Obituary of Samuel S. Ciccio, MD

Samuel S. Ciccio, M.D., 85, died on Monday, November 24, 2014, at home in the loving arms of his wife. Born in Oswego, NY on May 28, 1929, Dr. Ciccio was the son of the late Luciano and Giovannina Ciccio. Samuel is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judith; his children Susan Van Ort Walther (and Joseph) of Silverdale, WA, Cristi Ciccio-Kloc (and William) of Clifton Park, NY and S. Steven Ciccio (and Rebecca) of Oakland, CA; his grandchildren, Ryan Van Ort, Gregory Van Ort, Bryce Kloc, Hudson Ciccio and Ella Ciccio. After graduating from Oswego High School, Samuel attended Le Moyne College in Syracuse, graduating with the inaugural class of 1951. After obtaining a medical degree from the University of Bologna, Italy in 1964, he pursued a residency program in Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital. He remained there as a faculty member until 1971, when he moved to Delmar to assume the position of Chief of Nuclear Medicine at Albany Veterans Administration Hospital, and positions of Associate Professor of Radiology and Associate Dean at the Albany Medical College. In 1975, he became Chief of Staff at the VA Hospital and was instrumental in the development of the Radiation Therapy Program and subsequent building, housing that specialty. In 1981, he joined the Albany Medical College in a full time capacity and prior to his retirement in 1996, served in various positions including; Professor of Radiology, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Executive Vice President, Executive Dean and Chief Operating Officer, and lastly, Acting Dean. In addition to his professorships at Albany Medical College, he held teaching positions including adjunct professorships in Chemistry and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a professorship in Physics at the State University at Albany. In “retirement”, he became the Project and Research Director for International Medical Programs, Inc., from 1998 to 2004, producing satellite medical education programs for countries in Eastern Europe. Dr. Ciccio was a member of various professional societies including; Fellowship in the American College of Physicians, Diplomate of the Board of Nuclear Medicine, member of the American College of Physician Executives, member of the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, He was also the author or co-author of some 25 scientific publications and book chapters. Dr. Ciccio enjoyed volunteering and served on numerous boards including; 14 years as a board member with the Northeastern NY Red Cross Chapter, holding the Office of Vice Chairperson and being awarded the very prestigious “Spencer Standish Award for Outstanding Leadership”, Chairperson for 3 years of the Red Cross NY/Penn Blood Services Program, 45 year member of the American Cancer Society receiving an Outstanding Board Member Service Award from 1983 to 1989 and a Distinguished Service Award as President from 1988 to 1989, 43 years of service with the Boy Scouts of America receiving two of scouting’s highest awards, the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope, while holding the position of President of the Local Albany Council on three different occasions, and serving on the National Health and Safety committee responsible for inspection of the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Northeast Health and Eddy Board member honored with an Eddy Award for Leadership and Innovation in programs that serve seniors, founding member and 10 year President of the Homer Perkins Center, founding member of the Capital Region Sleep/Wake Disorders Center, member of the Board of Directors for the Hospital Underwriters Insurance Company, member of the Health System Agency of Northeastern NY, 22 year member of Albany Rotary Club, and Rotary District 7190 Gift of Life program helping children with life threatening health issues receive the necessary surgery to save their lives. In addition, he received other notable awards including; the Golden Lion award, given by the Albany Sons of Italy, the Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award from the Jewish War Veterans of the United States and the Alden March Award for Public Service to Health Care by the Albany Medical Foundation. He was also an 8 year member of the United States Army Medical Reserves Corps where he attained the rank of Colonel before being honorably discharged in 1989. Samuel cherished his family, and enjoyed dancing, reading, Broadway Musicals, games of chance, playing cards, recounting the days of spinning props to pay for flying lessons and his first solo flight at age 16 after only 7 hours of instruction, thus receiving his pilot’s license. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 28, 2014, from 4 to 7 pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, in Delmar. Private graveside services will be held in the Bethlehem Cemetery. A celebration in honor of his life will take place at Normanside Country Club, 150 Salisbury Road, Delmar, at noon on Saturday, November 29. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may donate to the Gift of Life in care of Richard Hodge, 44 Louise Lane, Lake George, NY, 12845.