My Condolences. Frank T. Barranco, Sr, N3FBQ SK Dr. Frank T. Barranco (October 17, 1930 - March 21, 2015) Frank Thomas Barranco, Sr., MD, a retired orthopedic surgeon and longtime resident of Lutherville, passed away at Oak Crest Village on March 21, 2015 after a brief illness. He was 84. In addition to his thirty years in orthopedic private practice in the Baltimore area, Dr. Barranco is remembered for a lifetime of service in the field of emergency medicine, the Maryland Army National Guard and numerous other volunteer and civic activities. Most important in his life was his family. His children remember him as a loving and affectionate father. Dr. Barranco's patients recall his compassionate bedside manner, thoroughness and problem solving abilities. He listened carefully to his patients so that he could make the correct diagnosis and attended to his patient's needs and concerns. He brought the human side to his medical practice. It was commonplace for Dr. Barranco to make house calls, and not unusual for patients to have their casts changed or surgical sutures removed in his family's home kitchen. In 1990 Dr. Barranco closed his private practice in order to become the full time Chief Physician for the Baltimore City Police Department, and later took on additional medical responsibilities for the Baltimore City Fire Department. He had served as a part time physician for the Baltimore City Police Department for twenty years prior to taking on the Chief job in 1985. The health and welfare of the police and firefighters were paramount to him, and his medical, personnel and disability decisions were well respected. He retired as Chief Physician in October of 1995. Dr. Barranco retired from the Maryland Army National Guard in June 1987, at which time he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Dr. Barranco joined the National Guard in 1958 as a first lieutenant in the Medical Corps and was assigned to the 110 Field Artillery Battalion in the 29th Division in Pikesville. From 1973-1976 he commanded the 136th Combat Support Hospital in Parkville, MD holding a rank of Colonel at the time. He finished his formal military career in the State Area Command Headquarters as the State Surgeon under the Office of the Adjutant General. After his formal retirement in 1987, he served as Commanding General of the State Defense Force of the Maryland State Guard from 1993-1996. Dr. Barranco became an active member of the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company in 1971 after its members responded to a chimney fire at his home and encouragement from his lifelong friend, Jim Doran, who served as president of the fire company. That chance encounter led to a lifetime of service in the field of emergency medicine, as Dr. Barranco became the Fire Surgeon for Baltimore County in 1972. Dr. Barranco was known to respond directly to rescues and fires in his personal vehicle known by fire dispatch as "Car 602." Fire and rescue personnel referred to him simply as "Doc." Dr. Barranco is credited with helping to save many lives in the field with CPR and emergency medical treatment. Notably, he was a first responder at the Amtrak train disaster on January 4, 1987 in Chase, Maryland. Because of his interest in emergency medicine and his role as Fire Surgeon, he played a significant role in modernizing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Baltimore County. He provided education, instruction advice and support to Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, the Baltimore County Volunteer Firemen's Association, the American Red Cross and the Maryland Shock Trauma center. All of his time to these activities was on a volunteer basis. Dr. Barranco also played significant roles in mock disaster and triage exercises conducted at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) and elsewhere. In the early 1980s Dr. Barranco was one of the first recipients of the "Baltimore's Best" awards given out by then-Mayor William Donald Schaefer, in part, for supervising first aid provided at the Baltimore March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon. Dr. Barranco was married for just over fifty years to Beverly Jean Barranco (nee Dellinger), who died in December of 2008. Together, they raised their six children in Lutherville. His children recall that despite his many responsibilities, Dr. Barranco always made time to spend with them when they were growing up, frequently taking them along with him on his hospital rounds, participating in disaster drills, National Guard training exercises and other endeavors. He would adjust his busy schedule so that he could attend and participate in his children's school activities and sporting events and help with home hobby projects. For many years, he enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake Bay with his wife and children and his brother, Robert Barranco and sister in law, Kitty. Later in life, his family remained the centerpiece of his life. He and Beverly hosted many family dinners and events and enjoyed vacationing with their children. Dr. Barranco also greatly enjoyed time with his fifteen grandchildren, to whom he was affectionately referred to as "Pop." He paid particular attention to each grandchild and the accomplishments of each, and enjoyed attending their sporting events, activities and performances on a regular basis. According to his son, Frank Jr. "[m]ost important to him was spending time with his family. He touched many lives over the years with his endearing compassion, wisdom, humility, and selfless humanitarianism-never expecting recognition or notice." His friend, Jim Doran, commented that "we could go on for many pages about his kindness and understanding to many, many, people." Dr. Barranco was born to his parents, Salvatore and Mabel Barranco on October 17, 1930 in Baltimore. He was raised in South Baltimore, enjoyed riding street cars around the City, before moving to Original Northwood. As a child, he spent the summers with his family in Beverly Beach, in Anne Arundel County, where he later enjoyed many visits with his immediate and extended family. He graduated from the McDonogh School in 1948, received his bachelor degree from Duke University in 1952, and his Doctorate of Medicine from the George Washington School of Medicine in 1956. Dr. Barranco served his Internship and Surgical Residency at Union Memorial Hospital from 1956-1959, and served as an Orthopedic Resident and Chief Resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1959-1962. Following his board certification he entered his private practice. For many years he ran an orthopedic foot clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital and became an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Barranco was a member of the Baltimore County Medical Association, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Schmeiser Society (a medical society) and numerous other professional organizations. Some of Dr. Barranco's most notable awards and recognition included: The Legion of Merit Metal The Maryland National Guard Distinguished Service Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster The Governor's Certificate of Distinguished Citizenship Distinguished Member of the 110th Field Artillery Regiment Certificates of Recognition from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Baltimore County Silver Star Ribbon for Amtrak train wreck rescue operations Frank’s hobbies included amateur radio including decades of service to the Navy-Marine Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), boating, fishing, traveling, vacationing with his family in Ocean City, and trips to Florida over the winter. He also enjoyed the company of his McDonogh School classmates and reunion planning. Later in life, he continued to learn new things, including pursuing a life-long passion of obtaining his private pilot license. In retirement he enjoyed the fellowship of membership in various military historical societies, including the Maryland Military Historical Society, the 29th Division Association and Maryland State Guard Association. He was a life-long fan of the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Colts and Ravens and the Duke University Blue Devils, and enjoyed watching games with his family and friends. In addition to his parents, and wife Beverly, Dr. Barranco was preceded in death by his brother, Robert S. Barranco, Sr. in 2003. Dr. Barranco is survived by his six children and their spouses, Deborah and Robert Kearney, Michael and Kimberly Barranco, Frank Jr. and Jean Barranco, Thomas and Mary Jo Barranco, Susan and Timothy O’Haire, and Mary and Jeff Smythe; his sister, Mary A. DelRosso of Plaistow, New Hampshire; 15 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 26th from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm at the Ruck Towson Funeral Home, 1050 York Road Towson, Maryland 21204. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM on Friday, March 27th at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 200 Ware Avenue, Towson, MD 21204 followed by the interment at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Stella Maris, 4500 Dulaney Valley Rd. Timonium, MD 21093 or to the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company, 1609 Bellona Ave, Lutherville, MD 21093. Arrangements by Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com http://www.barrancofuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=3012924&fh_id=12483
