ALBANY, NY, February 3, 2025 – Cardiologist Joseph Sacco, M.D., grew up working in his family’s Rocky Hill, CT, pharmacy. When he was a student at MIT, he thought his career would be conducting science experiments in a lab.
“But I realized I wanted more people interaction,” Dr. Sacco, who will receive the Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award at the Capital Region Heart Ball on Feb. 28 at the Albany Capital Center, said. “A friend asked, ‘Why not med school?’ and a light bulb went off.”
From MIT, Dr. Sacco went to the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine in a Yale School of Medicine program, and finished his cardiology fellowship at Albany Medical College in 1985. He has worked in the Capital Region since then.
In Albany he became a professor of medicine at Albany Medical College; was chief of cardiology at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center; and retired from Albany Medical Center, a member of the Albany Med Health System, after working for 40 years as a cardiologist there. He specialized in difficult hypertension, valvular disease, atrial fibrillation and was part of more than 35 clinical research trials. He also served as president and member of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in the Capital Region.
His work as a cardiologist and his support of the American Heart Association made him the choice for this year’s Donald Led Duke Heart Hero award. Named for the late Donald Led Duke, founder of BBL Construction, the award honors someone who made as significant a contribution to the community as he did.
“It was a big surprise to learn I was receiving this award,” Dr. Sacco said. “It got me thinking about why we do what we do. It’s been a nice way to look back at things I’ve done, and it makes me feel I’ve accomplished something for my profession and the community.”
Dr. Sacco’s work with the American Heart Association ranged from attending large gatherings like Scientific Sessions, where thousands of scientists present current advances in the field of cardiology, to grass-roots efforts in the Capital Region.
“I remember an initiative before the 2000s,” he said. “We left business cards in restaurants that thanked the proprietor for having a non-smoking section.”
Dr. Sacco has been a regular media spokesperson for the American Heart Association. He, his wife and family have participated in many Heart Association events ranging from Hoops for Hearts to Walks to the Heart Ball. After turning 65, Dr. Sacco and his wife, Gail, were part of the Healthy for Good 5K training program, which culminated in a successful finish to the 5K at the Heart Walk and Run.
In his medical practice, Dr. Sacco particularly liked the physical diagnosis of his work, and teaching medical trainees and clinical providers at all levels.
“Clinical research is very rewarding,” Sacco said. “I got to work with the premier people in the field of cardiovascular disease, and I realized I’m good at translating the hard science into application. It’s interesting work to figure out how to put findings into practice; how to carry it to primary providers.”
Dr. Sacco pointed to two primary factors that guided him through his career.
“Medicine is all about education,” he said. “Every patient encounter is a teachable moment. There are things to pass on that can help people make good choices. I know when I go to the doctor, I want to know what they’re finding and how it applies to my life.
“I also learned early in my career that if you’re with people who are smarter than you, you’re in the right place,” he said. “It keeps you humble; it gives you something to strive for, and you sure as heck are going to learn something.”
Neil Yager, D.O., is the president of the Capital Region Board of Directors in the Capital Region, and someone who has worked with and learned from Dr. Sacco.
“After decades of dedication to heart health, learners and the well-being of the community, Dr. Sacco leaves behind a legacy of compassionate care, healing, and service,” said Dr. Yager, a cardiologist at Albany Medical Center, a member of the Albany Med Health System. “He treated his patients with respect and diligence, and all of us who were lucky to learn from him will carry those qualities with us throughout our careers.”
Dr. Sacco is married to Gail Sacco, retired director of the Voorheesville Public Library. They live in Glenmont and have two children, a daughter-in-law and almost-son-in-law, and two grandchildren. The Saccos ski and sail.
For information and to purchase tickets to the Capital Region Heart Ball, visit www.heart.org/heartball518.
Past Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award Winners include:
Year |
Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award Winners |
2024 |
Dr. Mandeep Sidhu, Cardiologist; Associate Dean, Albany Medical College; and Broadview Federal Credit Union |
2023 |
Dr. John Bennett, CEO of CDPHP |
2022 |
Dr. Lewis Britton, retired cardiac surgeon, Albany Medical Center |
2021 |
Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, Commissioner of Health at Albany County Department of Health |
2020 |
Dr. Eric Spooner, Retired- Capital District Pediatric Cardiology |
2019 |
Eight nurses from area hospitals: Shawn Danahy, Glens Falls Hospital; Elaine Huyck, Columbia Memorial; Lisa Jachimecki, Saratoga Hospital; Caitlin Lobdell, Capital Cardiology; Norine Kelsey, St. Peter’s Health Partners; Meredith Rutsky, Ellis Medicine; Stacey Warner, St. Mary’s Hospital, Amsterdam; Meghan Wickham, Albany Med |
2018 |
Dr. Edward Philbin & Dr. Michael Dailey, Albany Medical Center |
2017 |
Dr. Steven Frisch, Albany Med; Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital; Jay Cahalan, Columbia Memorial Hospital |
2016 |
Dr. Edward Bennett, Albany Medical Center |
2015 |
Bob Ausfeld honored post-mortem |
2014 |
Dr. Andalib Nawab, Ellis Medicine; Dr. Guillermo Sosa Suarez, St. Peter’s; Dr. Augustin Delago, Capital Cardiology |
2013 |
Neil Devejian, MD, Albany Med (first year of Donald Led Duke award) |
2012 |
We honored Donald Led Duke of BBL Construction, after his untimely passing of a heart attack. Mr. Led Duke’s many projects improved the Capital Region. |
Year |
Award Winners |
2024 |
Dr. Mandeep Sidhu, Cardiologist; Associate Dean, Albany Medical College; and Broadview Federal Credit Union |
2023 |
Dr. John Bennett, CEO of CDPHP |
2022 |
Dr. Lewis Britton, retired cardiac surgeon, Albany Medical Center |
2021 |
Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, Commissioner of Health at Albany County Department of Health |
2020 |
Dr. Eric Spooner, Retired- Capital District Pediatric Cardiology |
2019 |
Eight nurses from area hospitals: Shawn Danahy, Glens Falls Hospital; Elaine Huyck, Columbia Memorial; Lisa Jachimecki, Saratoga Hospital; Caitlin Lobdell, Capital Cardiology; Norine Kelsey, St. Peter’s Health Partners; Meredith Rutsky, Ellis Medicine; Stacey Warner, St. Mary’s Hospital, Amsterdam; Meghan Wickham, Albany Med |
2018 |
Dr. Edward Philbin & Dr. Michael Dailey, Albany Medical Center |
2017 |
Dr. Steven Frisch, Albany Med; Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital; Jay Cahalan, Columbia Memorial Hospital |
2016 |
Dr. Edward Bennett, Albany Medical Center |
2015 |
Bob Ausfeld honored post-mortem |
2014 |
Dr. Andalib Nawab, Ellis Medicine; Dr. Guillermo Sosa Suarez, St. Peter’s; Dr. Augustin Delago, Capital Cardiology |
2013 |
Neil Devejian, MD, Albany Med (first year of Donald Led Duke award) |
2012 |
We honored Donald Led Duke of BBL Construction, after his untimely passing of a heart attack. Mr. Led Duke’s many projects improved the Capital Region. |
About the 2025 Capital Region Heart Ball
The 2025 Capital Region Heart Ball is set for Friday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center. The evening will include CPR demonstrations, a live auction, the Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award winner, recognition of Leaders of Impact, and a moving survivor story. Casey Toomajian of Hometown Healthcare is the chair. The Erin Harkes Band will perform. Sponsors include Hometown Health Care, CDPHP, CDTA, National Grid, Neil Golub, CBS 6, B 95.5 and the Times Union. For information about sponsorship or tickets, visit www.heart.org/heartball518.
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Contact: Katherine McCarthy, Sr. Director, Marketing Communications, New York State
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org