Dr. Paul Fugazzotto

RAPID CITY - Dr. Paul Fugazzotto, 95, died at the Rapid City Regional Auxiliary Hospice House on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. He was born on March 20, 1913, in Newburgh, N.Y., the son of Sicilian immigrants. He attained his Bachelor's Degree at Hope College, Holland, Mich.; his MSPH (Master's degree in Public Health) at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1935 and his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Michigan State University in East Lansing in 1947. On April 10, 1937, Paul was united in marriage to Laura Stuble in Holland. She and Paul had four children: David, Carolyn, Marilyn and Barbara. Dr. Paul's work experience included: 1932-42, Microbiologist Michigan State Lab, Grand Rapids; 1942-47, Microbiologist, Michigan State Lab, Lansing; 1947-56, Serologist, Indiana State Lab, Indianapolis; 1956-60, Director, City/County Lab, Pittsburgh, Pa.; 1960-63, Associate Director Cattaraugus County Lab, Olean, N.Y.; 1963-64, Director Clinical Lab, Akron, Ohio; 1964-70, Chief Microbiologist, Kingston Hospital Lab, Kingston, N.Y.; 1970-81, Director, Nevada State Lab; and 1981-2007 Cystitis Research Center (his own private lab), Rapid City. Dr. Paul dedicated his life to public health laboratory work. His routine work was made more significant and fascinating for himself and for many, many patients by the extra effort and knowledge he utilized to solve the difficult and puzzling medical conditions. He was, in effect, a "detective" when it came to these unusual challenges. His valuable discoveries cured many people and saved lives. At home, he always grew a productive garden. He took on challenging home remodeling and repairs with never a doubt about success. His strong, life-long work ethic was a subtle, but effective example for his entire family. He enjoyed playing the trumpet in a dance band in his youth and young adulthood and was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps Cavalry in Rapid City for several years. Survivors include his children, Marilyn Looyenga and her husband Robert, Rapid City; Dr. David Fugazzotto and his wife Pauline, Birmingham, Ala., Carolyn Rau, Olean, N.Y. and Barbara Fugazzotto and her husband, Charles Robertson, Jensen Beach, Fla; a brother David Fugazzotto and his wife, Nina, Sarasota, Fla.; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Dr. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Laura, in November, 1999, and several sisters and brothers. His funeral service was held on Thursday, Aug. 7, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rapid City with Pastor Bob Jacobs officiating. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Rapid City Regional Auxiliary Hospice House. Friends may sign his online guest register and leave condolence wishes through ww.osheimschmidt.com.