WHEREAS, Thomas R. Pellegrino, M.D., a distinguished neurologist who served as Associate Dean for Education at Eastern Virginia Medical School and taught rising physicians about medical ethics, died on November 17, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of New York, Thomas Pellegrino received a bachelor's degree from Providence College, a master of philosophy from Yale University, and a medical degree from the University of Kentucky before returning to Yale University for his residencies in internal medicine and neurology; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pellegrino began his illustrious career with Eastern Virginia Medical School as an assistant professor of neurology, later becoming chair of the Department of Neurology, director of the Neurology Residency, the James E. Etheridge, Jr., M.D., Distinguished Professor in Neurology, and Associate Dean of Education; and

WHEREAS, a skilled clinician who also engaged in private practice for several years, Dr. Pellegrino treated his patients with the utmost respect and compassion as he shared the latest medical advances and determined the best course of care for their conditions; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his career, Dr. Pellegrino developed a strong interest in medical ethics, which he incorporated into his teaching in an effort to help prospective physicians as they prepared for their own medical careers; and

WHEREAS, committed to academic excellence, Dr. Pellegrino helped found the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society at Eastern Virginia Medical School and served as a counselor to the organization; and

WHEREAS, a highly respected educator and physician, Dr. Pellegrino was honored for his contributions as the first recipient of the Dean's Faculty Achievement Award in Clinical Teaching from Eastern Virginia Medical School and with a Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; and

WHEREAS, shortly before his passing, Dr. Pellegrino received a heartfelt tribute from the faculty and students of Eastern Virginia Medical School in honor of his distinguished service to Eastern Virginia Medical School and his profession and learned of the creation of an endowed lectureship on medical ethics in his name; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Dr. Pellegrino spent his free time in the company of his beloved family, oftentimes outdoors; a skilled woodworker, he once built two kayaks that he paddled in local rivers; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pellegrino also drew faith from his membership at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he enjoyed worship, fellowship, and service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pellegrino touched the lives of countless individuals and will be particularly missed by his wife of 43 years, Jane; children, Daniel and Alice, and their families; his other family members and friends; and his former patients and students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a beloved physician and educator, Thomas R. Pellegrino, M.D.; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Thomas R. Pellegrino, M.D., as an expression of the General Assembly's abiding respect for his memory.