Cracchiolo Family Professorship In Surgery

Sam A. Cracchiolo, Sr.
1921-2008

Never permitting his accomplishments to breed complacency, Sam Cracchiolo, Sr. transitioned from distributing fruits and vegetables from a family truck in Detroit, Michigan to a distinguished corporate entrepreneur. After being discharged from the U.S. Army after World War II and with very little experience in manufacturing, Sam and his three brothers ventured into the metal parts manufacturing business. Against all odds, the brothers built a successful manufacturing company catering to the nation’s automotive and truck industry. Seeking diversification, the brothers developed technology capable of forming large diameter cold extruded parts from exotic metals that would revolutionize the metal forming industry. After experiencing tremendous success, Sam again had his sights set for greater horizons. Seeing the synergies of a unification, the Burns companies merged with Masco Corporation in 1968. Joining Masco as Director of Corporate Development, Sam immediately focused on mergers and acquisitions vaulting Masco into the Fortune 500 as a world leader of housing and industrial products.

Throughout Sam’s life his philanthropy touched countless people worldwide. His establishment of the Cracchiolo Foundation has provided a means to support the underprivileged , provide grants for research and education, and support for the arts.

The Cracchiolo Family Professorship in Surgery at the University of Florida was in recognition of the outstanding care provided by Dr. Edward M. Copeland III, Dr. Stephen B. Vogel and their surgical team to Lena Testa, a sister of Sam Cracchiolo, Sr.