Bartholomew C. Lally, MD

July 6, 1937 - March 8, 2023

Bart Lally (85) passed away peacefully at his home in Saratoga on March 8th, 2023, following a long illness. He was preceded in death by Stephanie, his wife of 63 years, in November 2022.

A native San Franciscan, born on July 6th,1937, he was the only child of his parents Rita C. (Dowd) and Bartholomew C. Lally II. Bart attended Notre Dame des Victoires Grammar School and St. Ignatius High School (Class of 1955). During his time at St. Ignatius, he developed lifelong friendships with many of his classmates and made strong connections within the Jesuit Community. The Jesuits were an instrumental influence on Bart’s life in his education, his faith, and his career. He was a loyal member of the Knights of Malta.

Bart continued his undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University “the original USC” (Class of 1959). He was a dedicated Bronco and contributed to many philanthropic efforts, served on the Board of Regents, President of the Alumni Association, reunion chair, and in 2015 received the Father Louis Bannan award for his dedication and service to Santa Clara University over his lifetime.

Following his undergraduate education, he attended St. Louis University School of Medicine where he earned his Medical Degree. Stephanie and Bart made wonderful, enduring friends and grew very fond of their life in the Midwest. They strongly considered settling and raising their family there, but San Francisco called them home. Bart served in the US Army, attained the rank of Captain, and was the head physician at the Presidio of Monterey.

Bart joined the El Camino Internal Medical Group in Mountain View in the early 70’s where he practiced internal medicine, specializing in Gastroenterology. Bart had a philosophy of caring for the whole individual. He was a unique and intuitive physician, mentor and friend with a genuine commitment to his faith. He understood the importance of science but mastered the art of medicine. His love of people was demonstrated in his care for his patients.

He then continued his career at Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF/Sutter Health). He was a pioneer in taking medicine into the digital age in the early 70’s where he partnered with Lockheed in the development of the first electronic medical records system at El Camino Hospital. As the Medical Director of Philanthropy, he worked tirelessly to strengthen the outlook of medicine at PAMF.

Bart was a proud 75-year active member of the Olympic Club where as a child he made friends from all neighborhoods throughout the City. He loved to workout downtown or play a round of golf on the Lake course. Bart served on the Board of Directors and as the Club Medical Director for several US Open USGA tournaments.

Bart met the love of his life, Stephanie Costello of San Francisco in 1953 at the Russian River. They fell hard for each other, never spent a moment apart and ultimately spent the rest of their lives together. Their relationship was admired by so many; they had a true partnership in life and were the epitome of best friends. His love and respect for her was simply perfect.

Bart and Stephanie were married for 63 years, raising three sons, Bart F. (Amanda), Jeff (Carrie), and John (Tina) and cherished grandchildren Ryan, Kate, Cole, Dean, John, Francis, and Marygrace. Brotherinlaw to Joanne Milani, Timothy Costello, Christine MacInnis, Kevin Costello, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bart, with Stephanie by his side, enjoyed life to the fullest. His sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren brought him the greatest joy. Bart loved to travel and traveled often, from Hawaii to the Caribbean, to cruising through the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean.

Bart’s credo: “Faith, Family and Friends” was exactly how he lived his life. Bart helped countless people with education, health, and general life guidance. Everyone Bart knew was his “Good Friend”, he was the life of the party and could work a room like a politician. Bart was often heard saying, “It doesn’t get any better than this”. Bart loved all things Irish and could always be counted on for a toast that ended with him in joyful tears.

Bart was an avid runner, participating in the Paris and New York marathons multiple times and he loved the shores of Kona, Hawaii at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. But like Stephanie, he was most happy at his home in Saratoga, by the pool and barbecue enjoying his family and so many friends.

After five decades of caring for his patients in the Silicon Valley, he retired at 84 years old to care for his beloved Stephanie who preceded him in death by just a few short months…they just couldn’t be apart, and their love story continues.

A memorial mass celebrating Bart’s life will be on March 25th at 10am at Mission Santa Clara, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara 95050. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Care Center to continue his legacy of care and inspiring future generations of physicians.