Albert Louis Picchioni

Dr. Albert L. Picchioni Ph.D., Founder and the first Executor Director of The University of Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, passed from this life on April 16, 2012 in Green Valley, Arizona. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center was the first of its kind in the state of Arizona and one of the first Centers in the United States. Dr. Picchioni was a Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Researcher, Educator, Pharmacist and Mentor. His life's work was that of improving the human condition through neuropharmacology research in epilepsy, and toxicology research in poison interventions and poison prevention education. If you or a loved one has ever had the need to call the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center for poison or drug exposure advice or even medication questions, you experienced a dedicated service which was the outcome of Dr. Picchioni's conceptualization, intellect, and perseverance. He simply wanted to help his community and enrich the knowledge base of his profession. Dr. Picchioni was born August 28, 1921 in Klein, MT to Italian immigrant parents who taught him the work ethic, wisdom, and knowledge he practiced throughout his life as a professor, husband, father and community leader. He earned his B.S in pharmacy, with honors, from the University of Montana in 1943. He served three years (1943-46) as First Sergeant in the U.S. Army as a combat medic pharmacist in the 311th Medical Battalion of the 86th Division in the European and South Pacific Theaters, working out of a medicine cabinet in the back of a truck belonging to a mobile hospital behind the front lines in Germany, Belgium, Austria, and later during a redeployment to the occupied Philippines. Subsequent to his military service, he worked as a community pharmacist in Harlowton, MT (1946-47), and completed a residency in hospital pharmacy at the University of Michigan in 1948. He then pursued graduate study at Purdue University where he earned his M.S. in 1950 and Ph.D. in Pharmacology in 1952. Later that year, he was appointed Professor of Pharmacology in the College of Pharmacy at The University of Arizona and for 35 years thereafter, served in multiple, often simultaneous capacities of Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, in formal research and teaching appointments, Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Interim Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Founder and Executive Director of the Arizona Poison Control Program, and Director of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center. He served on the editorial board of Journal of Toxicology – Clinical Toxicology, was a consulting editor for the American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, worked on numerous Food and Drug Administration panels for over-the-counter drugs, and for several years on the National Academy of Sciences Toxicology Information Program Committee. He conducted funded research in the areas of neuropharmacology and toxicology and published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, all the while maintaining his administrative and teaching responsibilities noted herein. He received numerous national and regional honors and awards, including the Creative Teaching Award from The University of Arizona, The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Educator of the Year Award in Basic Sciences, A.H. Robbins Bowl of Hygeia Award for Community Service in Pharmacy, Honorary Bobcat (The University of Arizona), American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy First Place Motion Picture Teaching Award, American Association of Poison Control Centers National Recognition Award for Contributions to Poison Control Center Development and Toxicology, University of Montana School of Pharmacy Award in Recognition for Outstanding Service to the Pharmacy Profession, University of Montana Distinguished Alumnus Award, Findlay E. Russell, M.D., Ph.D. Distinguished Citizen Award (College of Pharmacy), and Tucson Daily Citizen of the Week. He retired in 1987 as Professor Emeritus of Pharmacology and Toxicology at The University of Arizona. He came from small town America and with his devoted wife, Theresa, at his side, made significant and lasting contributions to his profession, the scientific community, and future pharmacists. While he was a very busy and accomplished man, he never failed to keep his family first. Within his children, he and Theresa instilled honesty, integrity, hard work, and humility. He was a patient and kind father and the best mentor his children had. As his surviving children, we are blessed to honor our dad then and now, and to forever celebrate his life. He was a man of strong faith, and God has called upon one of His best to now serve in a better place. Dad had a heart of gold and part of us has gone with him. We treasure the family vacations, throwing the ball, listening to a game on a small transistor radio, fishing in Greer, and the many, many wonderful memories. Dad, if we can no longer hear your voice, we will remember what you said, what you taught us, the things we did together, and how you made a difference in our lives. Thank you, Dad, for being such a great dad to us. You could not have done it any better! Surviving children and family members include daughter, Dr. Mary Picchioni (Tim Carmichael); sons, Joseph Picchioni (Kim) and Dr. Geno Picchioni (Darlene); grandchildren, Garret and Whitney; his adopted Tucson daughter, Midji Stephenson and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the US and Italy. Albert is predeceased by his wife (the love of his life) and our mother, Theresa and cherished daughter, Annie Marie in addition to parents, Guglielmo and Josephine (Medici); sister, Anne Godley; brothers, Frank, Jeano, Dominick and cousin, Louie. We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Judy Silvernail LPN, Rose Robeck LPN, Dr. David Massanari MD and their extraordinary caregiving staffs at La Posada Assisted Living, La Posada Continuing Care Retirement Community in Green Valley, Arizona. Their compassionate and thoughtful care provided to our father has truly no equal. Additional appreciation goes to Sue, Arianne and Star from Odyssey Hospice. They were our guides throughout the last stage of the long good-bye. A Memorial tribute honoring Dr. Picchioni will be held November 9, 2012 during The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy homecoming week. Please contact Ms. Shannon Lejeune (The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy) 626-3566 for further information. In lieu of flowers, the family humbly suggests gifts be made to the Albert L. and Theresa M. Picchioni Pharmacology and Toxicology Research and Teaching Endowment in the College of Pharmacy at The University of Arizona. This fund will support the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center and the College of Pharmacy's Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology for research and teaching in the areas of acute poisoning, drug information, and drug action and effect on the human body --- all to benefit the professional and public communities at large. To contribute, please make a check payable to the Picchioni Endowment/UAF and mail it to UA College of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 210202, Tucson AZ 85721 Attention: Picchioni Endowment. You may also contribute online at http://tinyurl.com/picchioni. Please type Picchioni Endowment in the Comments field of the donation form and indicate Albert Picchioni in the Tribute field. Services will include Visitation Friday, April 20, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY CHAPEL located at 5801 E. Grant Road, Tucson. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 12:00 p.m., St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 N. Camino Pio Decimo with graveside services following at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Road (northeast corner). "Unable are the Loved to die, for Love is Immortality." Emily Dickinson