Sylvester J. Sanfilippo M.D.

Sylvester J. Sanfilippo M.D. obituary, Bloomington, MN

Sylvester J. Sanfilippo M.D.

Sylvester Sanfilippo Obituary

Published by Star Tribune from May 4 to May 8, 2013.
Sanfilippo, Sylvester J., MD Dr. Sylvester (Sy) J. Sanfilippo, 87, of Bloomington, MN and formerly of Edina, MN, passed away on May 2, 2013 at the Friendship Village senior living center in Bloomington. Son of Sicilian immigrants Salvatore and Rosaria Sanfilippo, Sy was born on January 1, 1926 in Rochester, NY, where he was raised and later met and married the love of his life, Edna Cannarella. Sy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rochester and both a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Utah. He also served for two years as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. Sy was a practicing pediatrician in Richfield, MN for 26 years, retiring in 1988. He is remembered by patients and their parents for his gentle and reassuring care, warm smile, and natty bowties. In addition to practicing medicine, Sy was a medical researcher and a lecturer at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Sy's research led to his identification in the early 1960s of a rare and fatal genetic disease now known as Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS-III). A fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Gophers, Sy also enjoyed attending performances of the Minnesota Orchestra, the Guthrie Theater, and the Theatre in the Round. He was an avid reader of history and took pleasure in travelling the world with his wife. Sy is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Edna Sanfilippo; his three children, Sarah Sanfilippo, Amy Demarest, and Robert Sanfilippo; his daughter-in-law, Patricia Sanfilippo; his seven grandchildren, Andrew, Julia, Carolyn, Laura, Sarah, Michael and Anna; his brother, Joseph Sanfilippo; and several nieces and nephews. Sy was preceded in death by his brother, John Sanfilippo. Visitation is Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, 5000 W. 50th Street, Edina, MN. A memorial service will be held Friday at 10:00 am at Friendship Village, 8100 Highwood Dr., Bloomington, MN. Contributions in Sy's memory can be made to the National MPS Society, PO Box 14686, Durham, NC 27709-4686. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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June 28, 2024

Lisa T posted to the memorial.

August 31, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

May 21, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

Lisa T

June 28, 2024

I am so very sorry for your family's loss and apologize for such a late entry. Dr. Sanfilippo was my pediatrician in the 60's. My mother, Velta, had worked with him at the UofM, and according to her, he was THE best. I remember his office was in a home that was painted yellow that had been remodeled for the doctor's office use. He was kind, caring and oh so patient! My mother didn't drive, and so every time we had an appointment, we would have to take a yellow cab to Edina. I also remember Dr. Sanfilippo's daughter attending some of my birthday parties.

August 31, 2013

In 1972, at 8 years of age, I got pneumonia. Your father ordered strict bedrest, and for the next month he made weekly trips to our home in Burnsville (which at that time was "out in the country") to personally take blood and test my CBC. What amazing care he gave me. God bless his memory.

May 21, 2013

My deepest sympathies. My mother, Patty Murphy, said it was a wonderful service. What an amazing life story.

Sincerely,
Betsy Murphy Eisen

Andy Faust

May 14, 2013

My wife and I are greatful that SY found this disease. Our daughter passed away 4 years ago from MPS 3. Without the understanding of the disease that SY gave us it would have been a lot harder to cope with her day to day challenges! May god bless Dr. Sanfilippo and all of the worlds children. Andy & Pam Faust

May 12, 2013

Dr. Sanfilippo was a giant among men. As a primary care physican, it was always reassuring to have his expert consultation on difficult pediatric diagnostic cases. His gentle, kind personal touch, to his colleagues, families, and patients was reassuring to all.

In Warm Remembrance,
Stephen Hanson, MD
Virginia Beach, VA.

May 10, 2013

Amy and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father and grandfather. He sounds like a man who enjoyed his family and life in addition to making a major contribution to the health of others and medical research.
Anne Bishop from Cinema Chicks

Cindy (Hallanger) Davy

May 10, 2013

Dear Sanfilippo family, I was a very sick and scared 6 yr old girl when I first went to see Dr Sanfilippo in 1966. He was so kind and gentle. He listened to my heart and said I needed to have further tests. The tests revealed a hole in my heart. A week later I had surgery. Without him I may have lived another year or two at most. I am now a mother and grandma and will celebrate Mother's day with my family. I thank you and God for sharing him with all of us who were fortunate enough to have him touch our lives so dramatically. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Rob Schwartz

May 8, 2013

Sarah,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Dad.

Rob Schwartz

Linda Hakala Hoden

May 8, 2013

Dr. Sanfillipo was my doctor. I remember him as being gentle and kind. One time, I was in the hospital waiting to have a test done. I was nervous. He stayed with me instead of going back to the clinic; I felt so much better with him there. Later, he was my sons' doctor. Chris remembers how he would whistle like a bird when he looked in his ears and would call him Chrissy. We saw each other at Southdale years later...we hugged. He was a really nice person. I am so sorry for your loss.

Nancy Johnson

May 8, 2013

I remember Dr. Sanfilippo as a wonderful doctor and a pleasure to work for. I was a part of Richfield Peds from 1981 to 1988. I hope you will take comfort in knowing that there are many who grieve your loss with you and extend my deepest sympathy.

Louise Jessop

May 7, 2013

In memory for the contribution he made towards knowledge of MPSIII - Sanfilippo Syndrome.

May 6, 2013

Dear Family of Dr. Sanfilippo,

We just want you to know the wonderful memories we have of Dr. Sanfilippo. He was the kindest, most gentle, and most caring doctor who took care of our newborn daughter (1962). Once he even made a house call when she was very sick and my husband was at work and I didn't have transportation to the clinic. We think of each of you at this time of sadness.

Sincerely,

Karen and Andy Lipski
and daughter Susan

kharis collins

May 6, 2013

Thank you Dr Sanfilippo for the difference you made in the lives of so many families whose children suffered with Sanfilippo condition because of you we were able to have a description of our children 's conditions. I have a 38 year old son with MpslllA. To your family I am sorry for your lost I pray that knowing other care will bring you comfort.

Linda (Nichols) Gall

May 6, 2013

I worked for Dr Sanfillipo from 1978 to 1984 and his patients (and their parents) loved him for his gentle kindness and calm manner. I hope your memories of "SJS" help you through these difficult days and help you find peace.

john

May 6, 2013

Dear Sanfilippo family: I was one of Dr. Sanfilippo's patients and I want you to know how kind and gentle he was with his patients. He helped me through some challenging times as an adolescent and I continued as his patient until my mid- 20's. I was the tallest patient in the waiting room at that point and we decided that it was probably time for me to move on from my trusted pediatrician, but I have never forgotten him and his warm and gentle manner. He was a great doctor, and a great person and I am so sorry for your loss.

Mrs. Gardner

May 6, 2013

I brought my kids to Dr. Sanfilippo for many years because if his attentive care and kindly manner. He was wonderful as a doctor and his family should know what an impact he had on so many lives. While keeping the kids healthy he helped us to be better parents.

May 6, 2013

Mrs. Anthony Viapiano

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