Anthony P. Sorrentino, hospital pharmacist

Anthony P. Sorrentino, 73, of Drexel Hill, a hospital pharmacist and educator, died of pneumonia Saturday, Sept. 24, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

From 1978 until retiring in 1996, Dr. Sorrentino was assistant director for outpatient pharmacy services and manager of the Jefferson Apothecary at Jefferson hospital. Not only was he valued for his care of hospital patients, but his colleagues in administration, research, medicine, and nursing all considered him their pharmacist, his son, Tony, said.

Since 1971, Dr. Sorrentino had taught at what is now the University of the Sciences. He joined the faculty full-time in 1996 and directed the pharmacy students' clinical training program until retiring in 2009.

Recently, Dr. Sorrentino had been active with Community Volunteers in Medicine in West Chester, integrating pharmacy services into its program.

In May, the Delaware Valley Society of Hospital Pharmacists established an award in his name to be presented to graduating pharmacy students.

Dr. Sorrentino grew up in Overbrook and graduated from St. Thomas More High School, where he was a standout baseball player. He was also a catcher on a Police Athletic League team in Philadelphia, and played a league championship game at Connie Mack Stadium.

After earning a bachelor's degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, now University of the Sciences, in 1959, he worked in pharmacies in West Philadelphia and Drexel Hill. He became assistant director of the pharmacy department at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1966.

He earned a doctorate from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1971 and was then pharmacy director at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center until joining Jefferson.

Dr. Sorrentino was a devoted Phillies fan and enjoyed playing golf at the Penn Oaks Golf Club with friends. He was a fine pianist and an aficionado of jazz, Broadway musicals, and, more recently, opera, his son said.

Seven years ago, he was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, a blood disorder. He fought back with high energy, his son said, undergoing drug therapies and transfusions, as well as a stem cell transplant in February.

In addition to his son, Dr. Sorrentino is survived by his teenage sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Josephine Cardarelli Sorrentino; daughters Sandy Pfizenmayer and Gabrielle Nolek; a brother; two sisters; and seven grandchildren.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Ruffenach Funeral Home, 4900 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at St. Dorothy Roman Catholic Church, Township Line and Burmont Roads, Drexel Hill. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.

Donations can be made to the Delaware Valley Society of Hospital Pharmacists for the Anthony Sorrentino Commencement Award, c/o David Showalter, Treasurer, 898 Girard Court, Swarthmore, Pa. 19081.