Dr. David Gordan Pinosky

David Gordan Pinosky, M.D., 92, of Boca Raton passed away February 12, 2022, and received military honors at his funeral on February 15, 2022. Born in Greenwood, S.C. to Annie and Samuel T. Pinosky, David grew up in Charleston, S.C. Upon his high school completion, he attended the University of South Carolina in 1950, earning a B.S. degree in chemistry and biology. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and served as a jet pilot from 1951-1955, flying 89 combat missions over enemy territory. During his service, he was highly decorated, receiving numerous commendations including being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals for Meritorious Achievement in flying his F-84 Thunder Jet, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean War Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

He continued his education at the Medical University of South Carolina where he earned his medical degree in 1959. His psychiatric residency was completed at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami. During his residency, he met his future wife, Elsie Paul. After two and a half hours on their first date, he proposed marriage, always being a man who immediately went after what he wanted. They were happily married for 60 years.

From 1963-1970, Dr. Pinosky was appointed to a full time teaching position as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and was the Director of Inpatient Service at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Miami School of Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

He was the Founder of and Medical Director at Highland Park General Hospital with a full time psychiatric practice from 1970-1986. He was the Medical Director of the Psychiatric Center at AMI Palmetto Hospital, implementing their psychiatric department and leading his private group practice of 15 physicians. Additionally, he was the Medical Director of Miami Psychiatric Associates and the Medical Director of South Florida Psychiatric Group, Inc.

He was a life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a life member of both the Dade County Medical Association and of the Society of 1824 of the Medical University of South Carolina, and a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

He was a member of: the Florida Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, Caribbean Psychiatric Association, Pan American Medical Association, American Geriatrics Society, the New York Academy of Science, the Mental Health Association, and the Grand Bahama Medical Association.

Additionally, he had memberships in the American Legion War Veterans, Theater of the Performing Arts, and Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association.

Dr. Pinosky proudly sat on the board of two national research companies, Immugenetics and Novavax. He served as vice-president of the South Florida Psychiatric Society: Legislative Committee, Executive Council, and Insurance Committee, as well as on the Multiple Task Force Committee of the Dade County Mental Health Board.

Aside from his full time practice in Miami, Dr. David Pinosky piloted his airplane to areas of need, providing psychiatric consultations to patients in Fort Pierce, the Keys, and the Bahamas. In doing so, he was able to combine his passions for both medicine and flying and received an honorary appointment and license from the Queen of England.

Despite all of his heroism and extraordinary intellect, “Papa” was a very humble soul who touched everyone he met with his kindness, gentle care, and compassion. He had a quiet retirement that suited his private nature and was happiest surrounded by his devoted wife, Elsie, two children, six grandchildren, and great-grandson by his side, watching sports and the news on TV with a large bowl of boiled peanuts and Snickers candy bars on his lap. He was a real “Jack of All Trades", our “Mr Fix-It” who could repair or re-build anything around the house — or in our hearts. He always made everything better. He was a role model who encouraged education, pursuit of science, and the importance of commitment and loyalty. He stood for hard work and dedication to his patients. He was a man of honor, a war hero, and a true patriot who was well respected and loved by all of his family, friends, colleagues, patients and mentees who recognized him for his sweet nature and brilliant mind. David’s greatest love was for his family and his country.

Because he was so fond of being a pilot and flying his airplanes, it could be said that he lived his exemplary life to full throttle, leaving a legacy of beautiful warm memories to all.

He will be forever missed.

In addition to his adored wife, Elsie, he is survived by his loving children; Sam Pinosky, M.D. (Alyson) and Susan d’Adesky (Don);

cherished grandchildren; Zac Hersman (Gaby), Tori Hersman, Ryan Pinosky, Bradley Pinosky, Grant d’Adesky, and Chesley d’Adesky; and precious great-grandson; Alexander Hersman.

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return” (DaVinci)

A graveside service for Dr. David will be held Tuesday, February 15, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo (Kendall), 5900 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33143.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.riversidegordonaventura.com for the Pinosky family.