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Dr. Donald Victor Priola, 64, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2003 after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Priola was born September 8, 1938 in Chicago, IL where he received his Bachelor of Science and Doctoral degrees from Loyola University of Chicago. In 1966, he accepted a position in the Department of Pharmacology at the newly formed University of New Mexico School of Medicine, becoming a full Professor of Physiology by 1975. His exceptional research and teaching career at the School of Medicine spanned over 31 years, including 16 years as Chairman of the Department of Physiology. During his prolific scientific career, he authored over 70 scientific publications. In recognition of his research achievements, he received a Research Career Development Award from the National Heart Lung Blood Institute and was awarded a Senior International Fellowship by the Fogarty International Center in 1986. He was a member of numerous professional societies and at one time was President of the Western Pharmacology Society and the American Heart Association, New Mexico Affiliate. He loved teaching, and was proud to say that he taught the very first graduating class at The UNM School of Medicine. In recognition of his outstanding teaching achievements, he was chosen as the recipient of the prestigious Khatali teaching award in 1978 and 2002. At his retirement in 1998, he was made Emeritus Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at UNM where he continued teaching. Dr. Priola is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Patricia; and by his children, Sandra Kubica and her husband, David, Dr. Suzette Priola, Donna Gallegos and her husband, Alexander, and Donald T. Priola and his fiancee, Robin Helms. He was the very proud grandfather of Victoria, Adam, and Kevin Kubica and Thomas, William and Patrick Gallegos, as well as a doting uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Belter and her husband, William; his sister-in-law, Nancy Hennig and her husband, Richard; and his brother-in-law, Thomas Rehm. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2003, at 10:30 a.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel NE. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. Arthur Kaufmann, Dr. Fa Chi Lee, Sara, Susan and the wonderful nurses at the UNMH Cancer Research Treatment Center for the superb care and support given to Donald and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for cancer research in memory of Dr. Donald Priola to UNMH Cancer Research Treatment Center, 1 UNM MSC 084630, Attn: Rainey, Albuquerque, NM, 87131. French Mortuary 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 823-9400
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