Paul Rene Landry, born January 1, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and friends in Cocoa Beach. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Rene Landry and Josephine Elliott, and his brothers, George and Robert Landry.
Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Paul developed a lifelong passion for sports. He somehow managed to be a devoted fan of both the White Sox and the Cubs while growing up on the south side near Comiskey Park.
Paul graduated from Loyola University and later earned his medical degree from St. Louis University, where he met his beloved wife of 58 years, Diana Dooley, a nursing student at the time. Their partnership was a cornerstone of his life, filled with love, support, and shared experiences as she was an ICU nurse for many years as well.
After completing his medical degree, Paul proudly served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following his military service, he accepted a Fellowship at the University of Miami's renowned School of Oncology and Hematology, where he became the first physician in the state of Florida to be board-certified in the disciplines of Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine.
Settling in Bradenton, Florida, with Diana and their three young children, Paul dedicated just over 42 years to his medical practice. His practice evolved into what is now known as Florida Cancer Specialists, where he was a compassionate healer for so many years, receiving countless letters from families grateful for his care and support during both difficult & miraculous times.
Paul was an avid tennis player in the 70s and 80s but later found his true passion in golf and was constantly teaching others the game despite never having had a lesson himself. Scores of members of the Bradenton Country Club can not only attest to his many holes-in-one (6 or 7 depending on who you ask), but the fact that Old Doc Landry actually saved their golf swings just as they were about to quit the game, all out of the kindness of his heart and the fact that he couldn't stand bad golf.
Paul's greatest joy was sharing his love of the game with his children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories during their time on the course together.
Paul is survived by his wife, Diana, and their children: Mary-Jo Gorton, Michael Landry, and Kate (Alex) Vinson, along with his beloved grandchildren: Wyatt Gorton, Marty Landry, and Nora and Hayes Vinson.
A Mass will be held at Saints Peter & Paul the Apostles on January 24th at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the Bradenton Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests:
Donations in Memory of Paul Landry.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Healthfirst Foundation.
Hospice of Healthfirst.
St. Jude's Children with Cancer as well as Health First Hospice.
Paul will be remembered not only for his dedication to his profession but also for his warmth, kindness, and the joy he brought to all who knew him. His legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever. Rest in Peace, Doctor Paul.
