Francis James Sanzaro Jr., M.D.

Frank, or just “Doc,” as he was affectionately known by friends and family, was 74 years young and showed all of us what bravery looks like in the face of a terminal illness.

Frank was born on August 20, 1949. He grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C., attending Campus School of the Catholic University, Gonzaga College High School, and later Mount Saint Mary’s University, graduating in 1971. During his senior year, he was class president. From a family of doctors, which included his father, his sister Katherine and his brother Thomas, he continued the tradition and attended medical school at Georgetown University, graduating in 1976. In Jacksonville, Maryland he started his own medical practice, where he worked as a family physician for over 40 years. He took his time with his patients, as long as necessary, and considered “listening” one of the most important qualities of a doctor. His life is a case study in discovering your passion at an early age and then doing it with joy and dedication, day after day, week after week, for the rest of your life.

He was preceded in death by his sister Katherine, his brother Thomas, and his parents, Francis James Sanzaro and Patricia Woodworth.

Along with medicine, golf was a love of his. On the course he was, by most standards, unbeatable. The recipient of countless top podiums, including two club Championships at Hunt Valley Golf Club (1990, 1992), his swing was smooth, consistent, and a “thing of beauty,” as his friends often remarked. “Just watch,” they’d say. And they were right. Frank worked as hard on his golf as he did anything else, practicing whenever and wherever he could.

In the summers, he cherished his time at Ocean City and Rehoboth - strolling the boardwalk with his wife, goading his grandkids onto the rides and taking great pleasure in buying them, and himself, as much funnel cake as needed for dessert.

Frank is survived by his wife, Josephine, his two children, Gallia Ann Coles and Francis James Sanzaro III, and his wife’s children, John (Jennifer) McAuley, Timothy (Lesley) McAuley, Veronica (James) Walsh. He had nine grandchildren.

Frank will be remembered for his generosity, integrity, a soft manner, and, of course, the dedication he brought to whatever he did, be it medicine, golf, or family.

Friends may call at the Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier (13717 Cuba Rd, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030) on Friday, September 29th at 10am. A closed casket will be on view starting at 9:30. Interment Gate of Heaven on Saturday at 11am.