Donald Francis Pitisci M.D.

He was born in Tampa to Ignazio and Grace Scolaro Pitisci. While attending Memorial Junior High School, he met the love of his life, Kippy Noland. He went on to graduate from Hillsborough High School, where he was a standout football player and co-captain of the 1953 All-City team. He was a fierce competitor. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and his Doctor of Medicine from Tulane University. After completing his internship and residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, he returned home to open his practice in Brandon - serving as the community’s very first pediatrician. His medical career was briefly put on hold when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Following his military service, he returned to his practice and continued caring for children in the Tampa Bay area for over 50 years. He was an ordained elder and longtime member of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church and faithfully volunteered his time at the Judeo Christian Health Clinic.

Raised in Ybor City, Dr. Pitisci remained true to his roots throughout his life with an enduring love for Italian food, a good guava pastry, and homemade deviled crabs. Gentle, soft-spoken, and deeply dedicated, he learned early the value of hard work - a quality that defined his career as a physician and a value he passed on to his family. Above all else, he loved spending time with family. That love began with the Sunday spaghetti dinners of his childhood and continued with Tuesday family lunches at his home. He enjoyed his regular Thursday golf games with his buddies, Dr. Bob Pesce, Dr. Jim Von Thron, and Dr. Galen Jones. He and Kippy also rarely missed their Thursday night dinners with lifelong friends at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club. His quiet wisdom, generosity, and steadfast devotion to his family, patients, and community leave a lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his impeccable character and integrity.

Dr. Pitisci is survived by his wife of 66 years, Kippy Noland Pitisci; his children, Teri Pitisci Castillo (Eric), Lee Pitisci (Pam), and Chris Pitisci (Ashley); his seven grandchildren, Cory Castillo (Ansley), Kippy Castillo Sanders (Nick), Paige Pitisci Trevino (James), Emory Pitisci (Miguel), Ryan Pitisci, Jordan Pitisci, and Connor Pitisci; his six great-grandchildren, Leighton, Anniston, Sutton, Brooks, Noah, and Chloe; his first cousins, Brenda Pitisci and Cynthia Vigo Castillo; and many other beloved relatives and friends.

A private memorial service will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital or to a charity of your choice.