Friends and colleagues gathered to remember John C. Pomeroy, MD, who passed away on January 12. Dr. Pomeroy was an associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics and the founding director of the Matt and Debra Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Stony Brook University Medical Center.
Anissa Abi-Dargham, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, expressed condolences: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to all who knew and admired Dr. Pomeroy and the remarkable contributions he made throughout his life.” She highlighted his lasting impact on the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Stony Brook Medicine, and the broader community.
Gabrielle Carlson praised Pomeroy as “a superb clinician and a great role model for our trainees. He was also a lovely person.” Carlson joined Stony Brook to establish the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Pomeroy completed his medical training at the University of London in 1973 before specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Iowa. At Stony Brook in the 1980s, he became its first child and adolescent psychiatrist. He later directed the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Department at Putnam Hall.
In 1990, with funding from New York State agencies now known as OPWDD, Pomeroy developed psychiatric care programs for individuals with dual diagnoses on Long Island. He established a fellowship program focusing on mental health combined with developmental disabilities diagnosis.
In 1997, alongside Lynda Geller, he founded the Division of Developmental Disabilities within Stony Brook's Department of Psychiatry. By 2001 this evolved into what is now known as The Cody Center offering comprehensive services across diagnosis education research clinical care outreach among others.
His accolades include receiving awards such as J Franklin Robinson Award from American Academy Child Adolescent Psychiatry; being named Healthcare Professional Year by Suffolk County Mental Health Association; recognized Physician Distinction Nassau Physicians Foundation; multiple Best/Top Doctors Awards; Public Service Award from NY Suffolk County Martin Luther King Jr Commission underlining his leadership contribution towards improving lives through initiatives provided by The Cody Center including diagnostic treatment programs social skills parent sibling support groups young adult school consultations vocational support professional workshops community partnerships research enriching countless families setting high standards care outreach
Dr.Pomeroy leaves behind wife Julia children Zara Jonathan son-in-law John grandchildren Sienna Isla sister Jackie A memorial service took place January 25 His family requested donations be made instead flowers food gifts either Developmental Disability Institute (DDI) Michael J Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Research honoring him