05/06/2024    Dawn Buratti

The Passing of Richard A. Buratti, DPM

With much sadness, I announce the passing of
Richard A. Buratti, DPM on March 30, 2024, after a
four-month battle with pancreatic cancer, at home
with his family by his side. Dr. Richard Buratti
served in the U.S. Navy from 1958-1962. He went
back to school then graduated from the California
College of Podiatric Medicine in 1971. He joined
the practice of Arthur Monaco, DPM, from whom he
later acquired both his practice -and home-in
Northridge, California. Together with his wife and
office manager, Ilona, they served and cared for
the San Fernando Valley community in which they
lived for over 31 years.

From 1972-1990, Dr. Buratti volunteered as a
clinical instructor in the Department of Podiatric
Surgery, LA County-USC Medical Center; also
referred to as The Foot Health Center. It was here
that he cultivated his unique style of one-on-one
teaching, focusing on meticulous dissection and
following a step-by step process for each procedure
-in surgery and clinic. He was a detail-oriented
surgeon, with a systematic style that made it easy
to follow and learn.

In the 1970s and ‘80s, he served multiple terms as
Podiatric Chief of Staff and Director of Residency
at Van Nuys Community Hospital, a mecca for
Podiatric Surgery and Training in the San Fernando
Valley and Los Angeles area.

During the 1990s, he continued teaching Podiatric
Surgery at numerous hospitals including Valley Park
Medical Center, Holy Cross Hospital, Rancho Encino,
West Valley Hospital and Northridge Hospital
Medical Center. He served -and chaired- numerous
hospital committees throughout the years.

Dr. Buratti truly enjoyed his work, and it showed.
He carried the one-on-one teaching style into his
own practice, taking time to connect and educate
his patients about their conditions. He was loved
by his patients and his community.

Outside of podiatry, he had several hobbies. A
skilled craftsman, who created intricate wood
pieces and furniture in his private woodshop; a
talent which clearly carried over into his
reconstructive surgery skills. He enjoyed flying
his Cessna (many times across country) hopping from
one small airport to another. He also collected and
restored classic and antique cars and acquired many
gems throughout the years.

Dr. Buratti’s was a life well-lived. He was a
teacher to so many, including me. I am grateful to
have shared this common interest and profession
with him. I take joy in noticing things I do, in my
own practice with patients, that I learned from
him. It puts a gentle smile on my face, which has
caused patients to say, “you really enjoy your work
don’t you”? I thank him silently; and in this way,
he remains with me throughout my day.

Dawn Buratti

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