It is with genuine honor that I offer these words in celebration of Dr. Joseph Tommasino, a man who has profoundly impacted my life both personally and professionally. For 45 years, Dr. Tommasino has been a close friend and has become a part of my family. My husband, Russ, and I have had the privilege of witnessing his family grow, sharing in countless milestones along the way. I fondly remember our morning commutes on the LIRR back in the 1980s when he was a PA student at LIU; his anecdotes from clinical rotations became the highlight of our commute together. Since 2008, I've worked alongside Dr. Tommasino, witnessing his unwavering leadership in the remarkable growth of the Touro PA program. His tireless dedication to building a program recognized as one of the nation's finest has been truly inspirational. As an administrator within this program, I've admired the exceptional success of our students which is a testament to the high standards Dr. Tommasino has consistently upheld, providing a solid foundation to the countless PAs for their future endeavors. Beyond our professional relationship, Dr. Tommasino embodies the values I hold dear: unwavering faith, unconditional love for family and friends, and an overflowing passion and pride for his life's work.  
 
We love you, Addie & Russ Bruno

Dear Joe - my memories of our journey together...Our story begins in in 1985 when you joined the Good Samaritan PA staff with extensive training from the Montefiore PA Post-Surgical Fellowship Program. After a short time, your name echoed the hallways of the hospital as you performed lifesaving procedures for patients both in the Emergency Department as well as patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Your clinical expertise set the trend for the growth of the PA role at Good Samaritan Hospital. You continued on and became the supervisor of the PAs at Good Samaritan and developed the PA educational training in the Emergency Department. You changed my life when you persisted in recruiting me to be a part of your PA faculty at the Touro PA Program in 2006. I was reluctant to take on this role, and if not for your persistence, I would not be where I am today!You truly are transformational leader, never settling, and always looking to be better! Even with repeated 100% national PA board certification pass rates; you look to keep all our programs on the "cutting edge" of PA training. I have always been inspired by your tenacity and ability to navigate complicated situations with confidence and ease. You have a tremendous insight and bring out the best in people by finding their strengths and assigning tasks to promote those strengths and build self-confidence.You expanded the growth of our profession through leadership on both local and national comm ittees, serving as past President of the New York State Society of PAs (NYSSPA), the Board of Directors for many years for NYSSPA and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. You raised the bar even higher as the only PA co-author of the new cholesterol guidelines published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2017 followed by your induction as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology! A special thank you for your military service in the U.S Army and reserves for 37 years attaining the remarkable rank of Colonel! Your military training provided the   foundation for the leader you are today - always setting the bar high and never settling for less. Your favorite quotes that you live by will stay with me forever: "If you're not first, your last", "Failure is not an option", "NEVER say can't", "Don't bring me problems, just solutions", "We don't do average". I am forever grateful for your encouragement to be the best that I can be and for giving me the opportunity to work alongside you as Co-Chair of the Touro PA Programs for the last 8 years! Thank you, Joe, Dr. T., Colonel Tommasino, Papa, and "The Wizard! Mary Flanagan-Kundle

 

It is with great admiration and pride that we celebrate Dr. Joseph Tommasino PA-C, PhD, for being honored at this momentous event. Dr. Tommasino is truly deserving of this recognition, as his dedication to the Physician Assistant profession and to advancing PA education has shaped the future of healthcare. A true pioneer and trailblazer, his work has not only transformed the trajectory of countless PAs but also set a new standard for excellence in patient care and professional development. His tireless contributions have had a profound impact on our field, and tonight, we recognize the remarkable legacy he continues to build.

On a personal note, I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Dr. Tommasino for his guidance and mentorship, which have been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. His unwavering support, wisdom, and commitment to helping me grow professionally have made all the difference in my journey. This event, which raises awareness for the pressing need for behavioral health providers, is yet another testament to his visionary leadership. Dr. Tommasino's passion for enacting change and improving the future of healthcare resonates in every aspect of his work. He is not only shaping the next generation of PAs, but he is also ensuring that the field evolves to meet the ever-growing demands of our communities. Thank you, Dr. Tommasino, for all you have done, and continue to do, for all of us and for the future of healthcare.

 

Joseph Daleo, PA-C DPA

                                                                                                                

Dad/Joe,
 
While Joe is not my biological father, I have always considered him my dad. He helped raise my sisters and I along with his three boys since we were little. I never felt like I was not his family or daughter, and I always grew up respecting and admiring him. Dad gave our family a beautiful childhood and amazing life full of so many unforgettable memories and moments that I will forever cherish for the rest of my life. We might not agree completely on everything, but I do always value and listen to his opinions and take them to heart. Joe is someone to look up to, who throughout life's down falls has always managed to come out swinging and rise to the top. He has achieved so much in his lifetime and really has worked his way from the bottom to the top. Dad is a successful, generous, and loving person, not only to his family, but his lifelong friends, and work family. Anyone who knows him knows he will go above and beyond and out of his way for the ones he loves and push them to better themselves! Quite simply my dad is an inspiration and the epitome of success, love, and devotion. I hope he knows how respected and loved he is by us all! We are so immensely proud of him. Dad, I love you beyond words and always will. Congratulations on being honored on this day and every day!
 
Love always and forever,
Your daughter Missy
 

To most people you are part of the management at Touro University - a teacher, a colleague, a mentor, a PA advocate, a strong businessman, a golf enthusiast, a Tom Brady fan. You have many titles including "Dr.", "Colonel", "JT", " Papa", "Dad'', and "Papa Joe".  I simply call you "husband". You are perceived as headstrong, driven, and stubborn (you are). You have difficulty admitting when you are wrong, even in the face of undeniable facts. You live by the mantra "I am never wrong, only mistaken". But I also know the other side of you - that you are a loyal friend and would do anything to help those you love. I know your softer side - your unending generosity and kindness.  I have been one of few allowed into your circle of trust to see your vulnerabilities. I know you love family above all else. We started out as a young, blended family. We were lucky to have six amazing children, and as time went on, our family expanded to include wonderful sons-in law and daughters-in law. We have been blessed to have twelve beautiful grandchildren whom you love unconditionally (as do I). We have seen our children grow up and become parents themselves and we are so proud of each of them. 

 

Our marriage, like all marriages, has had its peaks and valleys. Like the sage senile grandmother in the movie "Parenthood" said, "life is like a roller coaster" - ups and downs - you have to endure the lows to enjoy the highs. We have had times filled with wonderful, joyous memories as well as times of darkness and tragic loss. But here we are, many years later, and you are still my best friend. We still have love and respect for each other.

 

I am aware of countless lives you have touched and changed over the years, - but none more than mine. You not only opened your heart to me and saved me but also my girls-our lives were changed by your love and unwavering support. I am forever blessed and grateful that God put us on the same path to travel our life journey together. I could not wish for a better partner in life.

I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER.  Casey