Dr. Stephen James Naso, Jr.

Dr. Stephen James Naso, Jr., 84, of Florence, SC, (formerly of Charlotte, NC) passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2017. Dr. Naso was born on September 18, 1933, a son of the late Dr. Stephen James Naso, Sr. and Mrs. Florence Lotito Naso. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Naso graduated from Brooklyn Preparatory School. In 1951 he enrolled at Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and also met his future bride, Miss Ann Evers of Sacred Heart College.In 1960 he received his Medical Doctorate from the University of Torino School of Medicine in Italy after which he began his surgical internship at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey.In 1966, he completed his General Surgery residency and fellowship in Hand Surgery at New York Medical College, Flower-Fifth Avenue Hospital, New York, New York.A Vietnam veteran, Dr. Naso was an Army Surgeon from 1967-1969, serving at the 95th Evacuation Hospital in Da Nang, Vietnam.Dr. Naso founded the Carolina Hand Center in Charlotte, North Carolina where he practiced medicine for over 30 years until his retirement in 1999. Dr. Naso was well known in the medical community in Charlotte and was nationally recognized for his work in Cumulative Trauma Disorder and Industrial Hand Injuries.In 1981, because of his significant contributions, exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments as a North Carolina physician, Dr. Naso was awarded by the Governor of the State of North Carolina the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine.” A life-long learner, Dr. Naso loved Italian culture, traveling, teaching, and fine Italian food. He particularly enjoyed his trips to Rome and Las Vegas. Dr. Naso is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mrs. Ann Naso of Florence, South Carolina; his son, Mr. Stephen Naso, III and his wife Susan of Worland, Wyoming; his daughter, Mrs. Julie Naso Rea and her husband Mike of Catawba, South Carolina; his son Dr. William Naso and his wife Dr. Nicolette Naso of Florence, South Carolina; his brother, Dr. Robert Naso and his wife Dawn of Austin, Texas; and his brother Dr. Richard Naso of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was predeceased by his sister Virginia Naso Hull. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren (Faith Naso, Jake Rea, Mary Rea, Wylie Rea, Grace Rea, Caroline Naso, Will Naso, and Ben Naso) and great-grandchild (Eula Rea). The family would like to offer their sincere thanks for the kindness and care given by Comfort Keepers of Florence and the McLeod Hospice House. They are also deeply thankful for the love and prayers of their friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dr. Naso’s honor to Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School, 5001 Hoffmeyer Road Darlington, SC29532 and St. Anthony Church, 2536 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, SC 29501. A Rosary Service will be held at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home, with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. and visitation with the family until 9:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. Please sign the tribute wall for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.