Jay Gandolfi was born and grew up near the San Francisco Airport. His father worked at the race tracks around the Bay Area so Jay developed an early interest in horses. He attended the University of California receiving a degree in Chemistry. Right after graduation he married his college sweetheart and they were married for 48 fantastic years. Jay went on to get a Doctoral degree in biochemistry and toxicology at Oregon State University and then post graduate training in Anesthetic Research at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. After a few years of sub-zero winters in Minnesota and constant hypothermia, he wanted to return to the West Coast but houses in Bay Area no longer cost $30k! So he made it as far West as Tucson. He joined the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Arizona in 1978 and progressed through the Professorial ranks eventually becoming Associate Dean for Research in the College of Pharmacy. He has published over 300 research articles, 50 book chapters, and an 8000 page – 14 volume Comprehensive Review of Toxicology. He loved teaching medical, pharmacy, and graduate students – and seeing them become the medical professionals of the future. Jay was an Editor for scientific journals, President of scientific groups, and on the Advisory Boards for Universities across the Nation.Jay has three sons and four grandchildren. All residing in Arizona. His sons are all graduates of Salpointe High School and Northern Arizona University (sounds like Bob Logan clones!). Two are engineers (missiles and software) and another in the private sector of home security systems. His two granddaughters are off to College next year and they are ultimately wanting to be a Veterinarian and a Business Executive, respectively.
Jay is an avid sports fan and coached his three sons for 17 years in Soccer while his wife coached them in swimming. Jay’s passions are fishing, Senior Softball, and long rides with his horses at his home on the Aqua Caliente Wash in Tucson or underneath the Mogollon Rim at his summer home in Strawberry, Arizona.
Jay became an Emeritus Professor in 2013. With more spare time, Jay wanted to give back to both the University and Tucson – which had given him such a wonder life. He is active with the University of Arizona Retiree Association and will become an officer in the organization in Spring.
Last year he started looking at Service Organizations and saw all the activities that the Tucson Rotary does matched his interests. He has already enjoyed planting trees, selling Car Show raffle tickets at the Rodeo and the Street Fair, and reviewing Community Grant applications. He looks forward to continued service via Rotary to the community. Please welcome Jay Gandolfi!
