DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2411062576
(Radiology 2006;241:325.)
© RSNA, 2006
Anton M. Pantone, MD
Leonard Berlin, MD, FACR
Dr Anton Marc (Tony) Pantone died peacefully in his home on May 26, 2006, just 31/2 months shy of his 85th birthday, with his family at his bedside.
Dr Pantone was born on September 12, 1921, on the near southwest side of Chicago (Ill), a rough and tough Italian neighborhood where, as Tony used to say, "you needed your fists to survive, and your brain to thrive." He graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1945. After a year of internship and service as a medical officer in the U.S. Army in the state of Washington, he returned to Chicago, where he began a radiology residency at the University of Illinois Research and Educational Hospital.
After finishing residency in 1951, Dr Pantone practiced in the Chicago area until 1961, when he left Chicago to join a radiology practice in Arcadia, Calif. Not long thereafter, however, upon learning that a new hospital named Skokie Valley Community Hospital (later renamed Rush North Shore Medical Center) was to be opened in the Chicago suburb of Skokie, he returned to his home town to become the hospital's first radiologist.
In 1977, Dr Pantone left Skokie Valley Hospital to become chief of radiology at Chicago's Illinois Masonic Hospital. In 1983, he decided to retire and move permanently to Southern California. His retirement was never complete, however, as for many years he was associated with various business enterprises that mainly focused on radiologic products, but also encompassed the operation of a 135-acre avocado ranch. He also joined the part-time teaching staff of the Radiology Department at the University of California San Diego.
Dr Pantone was an astute radiologist who excelled in both the academic and the business aspects of radiology practice. He was a highly ethical individual, whose word and handshake were rock-solid, a kind and generous friend, and mentor to many. He was a man of many interests and capabilities. He possessed an extraordinary knowledge of a multitude of subjects, ranging from history to horticulture, carpentry to cooking, horse racing to golf. He possessed a commonsense philosophy, embellished with wit and humor, about life. He was a raconteur par excellence and had an aphorism or story for every occasion. Although suffering in the last few years of life from serious illnesses, Tony would always reply when asked how he felt, "I'm doing great, and I'm gonna live to be 100!" His zest for and love of life and his colorful personality will forever remain embedded in the hearts and minds of his family, his friends, the many Chicago and San Diego radiology residents of yesterday—now the radiologists of today who were touched by him—and all who knew him.
He is survived by Virginia, his wife of nearly 59 years; two sons, John and James; a daughter, Tina; and five grandchildren. A third son, Andrew, died in 1960 at the age of 8 years.
