Hospital, doctor praised for trying to save actor’s life

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004 | 9:26 a.m.

A son of veteran character actor Joe Viterelli praised the efforts of Valley Hospital and his father's lead physician for attempting to save his father's life during heart surgery and post care there last month.

"The hospital and especially Dr. Larry Cohler were nothing short of magnificent in their efforts," Joseph Vitarelli said Tuesday in a phone interview from California. "Even though my father died, their work was nonetheless extraordinary."

Joe Viterelli, a pug-faced, stocky actor who played gangster roles in films including "Analyze This," its sequel "Analyze That," "Bullets over Broadway" and "Mobsters," died Jan. 29 at Valley Hospital at age 66. His death was disclosed by his family this week.

Joseph, a film composer who spells his last name differently than his father, said his dad was visiting Las Vegas with a friend when he became ill from a heart ailment that his son declined to elaborate about.

The actor was taken to Valley's emergency room.

"My mother (Catherine) and I were naturally concerned when we arrived there, but we found they were doing excellent work," Vitarelli said, noting he was in the hospital seven of the nine days that his father was treated there.

Vitarelli noted that his father's grave condition required immediate medical attention.

"Yes he had the means to go anywhere he wanted to go for treatment, but I can tell your readers that your Valley Hospital was unbelievable and that my family and I were so grateful for the wonderful care they provided him," Vitarelli said.

Valley Health System spokesman Mike Tymczyn said the hospital could not provide details about the care given to Joe Viterelli because of recently approved federal regulations regarding privacy.