In Tribute: Charles Magistro-The Shoemaker's Son.

Abstract

Charles M. Magistro, PT, DPT(Hon), DrSci(Hon), FAPTA, died on April 21 at the grand age of 91 years. His career spanned more than 6 decades, and his leadership, vision, and passion for practice excellence had a direct impact on the patients he treated and on all of us , whether we are clinicians, researchers, or faculty members. Let me start with the bare facts, which are impressive enough. Charles and Noel Magistro were married for 68 years and raised 5 children; their son died at the age of 26 of a brain tumor in 1985. Their 4 daughters have added 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild to this remarkable family. In 1946, Charles was discharged from the US Navy as a First Class Pharmacist's Mate. He went to undergraduate school at Pomona College in California and received a certificate in physical therapy from Columbia University in 1950 (along with 400 other physical therapist students across the country). More than 60 years ago, Charles led the effort to establish Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center's physical therapy and rehabilitation department. The first of its kind in Southern California, today this service is one of the largest outpatient rehabilitation programs in the tri-county area. It was named the Charles M. Magistro Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in 2015. Not satisfied with leading by example, Charles became active in the American Physical Therapy Association …