Dr. Samuel Augustus Stornelli, age 82, passed away at Upstate University Hospital with his wife of 49 years at his side. Dr. Stornelli was born and raised in Syracuse New York. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1954 and from SUNY College of Medicine in 1958.
He interned at Genesee Hospital, Rochester, NY and then began his residency at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Long Beach Ca., in Neurology-Psychiatry. He began his neurosurgery training also at the U.S. Naval Hospital. It was there that he published a paper on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the journal of Neurosurgery (1964) which was widely disseminated nationally and internationally.
Returning to Syracuse he opened a private practice and was attending trauma neurosurgeon for hospital emergency rooms at St. Joseph's and Community General and Auburn Memorial Hospital. He was Also a consulting neurosurgeon for Willard State Hospital, Seneca Falls Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital, Lee Momorial (Fulton) and Oswego Hospital.
In 1986 he became the full time physician for New Process Gear and completed his master's degree in Public Health in 1995. Until his retirement in 2006 he ran the clinics at Willard Drug Treatment Campus and 5 Points Correctional Facility.
He was a Lieut j6 U.S. Navy Reserves (1957-1961) and was transferred to the US Air force 616th USAG Field Hospital (Airborne) as a Captain for a special mission.
Besides his extensive training and practice in Medicine, he was a gifted athlete. As a Golden Gloves competitor he entered Syracuse University on a boxing scholarship. He then became Captain of the University Fencing team.
His clinical judgement, diagnostic ability and surgical skills made him outstanding in his practice and the emergency rooms. His medical opinions, clearly and concisely presented, made him a sought-after witness in medical – legal trials.
He never stopped learning and had a vast array of interests as reflected in his large personal library. He was fluent in three languages. His particular joy was hunting and fishing on his farm and hunting preserve In the Town of Victory.
He led a fascinating life with his endless curiosity and willingness to attempt any project.
His wide range of accomplishments did not truly define him though. It was his great heart, powerful mind, far reaching quest for knowledge, and his extraordinary presence that came closest to defining him. He was adored by his patients, nurses, staff and many friends, but most of all by his wife, Anne, and his son Marc.
He was predeceased by his brother, Orie Egnoto. He is survived by his wife Anne, son Marc, his brother Anthony Stornelli and his sister Ann Maria Egnoto.
There will be no calling hours. Services are private at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to contribute to his memory may do so at their favorite charity in his name. Arrangements are in care of the Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home. www.catoredcreek.com