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In Memoriam: Geraldine Pellecchia
Posted 8/24/2005
Geraldine Lynn Pellecchia, 49, a former faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy, ENHP, died peacefully from metastasized breast cancer on Aug. 14 at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 23 years, Professor of Management John Ogilvie of the Barney School, and a cherished daughter, Rachel.
Gerri was known for her lifelong love of learning. She graduated from Ellington High School in 1974 and earned her three college degrees from the University of Connecticut. She completed her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy in 1978, a master’s degree in higher education administration in 1982, and a Ph.D. in sport, leisure, and exercise science with a cognate in ecological psychology in 1999.
Gerri practiced physical therapy at hospitals and private firms in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. After the birth of her daughter, she began to shift her professional focus to higher education. While treating patients, Gerri developed a research position at Physical Therapy Sports Medicine Associates that lead to early published works.
These publications helped her achieve a full-time faculty position at the University of Hartford in 1995. She was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2001. Gerri’s dedication and enthusiasm in the classroom earned her an Outstanding Teacher Award in 2000.
In 2004, Gerri accepted a faculty position in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Connecticut, where she loved her work, office, and colleagues. Gerri’s research on the impact of cognitive tasks on coordination had begun to yield important findings that have implications for therapy and practice. In her short career, she published 20 articles and served as investigator on 12 grants. For a short while, she caught and lived her dream.
Gerri’s family is grateful for the kindness of oncology nurses at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, the members of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, and for her friends in helping her through this ordeal.
In addition, the family wishes to thank members of the University of Hartford community who attended a remembrance service on Aug. 20 and who have expressed their concern and support throughout Gerri's illness.
Donations may be made in memory of Geraldine Pellecchia to support research and student scholarships in the University of Connecticut Department of Physical Therapy. Please make checks payable to The UConn Foundation, Inc. and forward them to the following address: 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 23 years, Professor of Management John Ogilvie of the Barney School, and a cherished daughter, Rachel.
Gerri was known for her lifelong love of learning. She graduated from Ellington High School in 1974 and earned her three college degrees from the University of Connecticut. She completed her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy in 1978, a master’s degree in higher education administration in 1982, and a Ph.D. in sport, leisure, and exercise science with a cognate in ecological psychology in 1999.
Gerri practiced physical therapy at hospitals and private firms in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. After the birth of her daughter, she began to shift her professional focus to higher education. While treating patients, Gerri developed a research position at Physical Therapy Sports Medicine Associates that lead to early published works.
These publications helped her achieve a full-time faculty position at the University of Hartford in 1995. She was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2001. Gerri’s dedication and enthusiasm in the classroom earned her an Outstanding Teacher Award in 2000.
In 2004, Gerri accepted a faculty position in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Connecticut, where she loved her work, office, and colleagues. Gerri’s research on the impact of cognitive tasks on coordination had begun to yield important findings that have implications for therapy and practice. In her short career, she published 20 articles and served as investigator on 12 grants. For a short while, she caught and lived her dream.
Gerri’s family is grateful for the kindness of oncology nurses at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, the members of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, and for her friends in helping her through this ordeal.
In addition, the family wishes to thank members of the University of Hartford community who attended a remembrance service on Aug. 20 and who have expressed their concern and support throughout Gerri's illness.
Donations may be made in memory of Geraldine Pellecchia to support research and student scholarships in the University of Connecticut Department of Physical Therapy. Please make checks payable to The UConn Foundation, Inc. and forward them to the following address: 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269.
