In the vibrant world of entertainment, few names illuminate the stage as brilliantly as Frank Sinatra’s. His mellifluous voice and magnetic presence secured his position among musical legends. Yet, behind every icon’s spotlight, a robust support system exists behind the scenes. One such unsung hero is Dr. Pasquale Picchione, a remarkable figure in his own right who played an integral role as a friend and physician to the legendary Sinatra. This is the compelling tale of a Rhode Island-born doctor whose path intertwined with Hollywood’s complexities, leaving an indelible mark on both medicine and the community.
Dr. Picchione’s journey commenced with humble origins in Providence, RI, born in 1936. His trajectory was exceptional, taking him from Brown University to Dalhousie Medical School in Canada. With an unwavering passion for both baseball and medicine, he navigated diverse paths, including a stint in minor-league baseball. During this time, he fell in love with Susan who was a nursing student. Their love story would culminate in a family of two daughters, a son, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
The couple’s journey was one of shared growth and perseverance. After graduating in 1963, they returned to Dr. Picchione’s hometown, where he embarked on an orthopedic residency at Rhode Island Hospital. However, the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War introduced an unexpected twist. He was drafted into the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and orthopedic surgeon; meanwhile, his wife was expecting their second daughter in 1966. Through a fortunate connection and a special interview he was allowed to remain stateside with his family.
Another twist led him to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he served as an orthopedic surgeon at the naval base. Here he was able to hone his skills in trauma care. He stayed with his wife and two young daughters for two years on the base, tending to various injuries from wartime trauma to civilian accidents that enriched his medical prowess.
Yet, Dr. Picchione’s true calling transcended the military domain. Guided by a yearning for a civilian-oriented medical career and warm weather like they experienced in Cuba he was drawn to an opportunity in California. His path led him to the San Diego Naval Hospital, and eventually to Palm Springs in 1969 where he served as one of the first orthopedic surgeons in the desert.
The chance meeting between Dr. Picchione and Frank Sinatra was serendipitous. Dr. Picchione was introduced to the world of Frank Sinatra through a patient named Hazel Painter. Their bond grew as Dr. Picchione’s medical expertise and genuine character left a lasting impression on Sinatra. The turning point came when Dr. Picchione discreetly tended to Sinatra’s injured hand, sparking a profound bond of trust and confidentiality.
Dr. Picchione evolved from Frank’s physician to his cherished confidant, becoming an extension of Sinatra’s family. Their shared experiences and uncanny similarities, both being blue-eyed Italians, similar upbringings, and family compositions. Their rapport was genuine, Dr. Picchione saw Sinatra as an uncle figure and Frank endearingly called him Doc. The two shared personal moments and unspoken understandings. Sinatra’s famous little brown phone book included Dr. Picchione’s office and residential numbers, which testified to their very personal connection and friendship.
Amidst the charismatic performer that the world admired, Dr. Picchione witnessed Sinatra’s vulnerable side. Behind the tough exterior lay a man with an enormous heart, quietly helping those in need. Their bond grew deeper over the years, with Dr. Picchione caring for Sinatra and his beloved mother, Dolly. “I loved her. She was a great lady. She lived right next to Frankie, he had built a house for her.” Dr. Picchione explains, “I would drop by her house frequently, and we’d enjoy coffee and ice cream; I just adored her.”
A tragic plane crash in 1977 took the life of Dolly Sinatra. Her funeral was the funeral of the decade, a spellbinding farewell that drew countless onlookers, each holding a piece of their heart. The event stood as a testament to the depth of Frank Sinatra’s character. For here, amid public grieving, was a side the world had seldom witnessed – a softer, more vulnerable Sinatra, reserved for those fortunate enough to call him a friend. Dr. Picchione stood as a pallbearer in this grand theater of farewell. It was a moment that resonated with everyone who bore witness, as a legend bade farewell to the woman who had nurtured Frank’s journey.
Of course, audiences have an insatiable curiosity to know Frank Sinatra more. When asked if Dr. Picchione would reveal anything about Sinatra’s medical history, he stood unwavering, a guardian of integrity, and steadfastly refused to reveal any mysteries he holds. But with further persistence, the conversation meandered its way to those telltale habits that defined Sinatra’s persona. The ever-present image of him, a camel cigarette in one hand, a tumbler of Jack Daniels in the other –it was as iconic as the man himself. Dr. Picchione revealed a tidbit of the delicate dance between physician and friend with Sinatra: “I told him ‘you need to cut back on the smoking and the drinking,’” Dr. Picchione laughs, “and he let out a very colorful response in return!”
Dr. Picchione’s illustrious career as an orthopedic surgeon spanned several decades in the Coachella Valley, leaving an indelible mark on medicine and the local community. From pioneering roles in surgeries at Eisenhower Medical Center’s inauguration to his leadership at Desert Urgent Care, his dedication to healthcare was unwavering. His influence extended to sports medicine, as a trusted local football team physician. Beyond medicine, Dr. Picchione’s impact reached the realm of finance. He exemplified multifaceted community contributions as a founder and Board Director of Palm Springs Savings Bank. His journey showcased excellence in orthopedic surgery, healthcare leadership, education, and financial stewardship.
Dr. Pasquale Picchione’s life story mirrors the trajectory of a Hollywood script. His journey from a Rhode Island Italian childhood to tending to entertainment industry icons underscores the significance of his humility, professionalism, and authenticity. While Sinatra commanded the spotlight, it’s imperative to honor the man who stood steadfastly by his side, offering care, support, and friendship. Dr. Picchione’s life remains a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and the lasting impact one individual can have on the world. As Dr. Picchione smiled and reflected on his journey, he summarized it succinctly, “What a life!”
Written by Will Stephanie Wilson
