John Quagliarello

John Quagliarello M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist, passed away on September 26, 2024. With nearly a half-century in medical practice, Dr. Quagliarello made an indelible impact on countless families, helping them fulfill their dreams of parenthood.

Born on February 21, 1946 in Brooklyn, NY, John was a beloved husband to Lolly Quinn Quagliarello and a loving father to Mia, Bianca, and Jack. The son of an Italian immigrant family, he was the first person to attend college, graduating Magna Cum Laude from St. John’s University in New York City. He went on to McGill University School of Medicine in Montreal, Canada, for his medical doctorate, and completed his internship in general surgery, residency and Chief residency in OB/GYN, and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Bellevue Hospital/New York University School of Medicine. He paused his early clinical training to serve as a Major in the United States Army Medical Corps at the 30th Field Hospital in Augsburg, Germany, from 1972-1975, where he received the National Defense Service Medal upon discharge. After completing the remainder of his medical training in the U.S., he joined the Faculty of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU for the duration of his career.

“Dr. Q,” as he was affectionately known, was widely recognized for his expertise as an infertility specialist. He obtained board certification in the burgeoning field of reproductive endocrinology in the late 1970s, prior to widespread use of in vitro fertilization. He was an early adopter of laparoscopic techniques for the surgical management of certain types of infertility. He was equally dedicated to the medical treatment of infertility due to any cause. This changed the trajectory of hope for a great number of individuals and couples who were unable to conceive. Spanning his career, Dr. Q delivered over 3,000 babies and helped bring many thousands more into existence.

Dr. Q was also a stalwart academician. He was tenured in 1986 and served as the Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at NYU from 1986-1992. He was a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, won many awards, and published dozens of articles in peer-reviewed journals throughout his career. He was also devoted to teaching and mentoring trainees in his field. In addition to didactics, he had great joy as the inaugurator of the annual softball game between OB-GYN residents and attendings, the latter named “Q’s Crew” in his honor. His service extended beyond the University Hospital setting. He volunteered his OB/GYN and surgical skills at the Angel Wings International Medical Clinic in Jacmel, Haiti, following the devastating earthquake of 2010.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr Q. had a passion for sports, running, reading, Italian food, and spending time at the beach in Montauk, NY, with his family. He was an avid spectator at sporting events, notably New York Rangers, Knicks, Mets, and Jets games, and had a mastery of sports-related statistics and trivia like no other. He started running at 40 and proudly completed the New York City marathon three times. He loved to make people laugh.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lolly Quinn Quagliarello; his children, Mia Quagliarello (Seth Schulte), Bianca Harris (Dan Harris), and Jack Quagliarello; his sisters, Joan Mirabile and Linda Franzese; and his three grandchildren, Strider and Stella Schulte, and Alexander Harris.

Dr. Quagliarello’s Catholic faith was of the utmost importance in his life. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the families he helped create.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.

Family will receive friends at 10 a.m. on October 23, 2024, at the Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary at 325 East 33rd Street. A memorial mass will be held in Dr. Quagliarello’s honor at 10:45 a.m., immediately following the gathering.