Joseph J. Armao, 94, family physician in Springfield, Delco
Dr. Armao died at his home where he had treated patients for a half century.
Joseph J. Armao, 94, a family physician, died Monday, April 24, at the Springfield, Delaware County, home where he had treated patients for many years. The cause of death was heart failure, his family said.
An outgoing, dominant figure, Dr. Armao was well-suited for the medical profession. He was on the staff of Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Darby for more than 50 years. He served as president of the Springfield Township Board of Health and medical director of the Fair Acres Geriatric Center, in Lima.
"Dr. Armao was larger than life and unique in the vigor and enthusiasm with which he approached everything," his family wrote in a tribute. "He greeted patients and politicians, paupers, and Popes, with a beaming smile, booming voice, and warm embrace. He made others – he knew everyone by name – feel important and appreciated."
The son of Dr. Joseph J. Sr. and Julia Alessandroni, Dr. Armao was born in Philadelphia and graduated from high school there. He was a 1945 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and afterward, served as an ensign in the Navy until 1949, when he returned to Philadelphia to attend the Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.
He earned his medical degree in 1953 from Jefferson, finishing as president of his class, and went on to serve an internship at the former Philadelphia General Hospital before becoming board-certified in family medicine.
He was an active member of the Delaware County and Pennsylvania Medical Societies. He also was active in the Delaware County Chapter of the American Academy of Family Practice.
When not seeing patients, Dr, Armao drew cartoons and excelled at playing tennis. He was president and an honorary member of the Idle Hour Tennis Club of Drexel. In 2016, the club's Court #3 was dedicated in his honor.
He also enjoyed the ocean at Stone Harbor, where he could be seen surfing in thunderstorms and the swells from offshore hurricanes, his family said.
Although over the years he acquired stature as a former Navy man, physician, athlete, and artist, Dr. Armao never forgot his South Philadelphia roots.
"He always connected in a most human and humane way with everyone he met," his family recalled. "His humor and honesty often overshadowed his achievements. He was a no-frills healer, a fine gentleman, and an even better friend."
He was married to Gloria Hayes, who died in 2002. A son, Joseph J. III, died in 2012.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Pickett Armao; children Cherie A. Gabreski, Dr. Frank, Gene, Dr. Diane A. Whelan, and Christopher; step-children Frank Kallam and Susan K. Murdock; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Services were Friday, April 28.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross School, c/o Holy Cross Catholic Church, 651 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield, Pa. 19064, or Idle Hour Tennis Club, 5313 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill, Pa. 19026.