MARIO VIGLIANI M.D.

VIGLIANI, MARIO MD, 86, of East Providence, RI and Venice, FL died peacefully at his home on May 1, 2010 following a long illness.

He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Maryann Vigliani, and his four children, Marguerite Vigliani and her husband David Clark, of Barrington, RI; Sylvia Vigliani of Riverdale; NY, Gloria Vigliani and her husband David Clive, of Newton, MA; and Mario A. Vigliani and his wife Karen of Clinton, MA. He also leaves two stepchildren, Joseph Pangborn and his wife Susan of Johnston, RI; and Gina Martin and her husband Delor, of Warwick, RI, 12 grandchildren and one great grandaughter. Dr. Vigliani was pre-deceased by his first wife Ida Ghiron Vigliani, and two sisters, Lidia Canella and Luisina Busco.

Dr. Vigliani was born on January 8, 1924 in Portici, Naples, Italy. He was academically gifted, earning a scholarship to begin medical studies at the Scuola Normale of Pisa at age 16. His medical education was interrupted by World War II, during which time he fought against the fascists as a member of the partisan movement. After receiving his medical degree, he moved to the United States to join his wife Ida who, like many members of the Italian/Jewish community, had fled fascist Italy. He served his internship at St. Clare's Hospital in New York City, and then moved to Providence, Rhode Island to work to at the Chapin Hospital, focusing on childhood infectious diseases. He became an examiner for the American Board of Pediatrics in 1953 at the age of 29. Soon after, he was drafted into the United States Air Force and served as Captain and Chief of Pediatrics at two air bases. He returned to Rhode Island where he practiced pediatrics for over 30 years before retiring in 1989. Dr. Vigliani served on the active staffs of Rhode Island Hospital, the Providence Lying In Hospital, and the Roger Williams Hospital. He was especially proud of his volunteer activities, which included teaching at St. Joseph's Nursing School and providing decades of service to the Developmental Disabilities Unit at Zambarano Hospital. He will be remembered fondly by innumerable patients whom he cared for in his office or in their own homes.

Dr. Vigliani's many hobbies included tennis, golf, boating, and playing cards. At the age of 65 he completed a 175 mile biking tour of Rhode Island and Martha's Vineyard with family members and friends. He recently authored an autobiographical novel called 'The Hardy Seed' which offered a whimsical glimpse of his family history back into the 19th century. In 1991, he was honored with the Outstanding Citizen Award by the International Institute of Rhode Island.

Dr.Vigliani and his wife Maryann spent much of his later years in Venice, Florida, where they enjoyed boating, golfing, and socializing with their many friends. They maintained a summer residence in Riverside, RI.

A private memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Vigliani's memory can be made to Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island at www.hhcri.net or Hasbro Children's Hospital at www.lifespan.org/hch/donors.