Obituary of Michael Leonard D'Aiuto

Michael Leonard DAiuto, M.D., age 76, of Trumbull, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at his home. Born in Bridgeport on November 14, 1933, he was a son of the late Vito and Rose Antonelli DAiuto. He grew up in the Hollow section of Bridgeport . Dr. DAiuto graduated from Fairfield University having majored in music, and subsequently attended the University of St. Louis School of Medicine; obtaining his degree as a doctor of medicine. Dr. DAiuto obtained a commission in the United States Army Medical Corps, and subsequently rose to the rank of Lt. Col. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war, having served with elements of the 44th Medical Brigade, most notably, the 91st Evacuation Hospital located near the city of Toy Hoa, in South Vietnam. After returning to Connecticut, Dr. DAiuto established a general surgery practice, and was Instrumental in the development of the Bridgeport Hospital Burn Center. Utilizing experience gained during his military service, Dr. DAiuto advised on the development of operational protocols for the utilization of LifeStar aeromedical transport service, thereby intergrating the Burn Unit, as well as Bridgeport Hospital into the helicopter aeromedical transport network. Dr. DAiuto published a multitude of scholarly medical papers, with particular focus on the surgical care, management, and rehabilitation of burn patients. Additionally, Dr. DAiuto was an Adjunct Professor of Surgery at the Yale School of Medicine. He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Rose Marie Colohan DAiuto, son, Michael DAiuto and brother Anthony DAiuto. Survivors include his wife Barbara Wood DAiuto, daughter, Michelle DAiuto of Milford, grandson, Marc Vaschon, brother, Vito DAiuto Jr. and his wife Nancy of Shelton, nephew Vito M. DAiuto III, of Shelton, niece Lisa Rose Wierzbicki and her husband Mark, godson, Joseph Wierzbicki, of Stratford, great nephew, Ensign Trenton Michael DAiuto, United States Navy, sister-in-law, Rebecca Sfuruzzo, cousins Joseph and Evelyn DAiuto of Sarasota, Florida, cousins Maria Reale, Chirina Tantalo and their families of Rochester NY, and Uncle Luigi Antonelli of Rochester NY. Some refelections and thoughts on Mike, from his loving wife Barbara: Know your stuff but don't take yourself too seriously. This advice was Mikes' guiding principal, in High School he was known as the Brain. He had the kinds of smarts that drew kids to him. He was active in the drama club, Latin club, Year Book and had a letter for running track. Nobody kidded him about being an Asester Boy. Later as Fairfield University what courses he didn't take for credit, he audited. He said ," I was like a dog in a meat factory . He was the first student director of the Glee Club and performed Barber Shop complete with blazer and straw hat. In the summers between Medical school, he drove a truck and was active in the Polka Dot theater. His car was one he and his father built together. He said, " All I ever wanted to do in my life was to fly, so I became a doctor". In thirteen years of marriage, he never could explain what happened. But he did get to fly. He flew Helicopters in Vietnam. Later, he flew straight wing aircraft with his friend Dick Perry. He built model airplanes when he was a kid and big remote controlled planes as an adult. Mike, AKA, Dr.D. loved languages, he spoke English, medical, Italian, Featar ( a Italian dialect) and Banjo lyrics. While in the United States ARMY, he taught himself Banjo. He could do anything with his hands. Neighborhood kids brought him their broken bikes. He made fine totally pegged furniture, and a Grandfathers' clock. He could fix anything. He was comfortable in the world of Quotom, and understood that time is imaginary. The first part of the paper that he read was the comics. He was a natural teacher . When Dr. D. ran his Burn Rounds he would explain the injury and healing of Burns starting with the quotom levels all the way up to the psychology of healing and injury. As in life, the sadness was mixed with silly jokes, allowing the team to continue doing this very special care. He was devoted to his patients and their families, his Burn unit, his family, Science, music, laughter and his dogs Ming and Maggie. I want to thank: Odette Arnold HHA, who helped care for him for 15 months, Lupes Pharmacy, Drs. Brennan, Kochan Malefatto, and "Nancy the nurse" of Ct Hospice who cared for both and me. When Mike became busy, he would say,"There is only one of Me". Mike was smart, funny and warm. He often ended a phone call with "Hugs and Kisses". So Hugs and kisses, God speed, Mike. There was only one of you. From his devoted daughter, Michelle; as she reflects upon her fathers life; Although he had many responsibilities and professional accomplishments, Dr. DAiuto always put his family first. He was an avid reader, a huge supporter of the Arts and enjoyed working with his hands doing woodworking, designing, building and flying model airplanes. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a master raconteur. And, from his nephew, Vito, Fair winds, and following Seas Uncle Mikeyou were not just a Doctor, you were a Physician, a teacher, and a mentor . You were not just my Uncle, nor just a fellow veteran, you were; my friend. I shall love always, and keep your memory and what you stood for forever in my thoughts, my work, and my heart. I shall miss youand NEVER forget you. Funeral Information A Memorial Mass celebrating his life will take place on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola at Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Rd., Fairfield. Family and friends may greet the family on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 30 Elm St. , Bridgeport, CT 06604 or Doctors without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741.