Matthew A. Sportelli, 68, formerly of Easton, Pa., passed away from natural causes at his home in Cape Coral, Florida, on April 7.
Dr. Sportelli practiced chiropractic, hypnosis, and acupuncture for 30 years before retiring in 1990. He was a member of the graduating class of 1960 at Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, where he participated in many of the final lectures by the late BJ Palmer.
Dr. Sportelli was well known for his dedication to the profession, his communication skills and a distinctive wit and humor. He excelled in and instructed several classes in laboratory diagnostics and was the editor of the Palmer yearbook. He put to words his vision of chiropractic, which became Palmer's alma mater:
The hands of our leader, our symbol of strength
The principle we love and know
And its birthplace was here
In that memorable year
Where the Innates were blended to flow In helping the sick we seek science and truth
And grow by the good that we do
When in shadows of darkness
In classroom or field
We know that Innate will come through
We'll promote Chiropractic in voice loud and clear
And fight for our principle straight
For the good of sick people
Afar and near
In the future true health will dictate
Dr. Sportelli is survived by his wife, Maria, a son, Matt, and a daughter, Monica. Expressions of condolence can be emailed to
mariasportelli@hotmail.com.
