Ardwin H. Barsanti, M.D.

Ardwin H. Barsanti, MD was an intelligent, gracious and gentle man; yet throughout his 96 years, his legacy of caring for his family and patients was bold, inventive and unwavering. He died peacefully in his home.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen McAllister, devoted son, Paul Stephen, and brother Ronald. Widowed for nearly a decade, Ardwin lived independently and enjoyed life. Or rather, his family enjoyed life with him. He told stories and his dry sense of humor was always with him. He made you feel valued and showed a deep interest in your life.

Born to Italian immigrants, he lived in Weehawken, New Jersey with his parents. One could map the history of the 20th century with the stories of Ardwin’s life.

His early years, during the Great Depression were happy, he told tales of selling cattails, his friendship with the ice man, and attending the World’s Fair. Having skipped two grades, he entered high school in knickers because as a 12-year-old, his mother would not let him wear long pants. He managed the bullies by being able to run faster than them. He graduated in 1941. His peers were all drafted but because he was only 16, he went on to New York University on a full scholarship and graduated in 3-years with a B.A. in English. He volunteered to serve in the army and went on to an accelerated 3-year medical education also at NYU. If you do the math, Ardwin became a doctor at 20 and legally could not sign a death certificate.

In the 50’s he witnessed racial discrimination first hand and took action where he could as an intern at Bellview and as a resident at Arkansas Children’s. During his fellowship in cardiology at Children’s National he brought cutting-edge techniques to the pediatric catherization lab that he founded. He advocated and cared for his patients and their families for over 50 years.

Ardwin pursued his love for Helen, his future wife, with a nudge from his mentor at Children’s National. Ardwin liked that Helen spoke her mind and didn’t just go along with the crowd. They were a team. He made a decision to leave the hospital to go into private practice. Annandale Pediatrics became the first practice in Fairfax County. Together, they grew a family and a practice — both were in the business of caring. With Helen at his side, he cared for his patient; she typed his patient notes, managed his office, and centered the home.

Ardwin was innovative and curious. Always reading, learning and willing to change. He had an incredible mind and could focus on medical journals in the middle of the family room in a 6-child household.

Ardwin was well-known in the Northern Virginia world of pediatrics. He was a founder of Fairfax Hospital. He told the story about how he and his friend waited in the emergency room for the first patients to arrive. Everywhere he’d go in his later years, people would stop by the table at the café or after mass to say hello or give him a wave in the isles of the grocery store. He had an uncanny way of remembering the family. Quite often he cared for a couple of generations.

His home in Annandale that he built was his refuge – surrounded by woods and wildlife. The home had a nickname of Grand Central – everyone coming and going, yet on holidays, birthdays, and visits, we gathered and stayed.

Ardwin was a caring loving husband, son, brother, father, uncle, and friend. His children, Joseph, Thomas, Mary, Anne, John, and Paul (deceased) mourn his loss but cherish the wisdom he gave them. He had 11 grandchildren who were very blessed to have him for their grandfather. His friends and family will always remember his steady personality and uncanny wit. People felt lucky to know him.

Ardwin died on the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord, February 2, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

Special Olympics – Virginia https://support.specialolympics.org/a/give-in-your-state?state=va

Doctors without Borders https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/