Dr. Joseph Raymond DiBartolomeo

Obituary for Dr. Joseph Di Bartolomeo“SOME PEOPLE SHINE SO BRIGHTLY IN LIFE THAT EVEN WHEN THEY PASS THEIR LIGHT STILL SHINES”.It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Joseph Di Bartolomeo, on July 27, 2024 at the age of 86 years.

Born in Queens, New York on Aug. 31, 1937, he was the son of Thomas and Antoinette Di Bartolomeo.  His brothers Tom and Al predeceased him. Joseph grew up in Long Island, New York and went to school in Astoria where he was active in high school music and football. While growing up he developed a lifelong friendship with Joe and Tony Alizio that has defied the continent that separates them.

Joseph served in the military as a mess sergeant following which he earned his B.S. at Saint John’s University. He attended medical school at Georgetown followed by residency at Bellevue Hospital - chosen because it was the most challenging residency that one could have, complete with gunshot wounds and stabbings. He began practicing medicine by making night house calls in Queens, NY. In 1962 he married Erica Hilbig. They had their first son, Phillip, in 1964 followed by David in 1967, and Ray in 1977. 

They moved to Santa Barbara in 1968 after reading that the Chief of Staff at Bellevue Hospital was himself retiring to Santa Barbara. Joseph initially worked at the Santa Barbara Medical Clinic where he developed a reputation for excellent care and personal concern for his patients.  He served as Chief of Staff at St. Francis Hospital and, after it closed, went on to operate at Cottage Hospital. He also volunteered as a clinical professor at UCLA. He was well-known for his early work in laser surgery for the ear and skin.

In 1975 he built his office close to Cottage Hospital where he continued to practice until retirement. He would always go above and beyond for his patients and family and he had a heart of gold that was generous and fair. After divorcing in 1984 he re-married with Maxine Ellis in 1989 and they were together until he passed away. In 2007 Joseph lost his son David to pancreatitis and was deeply sorrowed. May David be waiting for him with open arms. 

Joseph is survived by his wife Maxine, his first wife Erica, his four children Phillip (Kathy), Raymond (Dana), Kevin and Kerrie, and his grandchildren Brody, Owen, Lily, Adam, Ryann and Casey. 

Joseph’s lifelong mission was to leave this world better than he found it.  He did it; he developed a product that relieves the symptoms of a relatively rare but vexing ear disorder that is often misdiagnosed with dire consequences. He was therefore well-respected and loved around the world .

Visitation will be on August 6, 3:00-6:00 at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary, 2020 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara.