David Vastola MD

It is with heavy hearts that the Vastola family shares the loss of their beloved Dr. David Lee Vastola. Born in Buffalo, NY to Carl and Virginia (Jeanne) Vastola on May 4, 1943, David was always the class clown and an athlete in many sports, all the while ranking at the top of his classes. His intelligence and drive led him to graduate 2nd in his class at medical school, the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, following in the footsteps of his uncle. After medical school, he returned to Buffalo and launched his gastroenterology practice while also teaching in the medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During that time, he served on many boards including the school admission board.

In the late 70s, he began a new adventure, setting up a medical practice in partnership with Dr. Alan Marcus in North Palm Beach, FL, not only practicing gastroenterology but also internal medicine. Eventually he would go on to work as a solo practitioner, treating thousands of patients in the Palm Beach County area and beyond for over 45 plus years.

A few years into his Florida practice, he realized he had a knack and the desire to share his medical knowledge with a broader audience. For many years on Saturday mornings, he would discuss health related topics with the greater West Palm Beach area via the radio. These years as a radio personality led to the opportunity of being on television, only this time it wasn’t just him on the microphone; he shared the limelight with his five-pound poodle, Patrick. Patrick and Dr. Vastola made quite the duo, filming on location from many spots in the area, David in a white lab coat and Patrick in an appropriate costume for the topic of the day. David’s sister-in-law, Jackie Duke, made sure that the pup was properly dressed in all the right accessories. Dr. Vastola and Patrick had many fans and were often recognized in public.

With his never-ending desire for knowledge, Dr. Vastola dedicated himself to learning about nutrition, and not only incorporated nutritional therapy into his medical practice, but also wrote seven books about vitamins and nutrition and about his experiences as a physician. He finished his career doing what he loved most, taking care of people in Palm Beach Gardens. Sadly, it was this desire to help people despite the dangers to himself that would bring an early end to his career and his life. Dr. Vastola passed away at Palm Beach Gardens Hospital on December 27, 2020, after suffering the effects of the COVID-19 virus.

Dr. David Vastola shared his life and many adventures with his wife, Gail Vastola of 42 years and his five accomplished children and thirteen grandchildren: Leigh and husband Craig Cowden, children Jeffrey, Skye, Grace, and Raven; Jeff and wife Mandy, children Giavanna and Lucca; Alison and husband Reese Harvey, children Ryan, Ellie, and Julia; Lindsey and wife Meryl Harris, children Parker and Jett; and Aryn and wife Caitlin, children Roman and Vincent. David also leaves behind his brother Jeffrey and wife Carol and four nieces and nephews, Michael, Mark, Janelle, and David. Dr. Vastola considered himself a truly blessed man to have been loved by so many.

Unfortunately, due to our deep appreciation for the dangers of COVID-19, there will only be a private memorial gathering of family at this time with the hope that we can get together as a larger group in the future for a celebration of this wonderful man’s life. The Vastola family asks in David’s name to please remember to wear masks, avoid large groups, and practice social distancing. COVID-19 took his life way too soon.