In Memoriam: Eugene R. Corasanti

Eugene R. Corasanti, known as the gentlemanly founder of CONMED Corporation, passed away in Naples, Florida, on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, Connie; his two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph J. and Michelle Corasanti, and David G. and Lisa Corasanti, all of New Hartford; grandchildren, Jon-Robert and Sarah Corasanti and Marcus, Katherine and Kira Corasanti; two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Marie and Joseph Donovan, of Clinton, and Angela Nole, of New Hartford; his aunt, Millie DeGironimo, of New Hartford; nieces and nephews, Dr. James G. and Laureen Corasanti, and Michael A. and Cheryl Corasanti, all of Buffalo, Mark and Cathy Donovan, of New Hartford, Joseph and Robin Donovan, of Omaha, Virginia, Thomas Dosch, of Clinton, and Angelo Jr. and Diana L. Nole, of Rochester; many great-nieces and nephews, Kate, Matt and Anthony Corasanti, Andrea and Nicholas Corasanti, Joseph and Thomas Donovan, and Caitlin, Chris and Laura Dosch; and also many cousins. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Angela Corasanti; his brother-in-law, Angelo V. Nole; and his nephew, George A. Nole.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude in accounting from Niagara University, Corasanti served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the U.S. Finance Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Corasanti began his career as an independent public accountant, working at Brooks, Sugarman & Cone for many years. In 1970, he founded Consolidated Medical Equipment, Inc., which was later changed to CONMED Corporation. Corasanti served as Chairman of the Board since its inception through February of 2014; he was also the Chief Executive Officer from founding until December 31, 2006.

As noted in the Utica Observer Dispatch newspaper, “Gene was a true ‘Gentleman’ in every sense of the word and admired by many. He treasured spending time with his wife, family, and friends, and traveling, and did so extensively. Gene especially enjoyed spending many summers in Tuscany, and regularly visited with his relatives in Italy. He loved his homes in New Hartford, the Adirondacks, and Naples, FL, where many special memories were created and cherished by all. Gene loved to golf at the Yahnundasis in New Hartford, NY, and Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples, FL, where he always enjoyed playing Gin Rummy and Poker and the camaraderie of friends. In younger years, Gene enjoyed hunting and walking in the woods with his sons and friends. He was also not opposed to playing Black Jack, Baccarat, and Craps in casinos around the world and would gladly take his winnings back home to his wife.”

Asked about his fondest memory of Mr. Corasanti, Robert Shallish, Jr., CFO of CONMED, told OTW, “Gene was a strong believer in detailed risk/reward analysis. When analyzing a particular course of action, he would always say, ‘Don’t tell me how much I can make, tell me how much I could lose.’ This credo allowed the company to be rewarded through acceptance of reasonable risk without taking extreme bets.”

He added, “Through Gene’s persistence, he created an organization from scratch focused on providing important medical devices to the healthcare community, while at the same time creating value for shareholders and meaningful opportunity to thousands of employees. He accomplished this while being a true gentleman who recognized the personal self-worth of every individual he met.”

Speaking to the Utica Observer Dispatch, Frank Williams, the company’s Vice President of Planning and Development, stated, “Gene Corasanti will be remembered as a man of vision and commitment…commitment to this community, his employees and his family. My life, and the lives of many, are forever enriched having Gene as our mentor, leader, and friend.”