Suffolk Reporter

Friends and colleagues recently gathered to honor the memory of John C. Pomeroy, MD, who passed away on January 12. Dr. Pomeroy was an associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics and the founding director of the Matt and Debra Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Dr. Anissa Abi-Dargham, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, expressed condolences: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to all who knew and admired Dr. Pomeroy and the remarkable contributions he made throughout his life.” She emphasized his lasting impact on the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Stony Brook Medicine, and the broader community.

Gabrielle Carlson, who helped establish the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Stony Brook, remembered Pomeroy as “a superb clinician and a great role model for our trainees. He was also a lovely person.”

Pomeroy's career began after completing medical training at the University of London in 1973, followed by specialization in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Iowa. He became Stony Brook’s first child and adolescent psychiatrist before leading its Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Department.

In 1990, with support from New York State agencies, Pomeroy developed psychiatric care for individuals with dual diagnoses on Long Island. He established a fellowship program for child psychiatrists focusing on mental health and developmental disabilities. His academic contributions include over 70 publications.

By 2001, Pomeroy had co-founded what would become the Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities alongside Lynda Geller. The center offers comprehensive services ranging from diagnosis to research initiatives.

Throughout his career, Pomeroy received numerous accolades including awards from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Suffolk County Mental Health Association, Nassau Physicians Foundation, as well as several Best/Top Doctors recognitions.

Under his leadership, the Cody Center provided diverse programs such as diagnostic treatments across lifespans, social skills programs, family support groups, school consultations, vocational support programs among others.

Pomeroy is survived by his wife Julia; children Zara and Jonathan; son-in-law John; grandchildren Sienna and Isla; sister Jackie. A memorial service took place on January 25. The family requested donations be made to Developmental Disability Institute or Michael J. Fox Foundation in lieu of flowers or gifts.