In Remembrance: Jorge Galante, pioneering orthopedic surgeon

Galante was the first president of the orthopedic surgery department at what is now Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune called him “a skilled surgeon and pioneering researcher who helped revolutionize the science of joint replacement.” He also directed the Arthritis and Orthopedic Institute at Rush.

Galante emigrated to the United States from Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1958. He had a home base close to campus, a farm near Clinton, Wis., where he pursued his passion for the Peruvian Paso horse, a unique breed that he bred, raised, and showed.

As a member of Beloit’s board, Galante is remembered as an insightful, generous, and ambitious leader.

“One of his most important contributions was promoting the many ways that the college and the region must be mutually supportive of each other,” President Bierman wrote in a message to campus announcing his death. “He strongly advocated for and personally supported scholarships for Beloit students in need. Dr. Galante will be sorely missed by the people and institutions that were lucky enough to have been touched by him.”

Among the survivors are a son, Charles, and four grandchildren. The family asks that memorial gifts be made to Beloit College and/or to Rush University Medical Center.