Michael Bevilacqua M.D.'s Obituary
BEVILACQUA, MICHAEL, M.D. (1909-2010)
Died peacefully at home on July 12 surrounded by his beloved wife of 75 years, Nora, and his family. Dr. Bevilacqua was born in 1909 to Maria Guiseppa Codella and Luigi Bevilacqua in Calitri, Province of Avellino, Italy; came to the US in 1911 where the family settled in Brooklyn, NY. Michael was the oldest of 11 children. A bright student, he graduated from Bushwick High School at 16; from the City College of New York with a B.S. degree in three years; with his M.D. degree in 1933 from the Long Island College of Medicine (now the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center). Dr. Bevilacqua completed a two year internship at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Jamaica, NY and began his medical career in 1935.
Because of his heart-felt desire to return the favor to the United States for the freedoms and opportunities he enjoyed, Dr. Bevilacqua, at 32 years of age, enlisted and served throughout the European Theater of Operations in the 10th Medical Laboratory, First Army, earning five battle stars and a Bronze Star. Following honorable discharge in 1945 with the rank of Major, Dr. Bevilacqua was the Director of Laboratories and Attending Pathologist at Mary Immaculate Hospital, Jamaica, NY, and Attending Pathologist at St. Anthony Hospital, Woodhaven, NY, as well as Clinical Pathologist and Associate Medical Director of the Inter- County Blood Banks, Jamaica, NY.
Dr. Bevilacqua moved to South Florida in 1957 and, with his partner Edward B. Blum, MD, greatly expanded pathology operations at Variety Children’s Hospital (now Miami Children’s Hospital), Coral Gables, and the former James Archer Smith Hospital, Homestead, from one room facilities to highly respected laboratories, staffed by well-trained professionals. A teacher at heart, Dr. Bevilacqua was also an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Experimental Pathology at the University of Miami.
After a distinguished career as a physician and researcher, Dr. Bevilacqua retired in 1976 as the Senior Attending Pathologist of the Medical Staff and Director of Laboratories at both hospitals. He then helped to establish the Master’s Degree in Biomedical Science and the Pathology curriculum for the newly created Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree program at Barry University.
Dr. Bevilacqua was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, the College of American Pathologists, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and a Diplomate in both Pathologic Anatomy and Clinical Pathology, and an active member of various medical societies.
Because of his very generous nature and commitment to his church, Dr.Bevilacqua was active in parish, archdiocesan and educational activities, including serving as the first president of the Christopher Columbus High School Faculty and Parents Association, president of the St. Louis Parish Council, CCD teacher, member of the Barry University Board of Governors, and for over twenty-five years as an active member of Serra International, holding offices, including president of the Miami Serra Club and Governor of Serra International , District 30.
To acknowledge the quality and breadth of Dr. Bevilacqua’s service and generosity charitable organizations and the example he set for others to share their talents and treasure, he was inducted into the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, USA. Dr. and Mrs. Bevilacqua, supporters of Barry since 1958, received the “Order of the Flame” and were honorary doctoral degree recipients.
While he loved his medical and professional career, his true love and devotion was his family. In addition to his wife, Dr. Bevilacqua is survived by his children Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD, Michael L. Bevilacqua, Noreen R. Virgin, Olivia A. Bevilacqua and Joseph A. Bevilacqua (Bunny); loving grandchildren Paul Virgin, Joseph Michael Bevilacqua (Isel), Nicholas Bevilacqua (Carla), Angela Lopez, (Sergio), and Cristina Vigne (Scott) and delightful great-grandchildren Joseph Michael Bevilacqua, Olivia Marie Lopez, Sophia Nicole Bevilacqua, Remy Michael Vigne, Rocco Michael Bevilacqua and Michael Rafael Bevilacqua ; sister Madeline Langan, brothers Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua, Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia, and Frank Bevilacqua (Marj); pre-deceased by two brothers and five sisters.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Catholic Church at the intersection of SW 142 Avenue and SW 72 Street (Sunset Drive) in Kendale Lakes on Friday, July 16, at 11:30 am followed by a light luncheon in the Parish Hall. Interment will be private at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Michael Bevilacqua, MD to Barry University, through the Office of Institutional Advancement, c/o Tom Severino.
On line messages may be sent through:
VanOrsdel- Kendall
11220 North Kendall Dr.
305-279-6644
www.VanOrsdel.com
MiamiHerald.com/obituaries
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