Dr. Peter Tomasello, 84, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at his home in Florida.
He was born August 30, 1937 and raised in Hammonton, N.J. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies and medical school he became a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, serving from 1966 to 1968. He was a Green Beret Paratrooper and a Captain of the 5th Special Forces Group. While serving in the Republic of Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, he received the purple heart and bronze star for meritorious service.
Upon completion of his military service, he completed a general surgery residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Following his surgery residency, he relocated to South Florida where he began what became a 34-year practice in general surgery, ending upon his retirement in 2006. During his career as a surgeon, he was active in organized medicine serving as president of Broward County Medical Association. He was a longtime delegate to the Florida Medical Association representing Broward County. Additionally, he served as Chief of Staff at Plantation General Hospital. Dr. Tomasello was appointed the surgeon on call to President Carter during his south Florida visit. He was one of the first surgeons in Broward County to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures and entero-stapling instrumentation. Dr. Tomasello was the first surgeon to perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Broward County and he started the bariatric program at University Hospital. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Tomasello mastered general surgery from pediatrics to thoracic to geriatric expertise.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Tomasello enjoyed boating and fishing, attending sporting events and snow skiing. After retiring he traveled the world from Jerusalem to the Great Wall of China, Vietnam and Europe.
He is predeceased by his brother, Ollie Tomasello; wife, JoAnn Tomasello; and his parents.
He is survived by his children, Peter Tomasello Jr. D.O.; David Tomasello, Lisa Tomasello M.D. and Lora Tomasello BSN; along with his many grandchildren, Victoria, Peter, Alexis, Samantha, Nina, Stella, Isabella and Sydney; niece, Jennie; and nephew, Ollie.
Graveside services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2022, in Greenmount Cemetery 124 S. First Road Hammonton, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners Hospital or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements made by the Carnesale Funeral Home.