Dr. John A. Ortolani, MD

John A. Ortolani, M.D., 78, a Board Certified Neurologist who cared for his patients from his office in Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2024, peacefully at home with family by his side. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Dr. Ortolani was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He attended Fordham University followed by medical school at The University of Bologna, Italy. Upon choosing the specialty of Neurology he completed his residency at St Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan NY. He relocated with his family to Ft. Walton Beach in 1979 where he practiced for one year before deciding to plant roots in Daytona Beach opening the first private neurology practice in the area. His practice evolved and grew throughout the years and is still active today.

Dr. Ortolani was not satisfied just being a neurologist. Over the years he built a fully functioning physical therapy, occupational therapy and work hardening clinic, opened a cancer center that provided chemo and radiation therapy, completed several FDA studies on different ailments such as tinnitus and Alzheimer’s disease, and even tried to gather a group of doctors to start a healthcare co-op with the goal of making healthcare affordable to the masses. He worked closely with Peninsula Medical Center throughout the years as well. His passion to heal the sick was never-ending.

Beyond medicine he enjoyed sports cars, airplanes, a good Sunday brunch and, of course, the New York Giants! He had a love of the sky and space exploration. He got his private pilot license as a young man and would always talk about traveling to space one day. As time went on he went from planes to luxury cars. He had an eye for well-engineered sports cars. It was always about the perfect mixture of luxury and of course speed. Coming from a large Italian family, Sunday was family day and brunch was a must. In his down time you would almost always find him on his computer reading about the New York Giants. He had been a fan since a child and knew all the latest things that were going on with the team.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years Angela, children Joan and Alysia, grandchildren Katherine (Kat) and wife Kylie, Alexander (Alex), Dylan, and honorary granddaughter Kaydence. He is also survived by sister Diana and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Augusto, mother Rena, sister Irene, brother-in-law Steve, and nephew John.

Friends, family, and patients are welcome to gather together for A Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 13 at 12pm at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 600 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach FL 32174, with a light reception afterwards. Private entombment will follow at Volusia Memorial Park. Immediate friends and family are invited to gather with the family at 4pm.

Dr. Ortolani spent years of his life providing services for patients suffering with Epilepsy. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make contributions to the Epilepsy foundation, https://give.epilepsy.com.