Binnacle List: RADM John Marocchi

Former DNI John Marocchi’s daughter Helen wrote to let NIP Professionals know that her dad is recovering well from a stroke he had on July 21st and insertion of a pacemaker on the 23rd.  He suffered a stroke while at the beach but refused to go to the hospital until Friday morning, July 23rd.  When he arrived they discovered not only the stroke but a heartbeat so low that he was in grave danger until the pacemaker was successfully implanted.  

He remained in the hospital until yesterday when he was released to a rehab center for hopefully brief treatment.  He also saw an ophthalmologist at the Virginia Eye Institute to help determine the extent of the damage to his vision.  He has some loss of peripheral vision on the lower left side of both eyes, and was apparently already legally blind in his right eye (I had not known that.)  It is questionable as to whether or not he will be able to drive again.

Meanwhile he is unsteady on his feet from the existing neuropathy combined with the vision loss.  His spirits remain excellent, however.  He amazes all who see him with his intelligence, stamina, strength, and charm.  The therapists all say that they had never seen anyone his age in such great condition.  We anticipate that he will make an excellent recovery and be able to return to his home in Sperryville fairly soon.

He was in St. Francis Bon Secours Hospital in Midlothian, Va, near my stepsister's home (where he was when he finally agreed to go to the hospital.)  St. Francis is a superb facility where he received excellent care.  Currently he is in Sheltering Arms, which is located within St. Francis.  I have never seen a rehab center more impressive.  It's fabulous.

He will be pretty busy with a minimum of three hours of therapy a day (he wants to do more!) but he just loves to get phone calls, so please try to call him (if you that kind of friend.)  His room phone number is 804-764-5067.  He will answer if he can.  Otherwise, you will have to keep trying because there is no machine. 

I am sure he will let you know when he gets home as he is most anxious to get back to his email.  Otherwise, I will try to keep everyone up to date on his condition.

Please let his other friends know why he is out of touch and let's rally the troops around him for a change!