April 11, 2025
From a very young age, Frank Vanoni, MD, knew he wanted to be a doctor. He recalls having his tonsils removed at five years old—when Torrington physician Dr. Frank Polito not only performed the surgery but also drove Frank and his mother back home and then carried the young boy into the house for his recovery.
“I was completely fascinated by the whole experience,” says Dr. Vanoni, now a retired family medicine physician who practiced at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital from 1962-1999. “They showed me all the medical instruments and explained what they were going to do—and then his act of kindness in bringing us home left a lasting impression on me.”
Later in life, Dr. Vanoni would showcase similar kindness and compassionate care throughout his medical career in northwest Connecticut.
“What I enjoyed most was being able to care for patients in their own community, where they were surrounded by people they knew and trusted,” shares Dr. Vanoni. “Working in a hospital like Charlotte Hungerford Hospital gave patients a strong sense of confidence. They knew they weren’t just another face in the crowd, they were part of a community that cared for them. This trust and familiarity made a world of difference in their recovery and overall experience.”
According to Dr. Vanoni, his colleagues’ remarkable skills and dedication to individual care also made Charlotte Hungerford Hospital a special place.
“They were much more than co-workers, we were a true team,” says Dr. Vanoni. “For us, it was more than a job, it was a calling. We truly cared about our patients and did everything possible to keep them comfortable and supported until they were better.”
Pictured Above: The inaugural class of the 1916 Society, which included Frank Vanoni, MD, poses for a photo at the society’s 2024 Annual Meeting.
Thanks to his meaningful career and the deep, lasting bonds he formed with his patients and colleagues, Dr. Vanoni made the generous commitment to join the hospital’s 1916 Society and include Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in his estate planning—helping to secure a brighter future for healthcare in the northwest corner.
“The hospital means so much to me, which is why I decided to include it in my will,” he shares. “I believe in the importance of having a local hospital where residents can be cared for by people they know and trust.
“I have seen firsthand how crucial Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is. For patients without family nearby, it can be especially hard. Having a hospital in your community, where family and friends can easily visit, makes all the difference in a patient’s experience and recovery.”
“We are so grateful for Dr. Vanoni, who has served in many important roles at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital—physician, board member, committee chairman, Corporator, and 1916 Society member,” says Debbie Bender, Director of Philanthropy at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.
“Planned Giving and our 1916 Society play a significant role in our ability to provide the best and safest care to our region. We sincerely thank Dr. Vanoni for his incredible medical career, decades of continued service to the community, and his commitment to growing and enhancing healthcare in northwest Connecticut.”
Click here to learn more about the 1916 Society and Planned Giving at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.