In Memoriam

Crothall Services Group recently lost one of the founding members of the Patient Transportation team, Fran Colalella. A member of the Crothall team since 1999, he led the Patient Transportation and Hospitality Resource Center at Allegheny General Hospital for nearly 5 years.

As an original member of the Patient Transportation Steering Committee, Fran's work and collaboration with his peers paved the way for what is today considered "The Crothall Program." His most recent assignments as Project Manager and Director of Patient Transportation at Rush University Hospital continued to provide meaningful outcomes and positive contributions.

No stranger to contract services, Fran was recruited by Joe Talamo in the mid 1980s. Following thirteen years on the West Coast, Fran returned to Pennsylvania and Crothall in 1999. He was immediately hired by Diane McCullough, who fondly remembers his surprise when he learned that he would be leading a Transport department, rather than Environmental Services. We still smile as we remember his recount of this particular story.

Fran embraced process improvement and was the first manager to apply CQI techniques, such as fishbone and flow charts to the Patient Transportation Program. His innovative approach and team spirit was instrumental in developing what is done routinely today.

Fran had a burning desire to give back to the community, which was evident in all that he did. He came to be known as "Fran the Man," and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand to friend and stranger alike. A good friend, true professional, and sensitive human being.we will miss you, friend!