Dr. Joseph Anthony Virzi II, a prominent Jacksonville psychiatrist and father of Marisa (Ray) White of Morehead, KY, passed away at age 72 on June 12, 2009, in Jacksonville, FL. Born July 19, 1936 in Chicago, IL he was the only child of the late Joseph A. Virzi and Lena Pepitone Virzi. Dr. Virzi was a 1954 graduate from Fenwick HS in Oak Park IL, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. After graduating cum laude from Loyola University and Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in 1962, he completed his residency at Illinois State Psychiatric Institute in 1966, where he also served as Chief Resident. He was a Lt. Commander in the US Navy and began his professional career in Jacksonville FL, establishing the first psychiatric practice in Clay County. In 1976 Dr. Virzi founded Oak Center, the city-s first psychiatric day treatment program, leading the way to accreditation by JCAHO for partial hospitalization and was elected to the board of the National Association for Partial Hospitalization. Dr. Virzi held two board certifications with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He was a diplomat of the American Psychiatric Association and became a Life Fellow in 2000. He was also a diplomat of the American College of Forensic Examiners. He has held many offices and chaired numerous committees, including President-Elect of the Florida Psychiatric Society, President of the Jacksonville Psychiatric Society and Vice President of the Jacksonville Coalition for Mental Health. He was also President and Founder of the Florida Partial Hospitalization Association. In addition to his professional affiliations, he enjoyed several societies and clubs of Jacksonville and was a member of Deerwood Country Club, The River Club, Ponte Vedra Club, University Club and Serenata Beach Club. In 1998 Dr. Virzi retired from the residential treatment setting to open a private practice in the Southside of Jacksonville until 2006 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He then retired permanently to spend more time with his wife Maria, children, grandchildren, and cherished dog -Bella,- who did not leave his side throughout his long illness. Dr. Virzi is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Maria (Trivelli) Virzi. He is also survived by his children, Diana (Joseph) Fargardo, Marisa (Ray) White, and Joseph (Cathryn). He leaves many grandchildren, Laura, Maria, and Ray White, Morgan Sourbrine, Maya and Stella Virzi. Dr. Virzi is further survived by his brother-in-law Mauro (Rosemary) Trivelli, nieces Julie and Jennifer, and nephew Michael. A mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Rd., on Monday, June 15, 2009, at 11:00 AM. A final Memorial will be held in Chicago, IL, at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. The date will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 or the Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257. Arrangements are under the direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, FL. Funeral: Monday, June 15, 2009, 11 a.m., Holy Family Catholic Church, Jacksonville, FL Interment: Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Chicago, IL