Dr. John Thomas Pellerito Jr.

TUCSON - Dr John Thomas Pellerito Jr, 74 passed away peacefully late in the evening of December 2, 2023 with his loving wife Adela holding his hand and loved ones by his side. John was born June 28, 1949 in Detroit MI, one of seven siblings to John and Lucy (Balone) Pellerito. In his youth, John was never at a loss for something to do spending his days playing ice hockey on the frozen canals and ponds and riding bicycles. To say John had a strong worth ethic would be an understatement. Upon completing his undergraduate degree in Pharmacy at Wayne State University in Detroit he was accepted into the Pharmacology Medical School of Wayne State University. While in the process of completing the Pharmacology program John applied to and was accepted into medical school at Wayne State. John graduated with his M.D. in 1983, specializing in Internal Medicine. After graduating in the top 1/3 of his class of 260 medical students John packed his stethoscope and headed out West to Tucson AZ where he would complete his 3-year residency at Tucson Medical Center and Kino Hospital. John excelled from the start. In his second year of residency at Tucson Medical Center he was appointed Chief Resident and was also appointed the same capacity in his 3rd year of residency at Kino Hospital. While in his residency program John made the commitment to serve his country enlisting proudly in the US Army Reserves as a Captain. Fortunately for John he still had time to meet his loving wife Adela in Tucson in 1989. Together they made Tucson their home where they raised their family. John was a dedicated husband, father, doctor and friend who unselfishly put the needs of those before his own. John loved his California vacations at Coronado Island taking his family there for summer vacations, spring breaks and long weekends. He also enjoyed barbecuing for his family and friends finding any excuse he could to fire up the barbecue and grill his famous chicken and ribs. John formed his private medical practice in 1987 and considered himself lucky that he had Terri Wik to work alongside with and to manage his office. The two of them served their community tirelessly for over 30 years. He continued in that practice right up to the day he was diagnosed. John’s patients adored him and most became more then patients to him as he too became more then just their doctor. John was true to his Detroit roots and was a huge Michigan Wolverine football fan. However, one thing trumped all and that was his three grandchildren, Jadin, Thomas, and Jackson who he loved dearly. John was diagnosed with a deadly form of brain cancer (Glioblastoma) 2 days before Thanksgiving of 2022. He set the bar high dealing with his deadly brain tumor of which there remains no cure. John endured 2 brain surgeries and radiation following his diagnosis. He was out of the hospital within 48 hours of each surgery and was back to walking the walk, living life to fullest, spending time with family and his grandchildren providing lasting meaningful memories for his loved ones and setting an example for all to follow. John as in Tim McGraw’s hit song “Live Like You Were Dying” did just that. John is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Adela, their sons Joseph (Jackie), Peter (Maria) and Louis, siblings Vita, Anthony, Grace, Jim and Joanne. He was preceded in death by his parents, his 3 daughters, Angela, Jennifer, Jessica and his brother Thomas. John was the ultimate patriarch, amazing husband, father, grandpa, “papa,” doctor, brother and friend. He will continue to be missed by all who were privileged to have known him. Memorial service will held at 9 am Saturday December 9, 2023, Adair funeral Home 1050 N Dodge Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to further research in finding a cure for Glioblastoma at Glioblastoma Donations | Glioblastoma Foundation