Spring 2025
By Caitlin Henault
Photography by Josh Campbell
Anthony Sordillo, DMD, is remembered fondly by his loved ones as diligent, generous, and devoted, especially when it came to caring for many patients during his long and impactful career as an anesthesiologist.
According to his sister, Jean Sordillo, Anthony was a hard worker with an interest in medicine from a young age. Following his service as a field medic in Vietnam, Anthony chose to pursue a career in health care, first graduating from dental school and ultimately transitioning to the field of anesthesiology. He worked at several local hospitals during his career, including a stint at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Jean recalls how well-respected Anthony was by colleagues and patients alike: “Everybody loved ‘Dr. Tony.’”
Anthony’s commitment to helping others was further demonstrated through his thoughtful inclusion of Dana-Farber in his estate plans. By making an unrestricted gift of $578,586, Anthony ensured that his legacy would continue to make a significant impact on cancer research and patient care initiatives across the Institute. Anthony passed away in November 2021 after battling lymphoma for several years.
Unrestricted gifts like Anthony’s provide Dana-Farber with the flexibility to allocate resources where they are most needed, support innovative programs that may not have designated funding, and empower leadership to respond swiftly to emerging challenges and opportunities in cancer research and patient care. These contributions are essential for advancing scientific discoveries, improving treatment options, and ultimately, bringing hope to patients and their families.
“Tony cared for many patients who were impacted by cancer throughout his career,” Jean said. “He always said that if he was in a position to help, that’s what he would do. That’s the kind of person he was—I’m very proud of him.”