After an extraordinary 45-year career, Joseph A. Izzi, Sr., M.D., Vietnam veteran and Rhode Island-based orthopedic surgeon, died on May 8, 2022, after a long illness.
Dr. Izzi began his orthopedic practice when arthroplasty was still a new and developing approach to treating severe joint arthritis. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, he served the broader Providence and North Providence, Rhode Island, community for 45 years.
His was an active and key member of the Providence Medical Society, Rhode Island Orthopaedic Society, American College of Surgeons, International College of Surgeons, The American Academy of Orthopaedics Surgeons, University of Bologna Alumni Association, Eastern Orthopaedic Society and the Irish American Orthopaedic Society, a professional organization for orthopedic surgeons who are Irish, of Irish descent, or have trained in an Irish University.
Dr. Izzi Sr. received his medical degree from The University of Bologna Medical School in Italy and then came home for his internship and orthopedic residency at Rhode Island Hospital. He then took his medical training and served his country in the Vietnam war as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy. Among his postings was Da Nang, during the infamous and tragic Tet Offensive.
Dr. Izzi Sr. was born on February 12, 1935, to Carolyn and Roger Izzi. He attended La Salle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island, and then earned his bachelor’s degree from Providence College.
He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Barbara and his children—two of whom followed in their father’s footsteps and became doctors—Dr. Joseph A. Izzi, Jr., and Dr. Jason R. Izzi and their wives.
He will be missed by his grandchildren Santino and Jayci who always called him “Grandpy.” He was also the loving brother of Dr. Roger A. Izzi, Jr. and the late Carolyn Marano, and brother-in-law to Albert Marano, Michael Sabella, and Nancy Izzi. He also leaves behind his nephews John, Dr. Albert, Stephen and Roger Marano, and Matthew and Roger Izzi, III.
