Daniel M. Thys, M.D.

n October 23, 2007, Louis S. Blancato, M.D., 1982 ASA President, passed away in Rye, New York. Lou was an outstanding practitioner of anesthesiology and a dedicated member and leader of our professional organizations. He was born in New York and attended college at Fordham University. Upon graduation, he began his medical education at Flower Fifth Avenue Medical School. During World War II, he was a proud officer of the U.S. Army Medical Corps.

Louis S. Blancato, M.D.

He joined the attending staff of St. Luke’s Hospital in 1953 and became director of anesthesiology in 1963. As director, he was an enthusiastic teacher and maintained an outstanding residency program. He rose to the rank of professor in the Department of Anesthesiology of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University.

In addition to his hospital activities, he engaged passionately in organized anesthesiology and, in 1974, became president of the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists. He was a director of ASA for numerous years and became president of ASA in 1982. Recognizing his remarkable contributions, the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists awarded him its distinguished service award in 2001. The award was presented to him on December 8, 2001, during the 55th Postgraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology in New York.

“Dr. Blancato’s family, country and Italian-American heritage were the foundations of his life. He was a lifelong New Yorker and a citizen of the world through work, travel and many friendships.” Those were the words used by U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel to memorialize Dr. Louis S. Blancato in the Congressional Record on Tuesday, October 30, 2007.

Dr. Blancato was the beloved husband of the late Nancy. He is survived by Louis S., Robert, John and Amy, three daughters and one son-in-law, and beloved grandchildren Celia and Carly. Dr. Blancato was laid to rest in Rye, New York, on October 27, 2007. May he rest in peace.