Dr. Robert A. Comunale

1945 - 2023

Comunale

Dr. Robert A Comunale

Robert Anthony Comunale, of 1608 Chain Bridge Road Mclean, Virginia, died on September 29, 2023 at 8:50 p.m. at home as he wished; a lifelong physician, practiced at this address since 1971.

Dr. Comunale, or "Doc", as he was affectionately known, was born to Dr. Anthony R. Comunale, MD (predeceased in 1971) and Anna Abrescia, RN (predeceased in 1981), parents of Italian lineage, in Rahway, New Jersey on March 26, 1945.

He graduated from St. Vincent's Academy Catholic HS in 1963, completed college studies at Seton Hall, graduating with honors in 1967. He received a full scholarship to attend Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond and received his doctorate of medicine, completing his post graduate training in Family Medicine in 1971. He completed internship, residency, and fellowship training there.

On a trip to visit a classmate's family in Mclean, Virgina near the end of his residency, Doc was struck by its bucolic beauty and considered the strategic position outside the metro Washington, DC area. Seeing horses ride down Chain Bridge Road at that visit fixed his decision to set-up his medical practice in that locale.

Doc bought 1608 Chain Bridge Road and set up his office and residence. Doc was a master of the art of medicine. People were his top priority. He was relationally invested in his patients understanding that knowing them was as necessary as reviewing their symptom list. Any one of his patients knew of both his insightful diagnostic skill and dedication to the person before him. This was a skill and gift he offered to whomever darkened the back door and included internationally recognized dignitaries to those of no reputation or resources. He was also highly sought after for his achievements as a flight surgeon and earned a reputation as an aviation physician with a steady stream of pilots coming for their physicals and clearances. His passion for and contribution to aeronautic medicine has been commemorated by having his name plate added to the decorated wall at the The National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, an honor of no small recognition.

He was also a man of many interests and of those interests he characteristically plumbed their depth. He was a voracious reader who consumed volumes of material. Some of those areas of interest are: radio history including Morse code and vintage tube radios, minerals and gemology, history and models of aviation, fiction writing (publishing seven of his own novels), a deep love of cats, antique time pieces, and stamp and coin collecting. He curated vast inventories of antique medical instruments from as far back as the Civil War.

Dr. Comunale's calling to medicine was first recognized and encouraged by his older sister, Janet Comunale, while he was a very young boy. She, being 10 years older, saw that he needed more than the public schools could offer him academically. She convinced her mother he needed to be in the local Catholic school system. Once her mother agreed, it was Janet who navigated the details to get him enrolled. Janet was his lifelong confidant and resource as he pursued medicine. Their relationship was always his highest of priorities for her lifetime. Janet predeceased Robert on January 4, 2020 at 85 years of age, residing her entire adult life in the house provided by her brother on the adjacent neighboring property.

There are many others who have been the object of his care and generosity throughout the years, some known by many, and others only known to Doc. His influence went far and deep. A few young men were brought into Doc's inner circle of influence. They are: Joseph Rosso of Arlington, Virginia, Alexander DuMez of Front Royal, Virginia, Robert Knowles, MD of Roanoke, Virginia, Brian Kumnick of Mclean, Virginia and Julian Patterson, of Washington, DC. He saw potential in these young men during the early years of his practice, and mentored them each in their different career paths, ultimately leading to lifelong relationships.

Probably known by all who came to Dr. Comunale for care over the years, was the kind-hearted, Virginia Stevens, a beloved mother figure who kept the medical practice day on track. Her death was a deeply felt loss and grief for Doc. Barbara Griffith took the helm after Virginia and managed all aspects of the office administration and was an essential asset to him, along with her husband Joe. These three people were fixtures in the history and workings of 1608 Chain Bridge Road and dearly loved by Dr. Comunale. He considered them family.

His final days were tended to by his caretaker, ShaRhonda and her husband Carl. ShaRhonda entered Doc's life, initially caring for Janet, as an employee, but became part of his family. She brought her caregiving skills and applied her organizational abilities to bring the beloved doctor peace and comfort in his time of confinement and declining health.

A visitation for Robert will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Homes, 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., 4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Columbia Gardens, 3411 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201.