Dr. Deno Gualtieri was pronounced dead following a medical incident early Thursday morning
The sudden death of Dr. Deno Gualtieri, a longtime and well-respected clinician, emergency room physician and medical director affiliated with Jefferson Health Lansdale Hospital, as well as area fire departments and EMS agencies like Upper Gwynedd Fire Department, North Penn Vol. Fire Co., and VMSC Emergency Medical Services, has sent ripples of grief through fire and EMS agencies across Montgomery County.
Gualtieri, D,O., was pronounced dead following an incident early Thursday morning, according to online reports.
Born September 27, 1981 in New Brunswick, NJ, he was the son of Deno and Shelane (Lees) Gualtieri. He was the husband of Karen (Janiszewski) Gualtieri for 20 years, according to his obituary.
An emergency medicine physician, Gualtieri served on the medical staff at Jefferson Health Lansdale, served as Director of Emergency Medicine at the hospital for the past nine years. and held leadership roles with multiple local EMS organizations, including as medical director and board vice president of the Community Ambulance Association of Ambler. He was widely described as a steady presence in high-stress environments and a fierce advocate for patient-centered care.
“He was a mentor, a calm presence in the chaos, offering thoughtful insight and, above all else, a dedicated physician who advocated high-quality patient care,” Skippack EMS said in a statement. “His passing will leave a hole in EMS that will not be easily filled.”
Acute Care Medical Transports echoed that sentiment, saying Gualtieri “had a remarkable way of making everyone in emergency medicine feel truly part of the team” and would be “deeply missed.”
Locally, Gualtieri worked closely with North Penn emergency responders, serving as medical director for Quick Response Service programs and training departments including Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department and North Penn Volunteer Fire Company. His training efforts focused heavily on basic life support care, particularly pediatric emergencies, an area colleagues said he took seriously and approached with compassion.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our former medical director and medical command physician,” North Penn Area Professional Emergency Services IAFF Local 5021 said in a statement. “Dr. Gualtieri’s presence will be missed by many, but his memory will live on in each and every provider.”
Colleagues from across the region shared personal reflections, describing Gualtieri as both an exceptional clinician and a trusted friend.
“So saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of a former colleague,” Kelly Cunningham McGovern said. “His impact was immeasurable. He saved countless lives. Truly a dedicated physician.”
Ed Moreland, executive director of EMS for Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company, said Gualtieri’s influence extended well beyond any single agency.
“His dedication to ensuring the best care for our communities set the standard we should all aspire to achieve,” Moreland said. “His legacy is one of mentorship, leadership, commitment and friendship.”
Gualtieri earned his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his internship at Maimonides Medical Center, and finished his emergency medicine residency at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill. He was also known professionally as an expert in hyperthermia, dehydration, and heat-related emergencies.
He was an active member of the Montgomery County Medical Advisory Committee and worked with several local ambulance companies including Ambler, VMSC, and Merck.
According to his obituary, he was a devoted father and spent his free time with his family. He enjoyed annual trips to Maine, competing for the best maze completion time at Cherry Crest Farm, and building the best sandcastle on the beach.
"He always had the best dad jokes and could make his kids laugh even on their most difficult days. As a young child, scouting was important to Deno and his family and he obtained the rank of Eagle Scout," stated his obituary.
Gualtieri is survived by his wife, parents, Deno and Shelane Gualtieri, his children, Deno James Gualtieri, Alex Gualtieri, and Laura Gualtieri, brother Dominic Gualtieri and his wife Alexandra and two daughters, Verona and Vida, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law Richard and Jane Janiszewski, Brother-in-law, Ryan Janis and his wife Natalie and two sons, Luke and James.
A Funeral Service will take place Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown, PA 18106.
Calling hours will be held from 10 - 11 a.m., prior to the service, and Thursday, Jan, 22, 2026, from 5 -7 p.m., also at Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting in memoriam donations to the Community Ambulance Association of Ambler.
