Dr. Joseph M. Pitone

Nephrologist Dr. Joseph M. Pitone, 71, of Chadds Ford, PA, died Thursday October 11, 2018, at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia.

He was the husband of Gail Chronister Pitone. He is also survived by his daughter, Dr. Melanie Pitone (Jeffrey Press); his son, Michael Pitone (Brooke); his son Matthew Pitone (Eveline); grandchildren, Siena, Roman, Sofia, Oliver, Ryker, Griffin, and a sister, Helen Widun.

Born October 15, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA, Joseph was the son of the late Ernest Pitone and Felicia DeLuca Pitone.

A proud graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School (1964) and St. Joseph's University (1968), he continued his education at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). He graduated medical school in 1972 and completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at what was then-Kennedy Memorial Hospital-University Medical Center in Stratford, NJ, in 1975. Joseph completed a Fellowship in Nephrology and Hypertension at Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital.

As Medical Director of the Kennedy Health System (now Jefferson Health) Dialysis Program since its inception more than 25 years ago, Dr. Pitone has been a beloved member of the Jefferson – New Jersey family. As the leader of Nephrology & Hypertension Associates, he was a champion for his patients, their families and the healthcare organization. Kennedy Health System presented Dr. Pitone with the Beacon Award in 2009 for expanding and advancing Kennedy’s Dialysis Services and helping to develop a Nephrology Residency program in conjunction with UMDNJ (now Rowan University-SOM).

President of the New Jersey Division of Jefferson Health Joseph W. Devine says, “Dr. Pitone’s impact on the treatment of kidney disease and our dialysis program will forever be imprinted in South Jersey. His kindness and genuine concern will never be forgotten.”

A highly respected leader in his field, Dr. Pitone was awarded numerous teaching awards, including the “Golden Apple” – given to him by medical students for teaching excellence – and the UMDNJ Excellence in Teaching Award. Along with being an excellent educator and mentor to many Medical Staff members, Dr. Pitone touched the lives of his patients and all who worked for and with him.

“Dr. Pitone was like a second father to me,” says his colleague of 25 years, Dr. Carmen Canals. “If you were upset about something, he could make you see both sides of a situation like a diplomat.”

A true Philadelphia native, Dr. Pitone enjoyed the Phillies and spending time at the Jersey Shore. His work and family were everything to him.

Relatives and Friends are invited to his visitations on Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 5-8 p.m. at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 410 North Church Street, West Chester, PA 19380, 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com; and on Monday, October 15, 2018 from 10-11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, 130 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382; followed by his Memorial Service at 11 a.m. Interment will be Private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 1500 Walnut Street, Suite 301, Philadelphia, PA 19102.