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It does not seem all that long ago I was writing an article about Hope losing a chiropractor who had served our community for years, Dr. Greg Sweet. Now, I am writing about Dr. Pacilio. It was in 2019 that I introduced myself to Dr. Pacilio and immediately noticed her smile and energy. She spoke highly about Dr. Sweet due to being his friend and doctor and felt a need to help our community by continuing his established practice, even had shirts made (“Chiropractic is Sweet”); she looked forward to serving his patients which she did and did well while still practicing in Greensburg where she had been since 2006.

When our HSJ Content Coordinator, Jenn Willhite, did an introductory article, Dr. Pacilio offered positive comments about our community saying, “They've just been so gracious that I would even be here. It just shows you how wonderful this small community is. I understand why Greg loved it so much because the people he served are just kind people.”

Whenever walking in the Hope Chiropractic building, I was always greeted warmly by a kind and gentle Dr. Pacilio too, as well as music in the background related to her faith. We would spend a few minutes discussing my alignment issues even though she was always quick to notice by observing and while adjusting. During the visit, we would chat briefly about other subjects. She had a daughter who got married about the same time as one of our daughters, and we certainly could relate to one another through that wonderful experience while sharing pictures; her home projects seemed more involved than mine; I had a special sign made which she took home to display, something about the insignificance of things she had mentioned; we would check on each other's moms, we would... 

I was thankfully able to attend Dr. Pacilio's Celebration of Life in Greensburg. Immediately, her impact on others was obvious as it was difficult to find a parking space and even more obvious when entering a packed funeral home where more chairs had to be pulled out. Following you will find part of her well thought out obit:

Dr. Pacilio grew to know and love her patients personally, treating them with the utmost care and compassion. What Deanna enjoyed doing most was spending time with her family and friends. She was best known for her kindness and softheartedness for others. On multiple occasions, Deanna opened her heart and home as a sanctuary to friends and strangers. She will be missed by all those she leaves behind.

This message was echoed throughout the service by Pastor Tom Harrigan and others. Like all the people we come in contact with during our lives, it is very difficult to really know every thing about them. Apparently, Dr. Pacilio really liked music from the 1980s and was even bold enough to lead a group on a bus trip singing All Night Long by Lionel Richie as well as other songs from that period. She was a fan of Santa Claus, good for her, insisting the family always get a picture with him year after year. And I did not know about her visits to the Holy Land. I can visualize her doing all these things with that special smile and energy noticed in our first meeting. I do know she really enjoyed that pineapple shake from Corner Cafe presented as an apology when not remembering an appointment, one of several that she did not charge me for forgetting and missing. I don't think I ever shared that my son-in-law, Bryce Mize, had the honor of having two of her three children at Greensburg High School and was quite impressed with the abilities of each.

Cancer is a terrible disease, and she and I never elected to talk about it once she returned to the office after being out for a while. I, like others, admired her way of handling it; she could have just stayed home, but I think that would have been very much against her character for several reasons. On my last visit, I delivered four yellow mums which she ordered to help HSJ Online and because she wanted flowers. I will always think of Dr. Pacilio as a beautiful flower who made a positive impact on me and many others during her 57 years on this earth and who would want each of us to do the same in what time we have left.

“Let the music play on (play on, play on, play on …)” (A line from All Night Long by Lionel Richie)

I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me (Last song of service; she's no longer imagining)