The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) mourns the passing of the following members:
John (Jack) O’Handley, MD
(November 2, 1940 – July 10, 2023)
Dr. O’Handley, age 82, of Columbus (Hilliard), OH, died peacefully July 10 surrounded by his loving family. He inspired all around him by his gentle kindness, love for life, and optimism. He was a successful physician, teacher, and most importantly to him a loving husband, father, and grandpa. Read his full obituary online.
Dr. O’Handley was a member of the OAFP since 1976. He was actively involved on the Academy’s Family Medicine Workshop Workgroup from 1998-2023 serving as chair from 2019-22; the Awards Workgroup from 2017-22; and the CME Planning Committee from 2020-21. He also served on the OAFP Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 2015-20.
Dr. O’Handley was awarded the OAFP’s Family Medicine Educator of the Year Award in 2017 and received his 50 Years in Medicine honor in 2022.
In 2022, Dr. O’Handley published Trappist Monk to Street Doctor, a book that tells the story of his youth and growing up as a Navy brat who spent six years in a Trappist monastery before deciding to embark on a career as a doctor.
As a long-time attendee of the Family Medicine Workshop, he will be missed by many.
Frank Petrola, MD, FAAFP
(October 17, 1945 – July 1, 2023)
Dr. Petrola, age 77, was called to heaven on July 1. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 17, 1945, in Steubenville, OH, to the late Frank and Victoria Augustine Petrola. He is also preceded in death by his one sister, Teresa Jones. Read his full obituary online.
Dr. Petrola was a member of the OAFP since 1978. He was actively involved on the Academy’s Board of Directors from 1995-2008; the Legislation and Advocacy Commission from 2001-09; the Practice Enhancement Commission from 2006-09; the FM Political Action Committee from 2008-2010; the Advocacy Commission from 2009-16; the Payer and Practice Issues Committee from 2009-11; the Nominating Committee from 2011-12; the Membership Commission from 2012-13; and the Public Policy Committee from 2016-19. He also served on the OAFP Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 2009-14.
Dr. Petrola will receive his 50 Years in Medicine honor this summer posthumously.
The OAFP staff fondly remembers Dr. Petrola’s involvement in the Academy and attendance at Academy events. He will be missed.
Please share condolences below and consider a donation to the OAFP Foundation in their memories.
If you know of the passing of a family physician, please email Emily Pavoni with a link to their obituary.
Jack O’Handley was a role model for all family physicians and I am grateful that I trained under him during my residency at Bethesda Family Practice Residency. Thoughts and prayers for his family.