MEMORIAL RESOLUTION FOR JOSEPH RICHARD LENTINO, M.D., Ph.D.
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that the members of this chamber learned of the death of Joseph Richard Lentino, M.D., Ph.D., on November 12, 2018; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman ofthe 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born on August 19, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, Joseph was the beloved son of the late Vincent J. Lentino and the late Vincie J. (nee Sciacca); and
WHEREAS, Joseph leaves to cherish his memories: his adored wife, Joan (nee Witort); their children whom he dearly loved, Laura (Matthew Downs), James (Kari), Joseph (Janie), Lawrence (Alice Brown), and Gerald (Danielle King); his eleven precious grandchildren, Jayden and Katelyn Downs, Zoe Slosser, Sullivan Deiotte, Tuesday and Wyatt Lentino, Christopher and Joseph Lentino; step great-granddaughter, Tesla Chambers, and many more family, friends and people whom his dedicated and expert work served. Agonizingly predeceased by twin grandsons: Joseph Hugh and Jack Alexander Lentino and grandson Ian James Lentino, he now rejoins them; treasured and
WHEREAS, Joe graduated with a Ph.D. in microbiology from Loyola University Chicago and received a medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, later becoming a professor of medicine at Loyola University School of Medicine and the Chief of Infectious Disease at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital. In addition, he was the Program Director of the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program. These positions enabled him to teach, conduct research, and provide care for patients, all of which he deeply loved to do. He held these positions until he retired after 32 years of service; and
WHEREAS, The beginning of Joe's clinical practice coincided with the studies of the symptoms that would eventually become known as the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He found ways to assure and provide care for those who had or could be at risk for this terrifying illness; and
WHEREAS, As a young man, Joe enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and patriotically served his country during Viet Nam War. He cared passionately for our nation's veterans in his work at the VA Hospital and elsewhere - teaching his trainees to deeply respect the sacrifices veterans had provided to our country.
WHEREAS, Joe led his life deeply aligned with his faith and Catholic community. He became a Past Grand Knight and a Fourth Degree member in the Knights of Columbus Fr. Ryan Council 5025, the latter being an honor earned by less than a fifth of the overall membership and given to those who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to patriotism and furthering active Catholic citizenship; and
• WHEREAS, Joe, even with all of his professional and academic accomplishments, enjoyed the simple things in life as gardening, garage sales, learning Italian, reading, dancing, and home improvement projects. A keen adventurer, one of the highlights of his travels was meeting his grandmother's family in a remote village in Sicily. Joe particularly relished time with family and friends in the North Woods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. His life was very focused on his family for whom he would do anything, (including reading his thesis "Characterization of a serum glycoprotein...as a humorous bedtime story and parental favorite for its ability to help very small children fall asleep quickly); and
WHEREAS, Joe touched the lives of many, many people with his kindness, generosity, humility, vivacious spirit, warmth, and charm. He was a true leader and an exceptional mentor, instilling confidence in others to carry out their work to the highest of standards. While he will be deeply missed, the memory of his character will live on in those who knew and loved him; and now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twelfth day of December, 2018, do hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Joseph Richard Lentino M.D., Ph.D.; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Joseph Richard Lentino M.D., Ph.D., as a sign of our honor and respect.