Maurice Galante Obituary

Dr. Maurice Galante A renowned surgeon at UCSF for over 50 years, gently passed away at his home on February 5, 2013 surrounded by his family.
Born on the island of Rhodes (then Italy) in 1919, he emigrated to the United States where he eventually found his home in San Francisco. He settled two blocks from UCSF where he dedicated his life to the health and wellbeing of others. Maurice was regarded as "one of the last generation of real 'general' surgeons," those who mastered a broad range of medical specialties and superb technical expertise. His skill, charismatic personality and intellect were the foundation for a prolific medical career.
As he was dedicated to his individual patients, Dr. Galante was also committed to securing the ability to advance research and shared knowledge in perpetuity. Dr. Galante was integral in the establishment of the Maurice Galante, MD Distinguished Professorship, the Maurice Galante, MD Lectureship Series and the Maurice Galante, MD Research Fund in the Department of Surgery at UCSF. The many people whose lives he touched helped to fund these important funds. This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Maurice Galante, MD Lectureship Series and featured Malcolm Gladwell as it celebrates intellectual exchange outside of medicine.
Dr. Galante is survived by his devoted family, wife Patricia, children Philip, Michel and Danielle, daughters-in-law Lori (Birnbaum) Galante and Carol (McGonnell) Galante, and grandchildren, Ondine and Lily.
A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Galante's life will be held on Friday, March 8 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at UCSF's Parnassus Heights Campus in the Golden Gate Room, Millberry Union, 500 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that individuals consider making a donation to Maurice Galante, MD, Research Fund at UCSF. Donations can be made online at makeagift.ucsf.edu/surgery or via check, made payable to the UCSF Foundation and including "Maurice Galante, MD, Research Fund" in the memo line. Donations can be sent to Regan Botsford, 220 Montgomery Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104. Regan can also be reached at 415.502.1573 or [email protected].

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 26 to Mar. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Maurice Galante

10 Entries

Richard Starrett

March 25, 2013

Patsie, I worked with Maurice when I was a resident in the mid 70's. He taught me more about surgical technique and hands-on patient relations than anybody else at UC. Maurice liked me, and therefore I did a lot of cases. Your husband was an absolute jewel and I will never forget his skill and the kindness he showed me when I was chief resident.
One day a clamp fell on the floor. Somebody said "How did that happen?" I said, "I don't know Dr. Galante, it must have been an act of God." Maurice immediately answered "No, I didn't do it."

Victoria Smith

March 13, 2013

I met him in 1989, an elegant, gracious man who gave me encouragement during my fight with cancer. his gentle manner, his willingness to take the time and listen is what not only made him a great doctor, but also a professional human being. We might all aspire to these practices. He kept himself available and open to my questions, my fears about the illness, offering advice with kindness and tact, and the utmost honesty, despite the difficulty of delivery. Dr. Galante will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his wife and family.

March 8, 2013

We are so very grateful for the care Maurice showed towards our family. He operated on Doug's Mother and prolonged her life. He operated on Doug and saved his life and operated on me as well.He was a wonderful caring person and will be truly missed.You always felt better just being in his company.Our best to Patsy and the entire family.Again, we will always be greatful and Maurice will be missed. Doug & Pat Hobson

Ginger Ratto

March 7, 2013

In 1990 those in our family were either a patient of Dr Galante or became a new friend of him and Pat. At that time our health insurance did not cover office visits and he would never bill us for these visits. This did change after a time but he always treated us like family it was probably because we also were Italian. Along the way our produce company has become very successful and we were honored to drop off boxes of vegetables by their home. Patsy is a gourmet cook and she enjoyed sharing with us how she was going to prepare the vegetables we grow. We realized from the first meeting with them what integrity they both possessed and appreciated the excellent care we received.

March 6, 2013

After my father became Dr. Galante's patient in the 1960's, it felt as though he and Patsy we a part of our family. Their caring natures and smiling faces helped all of us get through a difficult time. The Klute family sends their love and condolences.

Sandy Jeruchim

March 3, 2013

Dr. Galante helped prolong my mom's life as she battled breast cancer in the late 1970's. I will always remember his gentle bedside manner and encouraging words. My sincere condolences to the Galante Family.

March 3, 2013

Maurice Galante was a great teacher, great surgical tactitian
and a warm and wonderful man. Those of us who trained in surgery at UCSF remember him for inspiration and with affection. His loving wife Patsy was the foundation that he used to live to such a wonderful, ripe old age.

C David Jensen, M.D.

March 3, 2013

Dr. Maurice Galante was a giant in the eyes of his friends the people that he took good care of and also was a very good Greek at heart. All of us we miss a very GOOD MAN AND GREAT DOCTOR.... Elias Tsiknis

Sadja Greenwood

March 1, 2013

Maurice saved my life when he removed my breast cancer in 1972. I am very grateful to him, and will always remember his expertise and kindness.

February 27, 2013

The morning swimmers at Pomeroy Center Pool will miss the graciousness of Maurice, Pat and nephew Tom.

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