Alfred L. Desanctis, M.D.

Alfred L. DeSanctis, M. D., age 91 died Monday, January 26, 2009 at the Canton Regency after a short illness. He was born September 12, 1917 to Ernest L. and Rose (Donaruma) DeSanctis in Utica, New York. In 1935 he graduated from the Utica Free Acadamy. He received a 4 year Gertrude Curran music scholarship to study violin at Hartwick College. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hamilton College, Clinton, New York in 1939 with a B.A degree. While at Hamilton he was a member of the Utica Symphony Orchestra, string quartet and did solo recitals. He subsequently attended the Utica School of Commerce and then accepted a position in New York City at .S.F. & G as a federal bond underwriter for 2 years. He was a World War II army veteran in the military intelligence service until his discharge in 1945. While in the army, he attended Stanford University in California where he studied Dutch and Malay languages. While at Stanford, he also played in the University band and was drum major. After his discharge from the army he returned to Hamilton College for premed studies. He then entered Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and graduated in 1951 with an M.D. degree. He interned at University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio from 1952 to 1956. He joined the Massillon Community Hospital general surgery staff in 1956. He practiced there until his retirement in June, 1997. He was a former Chief of Staff and also lectured at the Massillon Community Hospital School of Nursing. Dr. DeSanctis was preceded in death by his parents Ernest L. and Rose DeSanctis, stepmother Ruth (Palmer) DeSanctis, brother Pasquale (Paschal) DeSanctis, sister-in-law Pauline (Fortwengler) DeSanctis, brother-in-law William C. Barth. He is survived by brother Edward L. (Rose Fusco) DeSanctis of Utica, New York, his sister Eleanor Barth of Nokomis, Florida, many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins. Also long time employees, friends and caregivers Annette Antonille and Mary McCoul. Dr. DeSanctis was a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Emergency Physicians, Johns Hopkins Medical and Surgical Associations, Ohio State Medical Association and Stark County Medical Association. He was a life member of Brookside Country Club. He was an accomplished violinist, avid tennis player and traveled throughout the United States and Europe, He spoke Italian, French, Dutch and Malay and studied Spanish until his death. His interests included classical and jazz music and art collecting. Known by the employees at Massillon Community Hospital as Dr. D., he will be remembered for his many years of dedicated service in surgery and the emergency room. He always took the extra time to talk to his patients. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at the Seaton Center at Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica, New York at the convenience of the family. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, in Utica. Memorial contributions may be made to charity of choice. The family wishes to thank employees of the Canton Regency Skilled Nursing Unit and the ladies from Comfort Keepers. Condolences may be sent to www.arnoldlynch.com or dimblebyfriedelfuneralhomes.com Arnold-Lynch – A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-4839