valerino
February 2, 2014
Dr. LaRossa, spared my 12year old daughter from losing her right hand, because of an accident. He worked about 15 hours in surgery, while he was on crutches. We grew to love him, like a father.
February 1, 2014
Don was a colleague, friend and mentor. I always learned something from him on every Rotaplast mission we shared. He will be missed by the entire Rotaplast family.
Angelo Capozzi MD, Co-founder and Medical Director. Rotaplast International
Rotaplast International
February 1, 2014
February 1, 2014
When I was a baby, Dr. LaRossa fixed my palate. I've had my checkup with him every year and it stuns me to hear of his passing.
Donna Mulgrew
January 31, 2014
Our family was blessed to have known Dr. LaRossa for 11 years as he was our son's surgeon. Through several surgeries and yearly visits to the Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate clinic we experienced his warm bedside manner as well as expertise in the operating room. He has touched so many lives and will be missed by many. My sympathy to your family. God bless you.
Amanda Morrison
January 31, 2014
The news of Dr. LaRossa's passing has our entire family heartbroken. From the first day we brought our son to meet with Dr. LaRossa at CHOP, we knew he truly loved helping children. His care and compassion for the little ones in his care was beyond words. Dalton was born with an extremely wide unilateral cleft palate and met Dr. LaRossa when he was 1 month old in 1999. He helped Dalton to be proud of his appearance and the work he did was outstanding. He also performed his bone graft several years later and was so flexible in how to deal with his recovery. He told us, he's a little boy, if he feels comfortable doing things, by all means, let him do it. So 2 weeks later our son played on the All-Star baseball team as planned. Thank you Dr. LaRossa for allowing our little boy to grow up and enjoy his childhood. Thank you for committing to help all children with craniofacial conditions. Your work is truly appreciated and please know you've touched so many hearts including ours through your work over the years. I offer prayers to your family. Knowing the gentle spirit of Dr. LaRossa, I'm convinced he's watching over you and all of the children who need his guidance. Love forever, Amanda Morrison and Jeff and Dalton Rupert. We will always remember you!
January 29, 2014
I remember Don from his college days. His first wife was a friend of mine. Always a wonderful, sweet man. He will be missed by many.
Lori Poliski
January 29, 2014
Dr. LaRossa was our daughter's surgeon for her bilateral cleft lip and palate in 2003/2004. He was an excellent surgeon and a genuinely caring person. Very sad news to read. He was a true gentleman and he helped so many children with his talent and expertise. We were fortunate to know him and have him care for our daughter. Our sympathies to his family.
Delores Pascale
January 28, 2014
Our family's hearts were saddened to hear of Dr. Larossa's passing. It was 1980 when my husband and I walked into the Cleft Palate Clinic with our son, who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. As a young mother, I was devastated, lost, and confused. This gentle, caring and warm man reassured us Charlie was going to be ok. After Charlie's first repair, he walked into our room with a huge, warm smile and asked why I was crying. I told him he gave my son his smile! He was a gentle, kind man, and a surgeon from God with hands of gold! My son looked upto him on one of many visits and told him how others look at him differently. Dr. LaRossa said, "Charlie, you have what we all have,and there are three reasons we have lips: one-to talk(and you can do that), two-to smile, (and you can do that), three- to kiss, and I know you can do that! Our son's head started to lift up with the biggest smile ever!!! Thank you, Dr. LaRossa for all you have done. God has to have a very special place set aside for you!!! You will be missed by many, but never, ever forgotten for what you gave to so many! God Bless You and our sympathy to your family. RIP. The Pascale Family xoxo
January 28, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Don on a Rotaplast Mission. I loved his warm and unassuming nature. He set the bar very high for all of us with his humility and heart. My sincere sympathy to Don's family. Cyndie George, Rotaplast Chair, San Jose Rotary.
The Leggio Family
January 27, 2014
We were heartbroken to hear of the loss of Dr. Larossa. He was an amazing person, one who made our world a better place. He gave our son Joey his smile 9 years ago and will remain in our thoughts and our hearts forever. Truly a good and humble man whose great talent touched so many and who continues to watch over his many patients from up above. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us all. May your many memories, in time bring you comfort. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
January 27, 2014
A TRUE HERO!!
Robbie and George Hain
January 27, 2014
We met Dr. LaRossa when our daughter, born with a unilateral cleft palate and cleft lip, was 8 days old. Through multiple surgeries during her childhood, we knew she was in the care of an incredibly skilled surgeon and a very kind and gentle man. Twenty-four years later and every time we see our daughter smile, we are grateful Dr. LaRossa came into our lives. We hope his family finds comfort in knowing what an important presence he was for so many families. He lives on in the many, many beautiful smiles of his patients. May he rest in peace.
Rev. 21:3, 4 ~ Kim
January 27, 2014
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
January 26, 2014
It is with deep sadness that I hear of the loss of Dr LaRossa. The gift he gave to my mother and our family was a miracle to us. His surgical expertise and medical knowledge helped my mother beyond measure and gave all of her family peace and hope. Dr LaRossa's kindness and compassion were beyond compare. The world has lost a truly remarkable, fine man and an incredible surgeon. My prayers are with his family. I know that Dr LaRossa is always going to be a part of this world through all of the many lives that he touched and hope & healing that he so freely gave. Helen M. Pickering, Forty Fort, PA
Brandon Crockford
January 26, 2014
Thank you Dr LaRossa for touching my life 11 years ago. I will miss you deeply. Love Brandon 11 years old
JESSE Caufield
January 26, 2014
Thank you for sharing your gift and helping me since l was three months old. I was always able to keep calm just from hearing your voice. You are an awesome human being!
Barbara Ponnwitz
January 26, 2014
This man had a gift he shared willingly and blessed so many families with his talents and genuine concern. God bless him and his family; he was a true hero.
John and Kathy Graham
January 26, 2014
It is difficult to express the gratitude we have for Dr. Larossa. Our daughter Sarah has been in his care since birth. Eighteen years later, she is more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. His skilled hands and warm heart put a smile on her face that we never thought was possible. We are reminded of Dr. Larossa every time she smiles. We know there are many families who feel the same love and thankfulness. We want to let his family know how he touched our lives. We will be forever grateful. We send our thoughts and deepest sympathy.
Pam Rohr
January 26, 2014
Dr La Rossa will always have a special place in my heart. He was a kind and truly gentle man. I still have the note he sent to us when our daughter Jenni died. His compassion was endless. Prayers for his family and friends. Pam Rohr
Nicholas Family
January 26, 2014
How saddened we are today to hear of Dr. LaRossa's passing. Just shy of 9 yrs ago we arrived at CHOP with our 5 day old daughter with a cleft palate. With tears in my eyes the nurse said to me, "Don't worry. You are in the best possible place and Dr. LaRossa is the best." Boy was she right.
We felt so at ease and comfortable with Dr. LaRossa. We knew our daughter was in good hands and felt such gratitude for him. We are blessed to have known him and to know that he has shared his love and knowledge around the world.
Sarah Graham
January 26, 2014
Dr. LaRossa was my surgeon at CHOP since I was an infant. Over the years of being in his care my family and I trusted his abilities and were never fearful in his hands. Dr LaRossa inspired me to pursue a career in nursing in hopes that one day CHOP will be my home. He will always have a place in my, and my family's, heart.
Dawn Crockford
January 26, 2014
This man was a miracle worker..a gift from God of his ability to help children. We have had the pleasure of him doing my son Brandon's surgery who was born with a unilateral cleft lip & palate. He will be missed by us deeply. He was the only Dr that my son loved to see..& because of him & the work he has done on my son Brandon has always told him he wants to be a surgeon like him..our deepest condolences to all if his family & friends..
Dwan Duncan
January 26, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. LaRossa for 6 years at CHOP. He was a gifted surgeon and a wonderful person. Always smiling. Always a kind word. Just one of the best people I have met in my life. The lives he changed with his surgical skills are too numerous to count. The world just lost a great human being.
Mary Mazzucca
January 26, 2014
I am so saddened. A truly wonderful, generous,
humble man who was an amazing Surgeon.
Victoria Fox
January 25, 2014
I was a nurse who cared for the babies Dr. LaRossa performed surgery and he was a master. He made beautiful smiles on beautiful faces. My condolences to his family.
Victoria Fox
Adrian Scipione
January 25, 2014
I am speechless and heartbroken. Such a true gentle man and spectacular surgeon. I have the fondest memories of working with Don at CHOP. His passing is truly the world's loss. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.
Christine Potter
January 25, 2014
Dr. LaRossa was my son's surgeon at CHOP. He was a talented physician, but more importantly, a caring and empathetic one. His true gift was making his patients, and their parents, feel at ease in the face of stressful circumstances. He will always have a place in our thoughts for all the good he has done.
Tarek Abulezz
January 24, 2014
This great Man had been in Sohag, Egypt for treating children with cleft lip and palate in 2009 ... he spent a week with us ....every early morning taking a bus to Balyana at 6:30 am .....working hard till late after noon.... inspite of his age, he was energetic, smiling, and gentle. .... May God Bless him
s
January 24, 2014
Don was my mentor, friend, neighbor.
He was the one that really showed me what medicine really was. So in the end, I went into medicine, and found myself a resident in his OR many years later. It was a monumental moment for me; all I could think of was that I did not want to disappoint this man whose kitchen I had sat in so many years earlier looking for guidance. He was, as always, a gentleman a fantastic teacher that day. His patience with us residents, fellows, and students is legend
Vicky and Nicole, know your father was all that. .
Cebu City, Philippines , 2011
Evelyn Snyder
January 24, 2014
Cebu City, Philippines , 2009
Evelyn Snyder
January 24, 2014
Cebu City, Philippines ,2011
Evelyn Snyder
January 24, 2014
I have the honor of working with Dr. LaRossa on missions with Rotaplast & Alliance for Smiles.He was an excellent surgeon,caring kind & pleasant to his patients & co-workers. He will be greatly missed. My deepest & heartfelt sympathy to Anne & family.
January 24, 2014
To Don, My Mentor, Family friend, Neighbor. Don was the one who helped me get into and through med school. It was a monumental day for me when I was assigned as resident to Dr. Larossa's room at CHOP-- I was beyond excited, yet nervous. He was the usual gentleman, doctor, and great person that I knew, and it was an amazing experience taking care of a challlenging young child with an amazing surgeon.
God bless you, DL. And also Vicky and Nicole, my thoughts are with you.
lorraine hayden
January 24, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with Dr Don on a medical mission in India. What an incredible surgeon, gentleman and human being. Rest in peace Don, my condolences to your family.
William Bauer
January 24, 2014
Don LaRossa was a close friend and school classmate of mine. He was considered by many of us to be the most successful graduate of the PHS class of 1959. I have always admired how a person of such prominence and stature could be so humble and delightful to talk to. He has truly left a void in all of our lives, and I will greatly miss his company and friendship. Rest in peace, Don.
Joanne Geary
January 24, 2014
thank you for your kindness
M. Barbera Honnebier
January 24, 2014
Dr. La Rossa approached tissues with respect, love and kindness. As he did everything else. A true healer. Truly one of the most inspiring mentors one could ever have. I will be forever grateful for the principles he tought me.
January 24, 2014
I had the great fortune to work with Dr. LaRossa at the Univesity of Pennsylvania Hospital and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known, a warm and compassionate man and a remarkable surgeon. His patients were always first and foremost throughout his career and I got to see this first hand as an admimistrative assistant in his practice both at HUP and CHOP. My deepest condolences to his family. Nancy Pauzano
Divakar Joshi
January 24, 2014
Sorry to hear this sad news. One of the nicest and most skilled surgeons I have worked with. It was nice to get to know him during our rotaplast mission in Peru. He will be missed.
Divakar Joshi
Nakia Staley
January 24, 2014
It is with great sorrow to hear about the passing of such a wonderful person. He will be truly missed, my prayers go out to the family and friends. He will forever be a part of our "CHOP" family.
Sheldon Bernick
January 24, 2014
A wonderful colleague and friend, gifted surgeon helping to improve the quality of life to children all overr the world
We are sorry we cannot celebrate his life with you this weekend
We have you in our thoughts and prayers
Penny and Sheldon Bernick
January 24, 2014
It was a pleasure knowing Dr. La Rosa. His warm smile will truley be missed by all.
Robyn Irving
Joel Buhyoff
January 24, 2014
Truly a fine man, with a servants heart who I became acquainted with through rotaplast. Rest in peace Don, you are truly an inspiration
Marcey Peyser Friedman
January 23, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a true gentleman and very talented surgeon. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.
The Fierman Family
January 23, 2014
Our family was blessed to have known Dr. LaRossa. Our son and many other countless children are so fortunate to have been in his care. Dr. LaRossa was such a gifted and talented surgeon and artist. His compassion and confidence meant a lot to us as our son was in his care. Everyone sang Dr. LaRossa's praises and shared how thankful we were that our children were in the hands of one of the nation's finest surgeons. We send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you during this most difficult time <3
Steven Struck
January 23, 2014
Dr. Larossa worked miracles with my dad's melanoma on his nose and neck with the associated plastic surgeries , and he was so kind and truly cared about his patients. After my dad passed away, Dr. LaRossa took the time to write a note to my mother from his home stationery telling her how my dad's strength impressed him, and that meant the world to my mom. A special doctor who touched many people's lives with his compassion, talents and caring manner.
January 23, 2014
Dr. LaRossa took my daughter into his hands at the age of 3 months. He became a part of our lives for over 13 years. We truly felt his love for her. Alayna was comfortable always in his hands.. We,as parents never felt anything but trust and gratification to him. Your heart, your hands, your talent and above all your love for our daughter will never be forgotten. Prayers being sent to his family, friends and all of his staff, hold forever in your heart the Smile of this great man and Doctor..
Thank you Dr. LaRossa for touching our lives.
Scott, Lisa and Alayna Pezick
Sharon Mallick
January 23, 2014
Dr. Larossa you changed my life, my son's life and the lives of countless others with your talents, skill and love. You loved each and everyone of us and we felt it. Thank you with my whole heart for everything you did for us. You will be very missed.
Ann Merfeld
January 23, 2014
The Merfeld Family. Wishes to express our sympathy,today. Don was person of such kind and gentle care. This mission of life work ,showed in his everyday. When our daughter was so very ill ,Don 's visits of sensitive thought,happy greetings,and positive encouragement were truly welcomed and always filled with our gratitude. With God's blessings, Ann, Ron and Ali Merfeld
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