STATEN ISLAND, NY — It was an exceptional evening, full of classic style and traditional elegance.

Guests arrived at the Richmond County Country Club decked out in fashion to celebrate Dr. Daniel Megna’s 80th birthday, his countless accomplishments, his impact on the field of medicine and his longtime service to the community.

Dr. Megna and his wife, Joanne, were joined by family and friends to mark the milestone at a festive gala hosted by

Joanne Megna amid the grandeur of the stately Dongan Hills mansion, which dates back to the mid-19th century.

The reception wowed the crowd of 150 partygoers.

“Thank you to everyone here tonight,” Ms. Megna remarked, addressing the crowd. “Know that everyone added such joy to the occasion and to our lives. Over the years I have been very blessed to be married to such a gentle, kind, intelligent and wonderful man. But he had a mistress – and that mistress is medicine,” she said with a boisterous laugh. Thanks for sharing this special series for Dan. And God bless you all.”

Dr. Megna would also like to thank the merry makers for attending the 80th birthday party.

“Thank you to everyone tonight, my relatives, friends and office staff – and my wonderful wife of 46 years, Joanne.”

FALL THEME AND A DIVINE DINNER MENU

An engaging, fall-inspired theme exuded lasting beauty in the Country Club’s Grand Ballroom, The President’s Room and the Hunt Room – all created by Sean Psomas, designer/owner of Wildflowers. Together with Joanne Megna, the tone was set for the elegant affair held at the historic venue.

Guests were greeted by the glow of flickering candles, burgundy florals accented by coordinating striped velvet ribbon and whiskey-colored bamboo ornaments.

Floral arrangements suspended from magnolia branches added depth of color.

Master Manuel Ochoa, Executive Chef at Richmond County Country Club, has created a gourmet meal fit for a king, filled with innovative appetizers, pastas, main courses, birthday cake – and other delicious desserts.

Dazzling entertainment filled every corner of the Grand Ballroom provided by the melodious sounds of The Brooklyn Beats, a 10-piece live orchestra that performed songs delighting those lost in the rhythm of jazz – and other selections that spanned generations.

Stan Panzarella, Joanne’s brother, sent his best wishes: “My wife, Diana, and I are so happy to be here tonight to celebrate Dan’s 80th birthday. It is our privilege and a wonderful opportunity to honor Dan on his birthday, produced and directed by Joanne. His kindness and generosity are second to none and he is the quintessential doctor. He is loved by so many. He has been recommended by his physicians and colleagues to provide excellence in patient care. Much health and joy. We love you Dan.”

Dr. Paul Panzarella, Dr. Megna’s nephew, decided to pursue the field of gastroenterology because of Dr. Megna.

“My uncle is an absolute gentleman. And from my point of view, it’s a blessing to have a father you can look up to, but to also have an uncle to look up to is incredible. My aunt and uncle opened their homes to me during my years in medical school. It’s also a blessing to be here tonight. And what you do for your patients, family and friends is so amazing. Continued blessings, health and happiness We love you very much Uncle Dan.”

Longtime friend Jay Chazanoff, “Nobody deserves the spotlight more than Dan Megna. We go back about 50 years. When they were renovating their house, they stayed in our house for 28 months in the “Megna Suite”. At the time, my wife, Lucille, and I loved the idea of ​​having a doctor living in our home 24/7. They are still very dear to me and my family who call him Uncle Dan. We are so honored to be a part of this celebration. i love you Everyone loves you. God bless you for years to come.”

Longtime friend Otto Vitale noted that they had all been friends over the years. “Dr. Megna, Joanne, Jay and his late wife, Lucille, who is an angel from heaven. I love her and miss her. We have all been friends for 50 years. We all traveled together. I had wonderful experiences with Dan and Joanne,” he said before presenting a portrait of Dr. Megna, which was painted by his wife Marion’s sister, Phyllis.

“The evening could not have been more perfect in honoring and celebrating a true doctor and gentleman who has been so important to the Staten Island medical community, not to mention his many patients throughout the almost 60 years of service,” said Michelle DeSantis, a family friend. “It was both a beautiful tribute from his beautiful wife Joanne and a festive celebration full of love from all his family and friends who wanted to recognize him.”

A LITTLE ABOUT DR. MEGNA

A graduate of New Dorp High School and Wagner College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in three years. Dr. Megna received his medical degree from Duke Medical School.

He served his medical internship and residency at the US Public Health Service and his fellowship in gastroenterology at Yale University.

Dr. Megna joined Dr. Vincent Sottile’s office in 1975 and additionally served as Chief of Interventional Gastroenterology at Staten Island University Hospital.