It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Vincent Patalano, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and revered surgeon, who left us peacefully at the age of 97. A resident of Winchester, "Dr. Pat" passed away in his sleep on February 18, 2025, after a period of declining health.

Born on August 30, 1927, Dr. Pat dedicated his life to the practice of medicine, touching countless lives with his skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment to healing. The cherished son of the late Lucy (Ciccanesi) and Pasquale Patalano, he graduated from Somerville High School and put himself through Harvard College by working at a local gas station. He earned a master's degree at Boston University, prior to graduating from Boston University School of Medicine. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, stationed at a MASH unit in Korea, as well as in Japan and India. He returned to Somerville to open a general surgical practice, the first Italian American physician in the Somerville community, proud of his ties to Gaeta, Italy from where his own father had emigrated in 1920.

As a talented and respected surgeon, he spent over 30 years as the Chief of Surgery at Somerville Hospital, earning the admiration of colleagues and patients alike for his expertise, empathy, and profound dedication to the caring of others. In recognition of his outstanding efforts, the Cambridge Health Alliance dedicated the Somerville Hospital lobby to Dr. Pat in 2002. That same year, the City of Somerville honored him and named "Dr. Pat Square" at Highland Ave. and Cedar St.

He never stopped learning. In addition to being one of the first Board Certified General Surgeons in the area, he also studied ferociously and earned his Board Certification in both Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine while in his 60s. His legacy in the medical community will endure, as both his sons, a granddaughter, and a grandson are physicians, following in his footsteps, inspired by his remarkable example.

More important than his many professional accomplishments, Dr. Pat cherished his wife of 66 years, Sandra Sue (Massello) Patalano. He fell in love with Sandy after seeing her college graduation picture in the local newspaper and married her six months later. His lifelong devotion to Sandy served as a loving guidepost for all of his children: Diane Patalano Long and her husband Michael; Vincent James Patalano II and his wife Donna; Steven M. Patalano and his wife Karen; and Sylvia Patalano Stenson and her husband Marty. He was such a proud grandfather to Alexandra, Vincent James III, Matthew, Lucy, Hailey, Steven II, Marcus, Marty, Delaney, and Genevieve, and great-grandfather to Briar and Brantley.  He always treasured the time spent with his family and friends, whether in Winchester, Boca Raton, or Hyannis. His guidance and affection will be deeply missed by his family, including his sister Sylvia Mackey, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, all who were privileged to have had him in their lives for so many years. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mary and Clara, and by Jack Mackey, his brother-in-law and closest friend, as well as numerous others who he missed until the end.

His health had been fragile in recent years and Dr. Pat's family is grateful for his wonderful caregivers, particularly Danny Levi, who helped him face each day with resilience and dignity.

Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (Corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading Line) on Saturday, March 1st, 2025 from 10am to 12pm.

Immediately following the visitation, a Funeral Service will be held for Dr. Pat at 12:00pm. Interment to follow in Lincoln Cemetery, 44 Lexington Rd., Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dr. Pat's Memory to  to The Somerville Foundation online at https://www.somerville-foundation.org/