LOVEZZOLA, Dr. Michael, MD Passed peacefully in his sleep, July 13, 2012, after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born September 11, 1923, in Boston. Dad always said he was lucky to have wonderful parents, Michael and Theresa (Gnecco) Lovezzola, also born in Boston. In the early 1870's his grandparents were among the earliest Italian immigrants to Boston.
Mike first attended St. Lazarus Catholic Elementary School, followed by Boston Latin High School. He then went to Harvard at age 16. Mike graduated Cum Laude from Harvard and then received his M.D. from Tufts Medical School. During the Korean Conflict, he was the Chief Surgeon at McChord Air Force Base. There he met Lt. Norma Jacobson, and they were married at McChord Chapel in 1953.
Mike worked as a civilian surgeon in the Spokane Veterans Hospital from 1955-1966. He moved to Puyallup, WA, where he opened his private practice. Dr Lovezzola was the first surgeon in Puyallup. He was a member of the Tacoma Surgical Club and the North Pacific Surgical Association, and published, New England Journal of Medicine. His kind gentle and patient manner with everyone he encountered earned him the nickname of "Dr. Love." He retired in 1989.
Dad was a man of strong faith, and he was blessed with many dear friends at his parish, All Saints Catholic Church. He was also lucky to have very good neighbors, and his "coffee buddies" at the local McDonalds.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his dear sister, Jean Mongiello, and his parents. He is survived by his two daughters, Sue (Jim) Parrish of Walla Walla, WA and Mary (Bob) Champion of Mukilteo, WA. He also leaves three grandchildren and was lucky enough to enjoy four great grandsons. He is also survived by his loving brother and best friend Robert (Nancy) Lovezzola of Needham.
The passing of his gentle and kind spirit is a great loss for all of us, but a wonderful addition to Heaven. Funeral Services and Burial took place on Friday, July 20 in Puyallup.