Our community mourns the loss of a very special friend and doctor. Dr. Joseph Cannizzaro, a Pediatrican in Longwood for over 40 years, passed away at the age of 82 on January 13, 2022 with his family by his side.

Born and raised in New York state, he attended Fairfield University in CT where he was Class President his Junior and Senior years. Next he began his medical career as a Lab Technologist, attending Walter Reed Hospital. While in Washington, he had a cherished memory of sitting in the front row of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Commissioned as an officer in the US Army and assigned to West Point Military Academy for 3 years as Laboratory Officer and Cadette Instructor, he was married at the Academy. He then began 6 years of medical studies in Bologna, Italy, where he enjoyed wonderful experiences and made lifelong friends.

After an internship associated with Cornell and a 3-year pediatric residency with Yale Health Care System, he settled in Longwood, FL and opened the Pediatricians Care Unit. At that time, Longwood was a new and upcoming area. He quickly became known as Dr. C.

A few years ago, Dr. Cannizzaro created the “Cannizzaro Integrative Pediatric Center,” focusing on Integrative Medicine. He co-authored a book with Dr. Don Colbert on nutrition, and he authored “Answers for the 4-A Epidemic: Healing for Kids with Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies.” Both are highly recommended books.

He was very patriotic, always enjoyed gardening and (in his younger days) 4-wheeling in his Jeep was also a passion. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol Ann, his sons Tom and Marc and his brother, Peter.  Dr. C was predeceased by his son, Joe jr., in 2017.

Through it all, Dr. C. practiced with consideration for children first. He was a kind and loving man, a cherished friend, compassionate and loved by all who knew him.