Anthony Leonard Pelonero

Anthony Leonard Pelonero, MD, MBA, Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Anthony L. Pelonero MD was born in Paterson, New Jersey, to Leonard and Rosary Pelonero on February 16, 1957. He lost his over six year battle with a rare sarcoma on July 16, 2021. He is survived by his wife of nearly 39 years, Jo Ann. He is also survived by son, Alex and daughter-in-law Katherine Pelonero, and their daughter Caramia Sophia and son Anthony George of Ashburn, Virginia; his son, Lee Stephen Pelonero; his daughter, Theresa Rose Pelonero of Richmond Virginia; his sister, Sharon Kessinger and her husband Steven of Midlothian, Virginia; nephews, Charlie and Michael; his brother, Steven and wife Patricia of Little Falls New Jersey and their son Steven; and his brother, Michael Pelonero of Houston, Texas and his children Marisa Bible and Michael Pelonero and their families. Dr. Pelonero earned his undergraduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1979 and his medical degree in 1983 at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – New Jersey Medical School, which is now the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University. Tony returned to Richmond for his internship and psychiatric residency. In 1987 Dr. Pelonero became faculty at VCU and served as a teacher, researcher, and clinician. Dr. Pelonero published numerous scientific articles and book chapters on psychiatric topics, with a focus on the illness schizophrenia. Dr. Pelonero‘s career evolved into healthcare administration when he became the medical director of Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia. He continued to teach and do clinical work while an administrator and volunteered at Crossover Healthcare Ministries’ free health clinic for many years until his health would not allow it. He also had many productive years as a medical director at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield where he always strove to be collaborative with practitioners and be responsive to those needing to access their healthcare benefits. Tony’s thoughts to add here for friends and family are as follows: “I had a great life! I was blessed with parents who loved and nurtured me and I fulfilled my dreams of becoming a husband, father and physician. I was thrilled to become a grandfather. During my life I got to be a coach, teacher, researcher, published author and life-long student. I spent many hours on the racquetball court competing and was proud to be a local racquetball champion in my divisions. I was blessed with a wonderful wife who loved me and cared for me to the end. She was my best friend. We hiked in national parks across the United States and treasured being in the mountains and wilderness. I pray that you can have as happy and fulfilling life as I had. As a physician that died of cancer, I would recommend to all that they consider themselves the #1 patient, and to take care of themselves first. My thanks to the many fine physicians, nurses, and other practitioners that took care of me.” In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Crossover Healthcare Ministry, 8600 Quioccasin Rd., Suite 101; Henrico, VA 23229. Also find them at https://www.crossoverministry.org/donate/.