Anthony J. Piraino, MD, Ph.D., FACP

Anthony J. Piraino, MD, Ph.D., FACP, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on November 6, 2025. Beloved husband of Mary Ellen Piraino (née Staudinger), with whom he shared 51 wonderful years of marriage. Devoted father of Stephanie (Patrick) Davey, David (Damaris) Piraino, Andrew (Katherine) Piraino, and Jennifer (Paul-Martin) Foss. Cherished and proud grandfather of Charlotte Rose, Patrick James, Anna Grace, and Lily Clare Davey; David Alexander Piraino; Aloysius Michael Piraino; and Augustin Joseph, Clotilde Therese, Magdalene Josephine, Boniface Corbinian, and Leonore Bernadette Foss. Dear brother of Joanne (Richard) Simmons and Thomas (Janice) Piraino. Dear brother-in-law of Margaret (Robert) Rusciano, Kenneth Staudinger, and Beverly Staudinger; also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Dr. Tony Piraino was a respected medical educator and clinical researcher whose distinguished career spanned more than 35 years in academic medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. A nationally recognized authority in clinical pharmacology and a board-certified specialist, Tony served as Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology and Chief of Clinical Pharmacology at the Medical College of Pennsylvania (now Drexel University College of Medicine). A gifted teacher, he received the Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence and Drexel University’s 2022 Outstanding Biomedical Sciences Graduate Award. Over his career, he managed two clinical research units and served as principal or co-investigator on more than 100 Phase I/IIa clinical drug development trials. Later, as Senior Director of Clinical Research and Medical Affairs at AstraZeneca, he led a global team that developed and educated the company’s physicians and scientists, delivering in-person learning programs to more than 4,500 colleagues across four continents. A fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Clinical Pharmacology, Tony was widely respected for his scholarship, mentorship, and lifelong dedication to advancing medical education. His professional accomplishments were exceptional.

Tony considered his most significant accomplishment to be his children, and his greatest joys were his roles of husband, father, and “Grandpop.” He celebrated every family milestone with enthusiasm, relishing in time around the table sharing stories, laughter, and delicious food prepared by his loving wife. He unfailingly preserved each precious memory photographically. Instants he captured over many decades will be treasured for generations to come. Whether it was images of family and friends or nature, he found beauty and meaning immortalizing life’s everyday moments.

Devoted to service to his family, friends, church, and community, Tony gave of himself freely to others—his time, talents, and treasure. Giving to others gave him a tremendous sense of joy, satisfaction, and purpose. Tony possessed unparalleled brilliance and sagacity, and his counsel and guidance were revered and highly sought after by all those who knew him. A man of boundless curiosity and creativity, he was also driven by a constant desire to learn and to improve the world around him. Whether teaching, mentoring, or tinkering with a new project, Tony approached everything he did with thoughtfulness and care.

Above all, Tony’s deep faith and firm roots in family guided all that he did. We will always cherish the memories of our beloved Anthony and will forever remember him for his humility, quiet humor, kindness, and generous heart.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Wednesday evening, November 12th, 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at D’ANJOLELL Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008.

His viewing and funeral will be held on Thursday morning, Nov. 13th 10:00 to 11:15 A.M. at St. Mary Magdalen Church Media, 2400 N Providence Rd, Media, PA 19063. Funeral Mass to begin 11:30 A.M.

Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA

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