Longtime Syracuse-area surgeon dies while swimming in Cazenovia Triathlon

Syracuse, N.Y. — Dr. Richard DiStefano, a Syracuse-area orthopedic surgeon, died Sunday while swimming in the Cazenovia Triathlon.

DiStefano, 65, was a surgeon specializing in neck and spine treatments for SOS Orthopedics.

He turned to exercise as an outlet outside of his high-pressure, high-stress job as an orthopedic surgeon, fellow spine surgeon Dr. Aaron Bianco said.

DiStefano was competing in the swimming portion of the triathlon Sunday when he went under the water, said Rich O’Neil, president of the Cazenovia Triathlon.

Several lifeguards were on duty at the time, he said. DiStefano was brought ashore and multiple people administered CPR, he said.

DiStefano was taken by ambulance to Crouse Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, O’Neil said. A cause of death has not been determined.

O’Neil said it wasn’t DiStefano’s first triathlon and that he was an “enthusiastic member.”

Bianco said that DiStefano was adventurous and loved exercise and adrenaline.

At SOS, he planned social events and dinners to help the office connect, Bianco said. He organized whitewater rafting and even convinced some co-workers to join him on triathlons.

“As a surgeon, you have to be a little bit of an adrenaline seeker,” Bianco said.

DiStefano studied at Yale University and at Upstate Medical University. He finished his orthopedic training in 1995, according to his obituary.

He is survived a wife and three children, according to his obituary. DiStefano’s wife declined to comment when reached by phone.

DiStefano was with SOS Orthopedics for over 10 years, Bianco said. DiStefano worked on the neck and spine team, treating patients who tend to have a lot of pain, Bianco said.

He was always honest with his patients, and meticulous with his work, Bianco said.

DiStefano was part of a tight-knit work family, Bianco said.

“It’s just a tragic loss for our family, and we’re a close family, and we, you know, work a lot together, and to lose someone you know that we care about is really a difficult thing for us,” he said.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.