Santa Clara Magazine

Dr. Leonard Napolitano ’51, former dean of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 7, 2013. Dr. Napolitano was born in 1930 in Oakland, CA, one of three children and the only son of Italian immigrants. He attended Santa Clara University where in 1950, he quarterbacked the Broncos to an upset Orange Bowl win over Bear Bryant's Kentucky Wildcats. Napolitano earned a PhD. in anatomy from St. Louis University and proceeded to teach at Cornell Medical School and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He moved to New Mexico in 1964 to become one of the seven founding faculty at the newly established School of Medicine at UNM. He became interim Dean of the medical school in 1972 and was named permanent Dean the following year, serving in that capacity until his retirement in 1994. Under his leadership, Dr. Napolitano presided over the dramatic expansion of the medical school and health sciences complex on the North campus of UNM, creating an environment known nationally and internationally for its innovative teaching curriculum. Dr. Napolitano was a highly effective advocate for the medical school at the legislature in Santa Fe. Due to these efforts, the medical school and the associated health sciences campus became one of New Mexico's chief assets. Among many other honors, Dr. Napolitano received the medical school's first Living Legend award in 2009. Dr. Napolitano loved opera, Tony Bennett, good food, and good company. He was an avid reader and a passionate supporter of the arts. He loved his family and had deep and enduring friendships all over the world. Dr. Napolitano was preceded in death by his wife Jane. He is survived by his three children, Leonard Jr., Janet '79 and Nancy, his daughter-in-law Elle, his grandchildren, Carrie, David, William and Sarah Jane, and his longtime companion Thelma Domenici.

Joseph Anastasi Jr. ’51 was born in Monterey on the 4th of July, 1927, to Joseph and Jennie Anastasia. He passed away on November 26, 2012. Growing up immersed in his Sicilian heritage, Monterey's own "Joltin' Joe"excelled in basketball, baseball and football. He attended Santa Clara University on a full ride football scholarship. After suffering a career-ending knee injury, he returned home and ran Mike's Seafood Restaurant and Casa Carmelkorn on Fisherman's Wharf successfully for half a century. He married his sweetheart, Angelina Melicia, and cherished her to the end. An incredibly faith-filled man, Joe considered his 12:00pm mass community at San Carlos Parish an extension of his family. For over 50 years, his generous spirit led him to collect weekly food donations for the Carmelite Monastery sisters who held a special place in his heart. Joe and Angelina shared a love of art, theater and travel which led them to adventures around the world. Favorite activities included walks along the coast and cruising with family and friends. But the main focus of his life was always his family. He and Angelina made sure to participate in every important family event and reveled in the endeavors of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. With a joyful personality and pervasive smile, he charmed everyone he met. He was a true gentleman, humble in nature and generous of spirit. Joe was surrounded by family when he was reunited with his beloved wife, Angelina, on their 62nd wedding anniversary. He followed his mother, father and three brothers, Angelo, Phil and John. He is survived by his sister, Rosalie Casas; daughters, Jane (Gary Gasperson), Jodi '82 (Tom Duckett); grandchildren: Joey, Michael (Mandy), John (Tanya) and Angelina; great grandchildren, Hudson and Harper; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express great appreciation to Debbie, Lou, Edna and Josie for their loving care of Pop in the last days of his life.