Dr. Louis T. Forlano's Obituary
Dr. Louis Thaddeus Forlano passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family in Tampa, Florida, on May 26, 2023 at the age of 80.
Louis was born on May 4, 1943, after an emergency airplane landing in St. Louis, Missouri. His mother, Anna Marie Forlano (née Bucaria), was a teacher and reading specialist, and his father, Dr. George Forlano, was a psychologist. Louis grew up in Queens, New York, across the street from his mother’s sister and her family, the DeDomenicos, who now live in Tampa.
Louis attended St. John’s University, where he met his future wife, Dolores Nastri, in chemistry lab. The two were married on December 26, 1965 and welcomed their first child, Lisa Marie, a few years later. Louis graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine and completed his internship in surgery and pediatrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York and his residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio.
After Louis and Dolores welcomed their second child, Lori Jo, Louis served as a physician in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He was stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. Upon fulfillment of his service, the family moved to Tampa, Florida, where their third daughter, Gina Louise, was born.
In Tampa, Louis became a beloved pediatrician at Tampa Bay Pediatrics, delivering skillful care to thousands of children and never failing to be playful and personable, bringing smiles to the faces of his patients and their families.
Louis will be remembered for his intellect, sense of humor, and generosity. Showing an aptitude for science and technology from an early age, Louis was a ham radio operator as a child and took an avid interest in mechanics. Equally enamored with music, Louis played the alto saxophone and guitar and enjoyed a wide range of music from opera to rock; his favorite artists included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Linda Ronstadt. Expert storyteller, car aficionado, and lover of all things gastronomic, Louis brought joy and laughter to those who knew him.
Louis is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dolores Forlano; daughters Lisa Marie Forlano Shin, Lori Jo Forlano, and Gina Louise Forlano; son-in-law Patrick Shin; and granddaughter Gianna Forlano Shin.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the hospitals where Louis practiced medicine, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital (in memory of Louis T. Forlano, MD) at https://tinyurl.com/SJHfoundation.
What’s your fondest memory of Louis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Louis?
Share a story where Louis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Louis you’ll never forget.
How did Louis make you smile?
