Joseph John DiBartolo, MD

Joseph John DiBartolo, MD died peacefully in his sleep at home on April 9, 2021 surrounded by his devoted family and faithful dog. Since 2009, he dealt with Parkinson’s disease and later, a rare brain tumor with grace and fortitude.

Joe was born on June 27, 1942 to Ben and Jean DiBartolo in the Bronx, NY. He was blessed with a large and loving Italian family and a devoted circle of close friends. He had limitless energy, exuberance for life and a wicked sense of humor.

He attended elite parochial schools from elementary school through college. He was always an extraordinary athlete and exemplary student and never once missed a day of school. Without the slightest detriment to his scholastic performance, Joe played on the football, basketball and track teams at Mount Saint Michael Academy while consistently maintaining an A+ grade average. He excelled in Latin studies, which proved to be helpful in his medical career.

He graduated with honors from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in June of 1964. He was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society. He loved the “Fighting Irish” and even had a shamrock tattoo to prove it.

He received his Doctor of Medicine from New York Medical College in June of 1968 and served on the Student Senate.

A unique dual residency in orthopedic surgery through Tulane Medical School and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) provided top notch training. He was a Lt. Commander and served at the Public Health Service Hospital in Staten Island, NY and then at the Presidio in San Francisco. He trained under Dr. Jack Hughston, considered the father of sports medicine, in Columbus, GA alongside his fast friend, Jim Andrews (another renowned sports medicine icon). He served as chief of orthopedics at the USPHS hospital in New Orleans, where he met his wife, Suzy, who was a student at Tulane.

He moved to Stuart, FL in 1973 to partner with George Turmail, MD in an orthopedic surgery practice. They were a dynamic duo until Dr. Turmail’s untimely death in a plane crash in June 1985.

These were the glory years of medicine in Stuart--no trauma centers. Whatever happened while on-call was handled locally. While in private practice as an exceptionally talented board certified orthopedic surgeon, Joe was foremost a beloved healer and practiced the true art of medicine without monetary motivation. He regarded every patient as if they were his friend and family and vice versa.

He was a vegetarian (motivated by his love of animals). He had a photographic memory, which people tapped for sports and music trivia, car data, phone numbers, birthdays, etc. He loved sports, music, dancing and good times with friends and family. He served on numerous boards and held many interesting certifications, such as in diving medicine and hyperbaric oxygen.

He founded Hospice of Martin County along with nurse Ceil Fury and served as its first Medical Director from 1982-1984 on a strictly volunteer basis. As fate would have it, he was cared for by Hospice in his home the last year of his life. He was team physician for Martin County High School from 1976-1991 and was Chief of Orthopedics at Martin Memorial Hospital in the 90s.

His steadfast devotion to his Catholic faith never wavered from childhood through his end of life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Suzy, two daughters, Laura Von Bishop (Matthew Von Bishop) of West Palm Beach, FL and Elizabeth DiBartolo (Matthew Ouimette) of San Francisco, CA, brother, Bill DiBartolo (Philip Godlewski) of Yonkers, NY, sister, Bette Ann Roos (Artie Roos) of Charlotte, NC, precious aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and faithful dog, Jackson.

Visitation: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Aycock Funeral Home, 505 S Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 12:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1200 SE 10th St, Stuart, FL. Burial to follow at Fernhill Cemetery, 1501 S Kanner Hwy, Stuart, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice (1201 SE Indian St, Stuart, FL 34997), the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Inc., or Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (P.O. Box 910, Hobe Sound, FL 33475).