Donald Clericuzio, 72; inspired fellow heart transplant patients

DONALD CLERICUZIO

As the longest surviving recipient of a heart transplant from Tufts Medical Center, Donald L. Clericuzio often heard from other transplant patients at the hospital's annual fund-raiser walk that he gave them hope.

"He was very inspirational to many, many people," his wife, Beverly, said. "Several of the transplant patients came up to him at the Harbor Walk and told him he was a big inspiration to them when they realized he had been 20 years with the transplant."

Mr. Clericuzio died July 4 after a brief illness in Burlington. He was 72.

When the longtime Billerica resident had his heart transplant in 1988, patients were not expected to live long, said James Udelson, acting chief of cardiology at Tufts Medical Center.

"I think in the era when he was transplanted, that [longevity] would have thought to have been highly unusual," Udelson said. "Recently, that would be more and more common . . . but back then . . . that was quite remarkable. He was a remarkable guy."

Although he did not perform the surgery on Mr. Clericuzio, Udelson said Mr. Clericuzio was a common visitor to the center, and he was known throughout the cardiology department for his positive attitude. Udelson said that while many transplant patients often struggle in the months after surgery, Mr. Clericuzio always remained upbeat and gained a lot of support from his family.

Mr. Clericuzio was born in Boston and grew up in Somerville, where he attended Somerville Trade High School. After graduating in 1954, Mr. Clericuzio worked for both Royal Embroidery and Imperial Clothing Co. in Boston before being hired at Lehigh-Armstrong Inc., a Billerica fastener company, where he worked until his death. His wife said Mr. Clericuzio loved to work and never fully retired.

Mr. Clericuzio loved sports, his wife said, and he especially rooted for Boston's teams. The Red Sox, however, could not compete when it came to Mr. Clericuzio's grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them play sports and other activities.

Mr. Clericuzio also enjoyed attending church while spending his summers at his cottage on Alton Bay Christian Conference Center grounds in Alton Bay, N.H.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Clericuzio leaves two daughters, Ginny Beaudoin of Goffstown, N.H. and Sherry McHugh of Scarborough, Maine; a son, Darren of Billerica; a foster daughter, Margi Bagley of Merrimack, N.H.; and nine grandchildren.

A memorial service and reception are planned for today at 11 a.m. in Alton Bay Christian Conference Center.