Thomas Palella Obituary

Dr. Palella was my doctor (and my mom's) and also my friend. Every visit included lively discourse, political and otherwise. I was sad when he retired, and I miss him still.

Tom was my doctor for 27years. I was one of his first patients when he joined Rheumatic Disease Center. He diagnosed me in one visit when I had gone through many doctors who couldn't figure me out. I truly believe Tom saved my life. Over the years he became a friend as well as my doctor. I was very sad when he retired. I hope he was able to enjoy his retirement even though it was way to short. The world has lost a wonderful human being. God bless you Tom.

Miss you Tom

Miss you Tom

Just yesterday I was again comforted by Dr. Palella's insight and comprehensive knowledge re my issues. This happens often when I have one of my "episodes." His words have always helped and continue to help me. Surely his other patients would agree that his counsel lives on, continuing to sustain us all. What more profound legacy could one have. I hope his family knows this and comforts them.

I met Dr. Palella in 1995. I was barely 22 and very sick after having a baby born very prematurely. For 25 years he took care of me. He saved my life during terrible flares of illness over the years. He was my doctor, but also a kind, compassionate and caring man that treated me as family. He knew my kids and family and always asked about them by name. He was generous, personable and funny and always full of advice. He told Italian jokes because I too am Italian and I appreciated his sense of humor.
I was shocked and saddened today to learn of his passing. He was an incredibly brilliant man and I felt honored to be his patient. When I read plaques on his walls about his accomplishments I would tell him that he was a pretty big deal! He was very humble about that though.
He always knew how to heal me. Once I was in the ICU in bad shape and my Dad sat up all night with me. Dr. Palella showed up at 3am and eased my Dad's mind and made a plan to get me well. My parents were very grateful to him. I am 48 now and still alive. Had I not been treated by him I feel I may not be here today. I was happy he was retiring and hoping he would get a chance to travel and enjoy his family. I imagined him living a long life after retirement to do all of the things he enjoyed doing.
To his family and friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a great man and I feel honored to have known him and will never forget him.

Sincerely,
Andrea (Andi)Fanella Koeneman

My deepest condolences to all the family. I was a patient of Dr. Palella for 27 years. In those years, I got to know him as a brilliant doctor and a wonderful human being. After going to four doctors within three
months, the last doctor told me that I should get an appointment With Doctor Pallela because he would be able to diagnose what no one else did...and he was right. Within a week I was diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome, and for the next 27 years, I had the privilege of being treated for a myriad of illnesses by a man who was kind, caring, and devoted to his patients. During that time Dr. Palella saw my mother, aunt, daughter, and granddaughter. We often spoke of our families and
joked about how his mother and I were always wearing high heels...(at our age).
Rest In Peace my friend, ever in my heart, my prayers are with you.

So sorry for your loss. I was a patient of Dr Palella for 10 years and missed him very much when he retired.
He was and still is my favorite doctor he was old school he knew was a great listener he was like a friend I always looked forward to seeing him. I still go to the office but it´s not the same. Keeping him in my prayers and his family. I miss you Dr.P RIP

My deepest condolences to the family. I was a patient for over 25 years but more than the patient doctor relationship we were friends. He will be missed by all.

My condolences to the Palella family.
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Palella. I used to call him my Guardian Angel because he diagnosed me with my illness and took care of me for the last 25 years. I was in tears when he told me that he was retiring but also happy for him at the same time. He sure was a great doctor and a friend.
Rest your beautiful soul doctor palella.

He has been on my mind so I called the office to see if he was in touch with anyone. I wanted to know if he was OK. I am so sorry for your loss. I knew no one like him. He was My Dr for over 24 years. He saw me through the death of my husband and listened to stories of my kids growing up and of course My lupus.. I loved him and respected him as a man, husband, father, doctor and so much more. He spoke of you and your kids at every appointment. My thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.ay God continue to bless you, Tina D'Amato

My deepest sympathies to Palella family. What a Wonderful doctor and human being. When he told me that he was retiring I cried because not only was I losing a Great Doctor, but A Good Friend. He so loved all of his family and so proud of his daughter and son. Such a kind person who always gave you a hug coming and leaving his office. How lucky we all are to have known him and to have experienced his caring ways.

Dr. Palella, I've known Him for over 35Yrs. He use to tease me That he was older and I said but by only 3 Months. We would laugh! I was so surprised when he was going to retire. I was so mad at him for leaving. I miss him a lot. Dr. Furmonov, told me, I had a hard time. Take Care

Thanks to the Hughes family, I was privileged to be a patient of Dr. Palella's for a number of years and was not happy for myself when he retired, but hoped he would enjoy a wonderful extended retirement with his loving family and friends. Alas, fate determined otherwise and those of us who treasured him were devastated by the news of his death. He was a doctor, a mentor, a friend, a compassionate care giver. He loved conversation and never held back from issues that were important to him, no matter how controversial. He spoke from his heart and mind. He often referred to heroic patients of his who struggled against all odds (and Medicare restrictions), to maintain a quality of life despite pain. They smiled as well, as he did. His capacity for learning and sharing was endless and I looked forward to our appointments because I knew he cared, and I knew I would learn something new. I left each appointment stimulated intellectually and cared for physically. Because he suffered rheumatology issues as well, his compassion never waned.
Although I do not know his family, I hope these few thoughts offer comfort to each member, knowing that he was a rare human being.

I was Dr. Palella's patient for well over 20-some years. He was the best doctor I ever knew - - thorough but kind and full of wisdom. He will always have a special place in my heart. My prayers and support will always be with his beloved family.

I met Tom on our very first day of medical school at the University of Illinois. Throughout our 4 years, he remained one of my dearest and closest friends. He would often joke that I was his "oldest friend in medical school" , not only because we were friends from day one, but also that I was a couple of years older than him. I was always impressed by his sharp intelligence, wonderful sense of humor and true kindness. My condolences to your whole family on your loss

My most heartfelt sympathy to the Palella famiy. I was a patient of Dr. Palella for 25 years. I was sent to him by my primary care doctor when I was very ill and no one could determine what was wrong with me. My doctor told me that Dr. Palella was the best and would figure it out and that he did and made me well again. Through the years we shared stories of our families and our work. I was a Chicago Police Officer. We both had a lot of respect for each other in our chosen fields. To top everything off we were nearly born at the same time. My birthdate being March 2, 1951. Not only a top notch doctor but an even better man that will sorely be missed by so many. When he left the practice I was shocked and felt so alone in my quest to find a replacement doctor. There isn't one! No one can replace Tom Palella! RIP Dr. Palella and indeed I will keep you in my prayers each and every day. You were THE BEST!!!!!!

While I never met Tom, his brother Patrick Palella is my friend and CEO of my software company. Pat has often spoken about his cherished memories of Tom and Tom´s ethical and fatherly influence on Pat throughout his life. I´ve developed a reverence towards Tom in knowing Patrick.
My sincere condolences to the Family and thanks to Pat for introducing Tom to me. While I wish I´d met him, I´ve come to know and respect him from afar.

So sorry Julie and family. What an AMAZING man so many accomplishments love to all of you. I will keep you in my prayers.

Being with Tom was always fun and interesting. We loved hearing his opinion and thoughts on all topics of conversation. Mostly it was his love of his family and passion for cooking that we related to most.

We will always remember Tom as a wonderful friend and outstanding family man and physician. We will always have very fond memories of him and will forever miss him.

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Palella for many years. He was a wonderful Dr. and a great friend. He had a great sense of humor. He will truly be missed. May you Rest In Peace Dr. Palella.