Donald S. Gromisch M.D. passed away on Feb. 9, 2014. He was the son of Wilbur G. and Lillian S. Gromisch. Don was an extraordinary physician and academician, graduating from New York Medical College with highest honors in 1960 and achieving the rank of Professor of Pediatrics by the age of 40. He was chief of the Service of Pediatrics of Metropolitan Hospital and subsequently became director of the Department of Pediatrics at Lincoln Hospital, and during his tenure at both Metropolitan and Lincoln, was able to mentor many colleagues in pediatrics within his specialty of pediatric infectious disease, as well as other areas of pediatric research. He subsequently became Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Nassau County Medical Center and served as the president of the New York Chapter #3 of the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as a member of the Redbook Committee, setting the national standard for immunization for the American Academy of Pediatrics. He received the Medal of Honor from the New York Medical College in 1995.
Don was a devoted sailor, acting as Commodore of Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club during 1997-1998, as well as a member of the New York Yacht Club.
He was a devoted husband to Alice Gromisch for almost 60 years and father to Dr. Mark Gromisch and Dr. Hollis Potter, and their spouses, Maryann Gromisch and Dr. William S. Potter III. He is survived by his wife and two children as well as his five grandchildren.
The Memorial Service took place at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cold Spring Harbor on Feb. 22. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cold Spring Harbor or the Oyster Bay Sailing Foundation. www.fpdevinefuneralhome.com
