Obituary of Massimo Degiarde, MD

DEGIARDE, MASSIMO (MAX), 84

New York - Massimo (Max) Degiarde, 84, originally of Panicale, Italy passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 20, 2017. He was born December 23, 1932 to Nelly and Ubaldo Degiarde in Panicale Italy and has been a resident of New York since 1963. He was predeceased by his sister Diana Degiarde. He is survived by Adele Montecalvo his loving partner of more than 30 years. He is also survived by his devoted children Anthony, his wife
Veronica, Robert, his wife Silvia, and their children, Riley and Lindsey and also by his beloved sister Silvana.

Max came to the United States and was a physician who practiced anesthesiology at Cabrini Medical Center for many decades. In 1972 he opened a drug rehabilitation center in Lower Manhattan which has helped thousands of individuals and continues to do so today. He was respected by colleagues and friends in the medical community. He was a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, the highest civilian honor conferred by the Vatican. He loved spending time with family and friends and could always be found cooking for everyone with his sister Silvana at his home in New Jersey where you would rarely see him without his suspenders. Silvana and Max created countless five star feasts together. He was an unstoppable force who loved fiercely and was passionate about everything he did. He was a loyal friend. Max was a man of many talents and interests. He was a sailor, a pilot, a mechanic, a chef and could always be found tinkering with something. Max loved his politics and was never shy in sharing his views.

He was a loving father who shared his love of life with his sons.

Massimo and Adele have many memories throughout the years. Their best were always on the road or in the air. They traveled the world together. He loved to travel back to Italy and spend time in his home town of Panicale. Max’s proudest moments in recent memory were the birth of his granddaughters Riley and Lindsey who will continue his legacy.

Max leaves behind many friends throughout the world and will be greatly missed.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory for research to cure MDS. Donations can be sent to: The Trustees of Columbia University- Milstein Hospital Building, 6N-435 - 177 Fort Washington Avenue New York, NY 10032.

A Memorial Mass will be held on November 1, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Brigid Church, Peapack, NJ followed by a Celebration of Life.