John “Jack” Paul Conomy died peacefully on June 9, 2019 at his home in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
A proud Cleveland native, Jack attended St. Aloysius School, St. Joseph High School, and John Carroll University (1960). His passion for learning and commitment to serving others led him to Saint Louis University (1964) for a medical degree. Jack served in the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam era before returning to Cleveland. He was a board-certified Neurologist trained in Neuropathy and served as Clinical Professor of Neurology at University Hospitals of Cleveland, as well as Director of a Brain Injury Unit within the University System. He was also a former Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Foundation (1975-1992). He attended Case Western Reserve University (1991) for his legal education.
Widely published and consulted on matters of health policy, health law, and institutional organization, Jack founded the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC). His vision of the role of comprehensive care in MS led to the growth of the CMSC and its current status in the MS professional community. Jack was a man for all seasons: widely read and articulate, with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him. The leadership of the CMSC sends its condolences to Jack’s family. June Halper and Marie Namey, two of his proteges, send their thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Jack.