Leo A. Dal Cortivo

Dr. Leo A. Dal Cortivo, 83, Venice, formerly of Long Island, New York, died December 15, 2011. He was born and raised in New York City and received his early education in NYC public schools. He earned a B.S. Degree at Fordham College, a M.S. Degree in biochemistry at Adelphi University and his Doctorate in Toxicology at Fordham. He served in the US Army at the First Army Area Medical Labs in NYC. He was a Senior Toxicologist in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of NYC until 1960 when he accepted the position of Chief Toxicologist and Director of Forensic Science Laboratories in Suffolk County on Long Island, NY. He held that title until his retirement in 1990. He was a consultant for the Department of Defense and for the Department of Health and Human Services, inspecting drug testing laboratories throughout the country and abroad. He also appeared as an expert witness in numerous cases, many of them of national significance. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), a co-founder of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT), a former Treasurer and Trustee of the Forensic Science Foundation, a member of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT), and many other societies and associations. He was the first secretary of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology and a Diplomate (emeritus) of that Board. In 1990, the AAFS honored him with the Alexander O. Gettler Award for excellence in Forensic Toxicology. He was author or co-author of many refereed papers in the scientific literature including chapters in books. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Patricia. He leaves a sister, Thelma Fusaro of Farmingdale, NY and a brother, Robert in Fincastle, VA. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and grand nephews.