Dr. Gregory J. Fulchiero Sr., 67, Altoona, died Saturday, July 7, 2012, at Altoona Regional after a courageous five-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Fulchiero was born in Altoona on July 25, 1944, son of the late John P. and Anna B. (DiGiacobbe) Fulchiero. He was married on Aug. 25, 1973, to Anne Marie "Nancy" McGrory.
He is survived by his wife; two sons: Dr. Gregory J. Fulchiero Jr. and wife, Jessica, of Duncansville and Todd E. Fulchiero, at home; two daughters: Jordan E. Fulchiero and husband, Jesus Comacho-Montero, of Durham, N.C. and Samantha T. Fulchiero, at home; four grandchildren: Madilyn and Judah Fulchiero and Annmarie and Remy Comacho-Montero; a sister, Cynthia F. Baute and husband, Dr. Robert E., of Warwick, R.I.; a very special niece, Allie McGrory; and several nieces and nephews.
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Dr. Gregory J. Fulchiero Sr.
Dr. Fulchiero attended St. Patrick's Elementary School. He was a 1962 graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle High School, a 1966 graduate of University of Pittsburgh and a 1970 graduate of Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital. He served an internship at Allentown General Hospital from 1970-71 and completed his Orthopedic Residency at Portsmouth Naval Hospital from 1973-77.
Dr. Fulchiero served as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps in 1971. He received the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal for heroic achievement as Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Newport News, where he displayed the highest order of professionalism and leadership in the treatment of mass casualties following an explosion in an eight-inch gun turret.
Dr. Fulchiero was one of the first board certified orthopedic surgeons in the Altoona area and served the community as an orthopedic surgeon for more than 30 years.
He was an amateur gemologist, avid movie-goer and a lover of art, especially local and Native American art. He enjoyed chronicling his family's history and was an avid museum-goer.
Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 Sixth Ave., where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Dr. Fulchiero's memory be made to: The Greg and Cathy Griffith Family Foundation, a foundation for pancreatic cancer research, 1644 Plank Road, Duncansville, PA 16635.
Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc., Altoona.
