John Sanitato Sr.

John Sanitato MD, age 88 passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Beloved husband of Louise (nee Smith). Loving father of Debra Waters (Steve Kemp) and John J. Sanitato, Jr MD (Stacey Yanetta). Cherished grandfather of Matthew Waters and Leah Sanitato. Son of the late Vito and Concetta (nee Ranieri) Sanitato. Dear brother of Nancy Wells (Bob) the late Nick Sanitato, Dorothy Amico (Frank), Joseph Sanitato (Doris) and Carmie Hodges. Uncle, cousin and friend of many.

John was a loving husband, father, and especially grandfather. He was a doting “Papa”, attending all of his grandchildren's’ sporting and other events.

John was born in Cleveland into a very close-knit Italian family with two brothers and three sisters. His parents and family meant everything to him. He worked his way through school at an Italian market, doing construction, and as a seasonal USPS letter carrier on the near west side. He graduated from West Technical High School, Western Reserve University, and The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

He enjoyed horse racing tremendously, and he and his older brother Nick spent many happy times together at Thistledown and Northfield Park. He was also an avid Indians, Browns, and Cavs fan, attending many games over the years with his children. And he absolutely lived and died with Ohio State athletics. Go Bucks!

He served in the United States Army for two years, the second of which he spent as a physician on active duty in Vietnam. After his military service, he returned to his hometown of Cleveland and started a family with his loving and devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Louise, whom he met during his medical residency training at Fairview Hospital, while she was completing her nursing education.

He cared for countless patients and staff at Fairview Hospital during his three decades there and was well-respected and beloved by his patients. He also served on the Board of Trustees at the hospital for several years.

John was a warm and caring person who consistently thought of others before himself. He had a great sense of humor and was well known for his puns, which he would often chase with his coy and contagious smile.

He will be deeply missed, not only by his family, but by many others as well. His family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the loving care that he received over the last months of his life from the staff at The Renaissance in Olmsted Twp as well as from the Hospice of the Western Reserve.

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday April 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the funeral home. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at THE A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIOH 44130 (WEST of I-71)