In Memoriam: David Capuzzi, MD, PhD, FNLA

Founding Member of the Northeast Lipid Association
A physician’s physician
A true patient advocate
Mentor
Friend

David Capuzzi, MD, PhD, FNLA, member of the National Lipid Association since 2004, leader in the Northeast Lipid Association, colleague to many, and friend passed away on February 15, 2024 at the age of 85. 

Dr. Capuzzi was an active leader in lipidology, even before the days of the NLA. He attended St. Joseph’s University for his undergraduate degree and Jefferson Medical College for his M.D.  He also completed a Ph.D. in biochemistry at Johns Hopkins University with a focus on biosynthesis of lipids, proteins and low-density lipoproteins by hepatocytes. He completed his internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Dr. Capuzzi then returned to Philadelphia as an academic endocrinologist and clinical lipidologist until his retirement, serving as a mentor and teacher to many, from students to other leaders in the space.

Adina S. Gutstein, M.S.N., APN-BC, CLS, FNLA, FPCNA, Philadelphia, PA
Dr. David Capuzzi was a giant of a man. He taught and mentored many of us to become active clinicians and researchers in the nascent and growing field of lipidology and the NLA. To his patients, he listened to their hearts and to their souls and because of this, his word was golden as they followed his advice and therapeutic plans to live healthy lives. Dr. Capuzzi was my teacher, my coach, became my friend and for this, am so very grateful that he shared so much of his knowledge with me. He was and will remain my mentor for all time and I, along with many others miss him.

Dr. Capuzzi was a part of the NLA since its inception, having participated as a member of the NLA’s initial Steering Committee and at the first NLA Board of Directors meeting in November 2002. He also chaired the development of NELA, leading the first NELA Board of Directors meeting in January 2005, and setting the foundation for NELA to be a leading chapter of the NLA in terms of membership and activity. Dr. Capuzzi was also part of the first group of physicians certified by the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (“ABCL”) in 2005. 

Perry J. Weinstock, MD, MS, FACC, FNLA, Camden, NJ
As many know, Dr. David Capuzzi was involved with Dr. Virgil Brown in the very early days of starting the organization that became NLA and was instrumental in starting the NELA chapter. Dr. Capuzzi personally called many of his lipid friends in the Philadelphia area (including me) to join NELA and encouraged us to help develop the rapidly growing field of clinical lipidology. He also encouraged life-long learning and invited me to take the first ever American Board of Clinical Lipidology exam in Chicago in 2005. He and I were Co-Chairs of the Clinical Lipid Update in Philadelphia in 2008. Thus, I owe a lot to Dr. Capuzzi. He was a mentor, a friend, and a beloved physician to his patients. Some years ago, as his practice was winding down, he sent his New Jersey patients to me and to this day they still talk about him with fondness.  He was a giant in our profession and his wonderful legacy will live on.

Joyce L. Ross, MSN, CRNP, FNLA, MNLA, Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Capuzzi embodied the mission of the National Lipid Association, bringing together a multidisciplinary panel of future NELA members from the inception of the Chapter. The first meeting in Philadelphia brought together key lipid specialists  from the area, including two Nurse Practitioners. I believe this meeting was pivotal in bringing the best of the Northeast together, leading to one of the most active chapters of NLA. This chapter produced many members who would become officers not only of NELA but of NLA as well. I will always be grateful to be included in that group. David was a thoughtful and intelligent lipid specialist and mentor. He always made time to educate others, often on the spot. He made lipids exciting. He will be missed but never forgotten.

We are all grateful for Dr. Capuzzi’s contributions to the NLA, NELA, and lipidology. He will be missed.

Jeffrey Freeman, DO, FACOI, FNLA
During our lives we infrequently develop friendships with special individuals who are kind, giving, and have a rare sense of insight. Sharing experiences and listening with a compassionate ear. That was David Capuzzi. Willing to share his thoughts and giving it candidly. Eager to teach lipidology to members of his professional family even on a moment’s notice.  I remember a situation where he took me aside during a busy conference. Sat down at the nearest table and explained the fundamentals of CETP as well as advising me on the importance of becoming a member of the NLA. He was a rare individual committed to helping others.

I take care of several of his patients. Some 10 years after his retirement patients continued to ask about his health status.  His treatments worked. Patients were sustained on their therapies because they trusted him. He would make the best choices. Weighing out all the possibilities. A true compassionate physician. He would always say, “don’t worry everything will be just fine”. A role model for us all. 

Finally, when requested by Dr. Vigil Brown to assemble and recruit leaders in clinical lipidology to form the today NELA, this was a monumental task. As you know, lots of challenges. He was one of the very few with a calm and peaceful temperament who could complete the task. We are so grateful for his successful efforts. 

To a true professional, a physician’s physician, true patient advocate, and compassionate human being. May you rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial gifts in David’s memory be made in support of Dr. Barry Rovner’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Education Fund at Jefferson. These can be made online at jefferson.edu/giveneuro or mailed to Jefferson Office of Institutional Advancement, Dept. 825434, PO Box 71331, Philadelphia, PA. 19176-1331.   Please make checks payable to Jeffers