Bella Silecchia Sabatino, MD

Apollonia Bella Marie Silecchia Sabatino, M.D., F.A.A.P.

January 26, 1940 - June 23, 2026

Dr. Bella Silecchia, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, physician, advocate, and pioneer for women in medicine, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. 

Born on January 26, 1940, Bella was a woman whose intelligence, determination, and compassion shaped countless lives. At a time when few women pursued careers in medicine, she earned her medical degree from the University of Bologna in Italy, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women physicians.

It was there that she met the love of her life, Dominick Sabatino. United by their shared passion for caring for children, both went on to become pediatricians. Bella and Dominick's connection reflected a deeper symmetry of their lives-two Italian-American families from Brooklyn whose paths led them abroad to Italy, where they met, only to later return home and build their life together where both of their stories had originally begun. 

Bella and Dominick married in 1965 in Brooklyn, New York. While living and studying in Italy, they welcomed their daughter, Denise, and remained there until Denise was nearly three years old before returning home, where they continued to build their lives centered on family, service, and medicine.

Though she was known personally as Bella Sabatino, she practiced professionally throughout her distinguished career as Dr. Silecchia.

Dr. Silecchia became a respected leader in pediatric medicine, serving as Director of Pediatric Emergency and Ambulatory Care Services at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York. She also served as Director of the Child Abuse Evaluation Program, where her work helped protect vulnerable children and support families during their most difficult moments.

Throughout her career, Dr. Silecchia played an instrumental role in the development and review of critical documentation used in child abuse investigations throughout New York State. Her expertise, leadership, and unwavering advocacy helped strengthen protections for vulnerable children and establish standards that continue to guide child abuse evaluations today.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Bella dedicated her life to the health, safety, and wellbeing of children.

While her professional accomplishments were remarkable, Bella's greatest joy was her family. Bella is survived by her daughter, Denise, and son-in-law, Bobby; her grandsons, Matthew (and granddaughter-in-law Katherine), Bryan, and Nicholas; and her beloved great-grandson, Bodie, who brought her immeasurable happiness and pride.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Dominick Sabatino, who passed away in 2017.After a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion, Bella is now reunited with the love of her life.

Bella leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, excellence, and love. Her impact lives on in the children she cared for, the families she helped, the colleagues she inspired, and the family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

May she rest in eternal peace