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Charles D'Angelo Obituary

D'Angelo M.D., Charles M. Charles Michael D'Angelo, M.D. formerly of Chicago, died on October 30 at his home in Dodgeville, Wisconsin of malignant insulinoma, an extremely rare type of cancer. He was a Board-certified neurosurgeon and practiced for 25 Years at Rush Medical College in Chicago, specializing in microscopic surgery for aneurysms and pituitary tumors. For several years Chicago magazine listed him among Chicago's best neurosurgeons, based on their survey asking physicians to whom they would send their family and friends. He greatly enjoyed mentoring nurses, medical students, and residents. In 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Betsy Curtis. His greatest pride and joy came from being a daddy to their daughter, Cara Catarina D'Angelo, who died of cystic fibrosis in 1978 at the age of eight. The happy memories of her childhood and the privilege of being her parent sustained him throughout his life. Dr. D'Angelo was born in Marlborough, Massachusetts on April 8, 1942, the son of Michael D'Angelo and Florence Grant D'Angelo, and the grandson of Carmino D'Angelo, who emigrated to this country from Italy. He fulfilled his grandfather's dream by becoming the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Johns Hopkins University in 1964 In addition to his wife Betsy of 42 years, he is survived by his surrogate daughter, Jen Nelson, and surrogate grandson, Jay Nelson, both of South Berwick, ME; his mother-in-law, Eleanore Marshall of Northborough, MA; his D'Angelo cousins in MA; and sisters- and brothers-in law, nieces, and nephews living all around the U.S. He had the ability to relate to people from all walks of life and he will be greatly missed by his numerous friends. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 5 at 2 p.m. in Room 500 of the Professional Building of Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison St, Chicago. Everyone attending will be welcome to share their remembrances of Dr. D'Angelo if they so desire.Gorgen, McGinley & Ayers Funeral Home Dodgeville, Wisconsin www.gorgenfh.com

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Nov. 2, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles D'Angelo

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Mary Fields (formerly Schatke)

November 28, 2006

Dr.D'Angelo performed surgery on me for a pituitary tumor (when I was 18 years old) That is over 25 years ago now. He was an excellent doctor and my husband and I saw him for several years after that at Rush. We had the utmost respect for him and he often spoke candidly with us, sharing words of wisdom and humor. He also spoke highly of you, his wife. We now have 4 children (2 born to us and 2 adopted) and it is with great gratitude that we remember Dr.D'Angelo, who helped me through a hard time as a young person.
Our sympathies to you and your family. God's blessings, Mary Fields (for my husband, Bruce, who also saw him with a back problem)

Patricia Aydelott

November 10, 2006

Betsy,
I was so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. I will always remember him fondly for the time I was able to spend with him in the OR. He welcomed me as the "new nurse" for neurosurgery and helped develop me into the OR nurse I became. I still quote some of his "sayings" after all these years. His fondest for "saloon singers" lives on within me. He will be missed by all.

Andrew Scala

November 6, 2006

Dear Betsy,

I was a patient of Dr. D'angelo, but I also considered him a friend. He helpled me immensely with my back problem, I was shocked to hear of his illness and death. He will be missed.

My Condolences,
Andrew Scala

MERYL HABER

November 4, 2006

Betsy: My mose sincere condolences to you and your family. Charlie was a good friend and associate, a fine neurosurgeon and a great conversationalist - especially over lunch at the Captain's Table in Room 500 at Rush. We will all miss him.

Stavros Maltezos

November 3, 2006

Dr. D'Angelo,

You were a classic mentor. I hope you were aware of the profound influence you had on the lives of so many, in my particular case, an influence probably equal to that of my own parents. Were it not for you, I might not be a neurosurgeon today. Every day of my life I am grateful for the genuine interest you showed and the direction you provided. Your immortal words, "It is only crowded at the bottom", stay with me forever and, today are used to inspire my own children as they pursue their careers. Although you live on forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew you, your passing leaves a void in our hearts. I will truly miss you.

Jules S Shapiro, M.D.

November 2, 2006

Dear Betsy;
It was with disbelief that Marian and I heard of Charlie's death. Charlie and I always understood each other, had similar values and could talk easily to each other. I will miss him but will always have great memories of him.

Hassan Najafi

November 2, 2006

Dear Betsy, Charlie was a revered
colleague and a dear friend. MY
respect, admiration and affection
for him will remain boundless. MAY
Your wonderful memories sustain you
through this ultimate sadness.

Randall McNally

November 2, 2006

Dear Betsy,

Charlie will be missed at the Captain's Table and the surgeon's lounge. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Randy McNally, MD

Jeff, Sarah, Francesca and Audrey Masciopinto

November 2, 2006

In memory of a great neurosurgeon, mentor and friend. All of our thoughts are with Betsy today.

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