Rebecca J. Caserio, MD

Rebecca J. Caserio, MD, 71, passed away on Monday July 12, 2021 from pancytopenia, a delayed complication from chemotherapy treatment of osteosarcoma.  She is the daughter of the late Dr. James and Jolanda (Denale) Caserio of Jeannette and was married to the late Chris M. Allen, MD.  She is survived by her brother James J. Caserio, MD (Marcia) of Flat Rock, NC and nieces Christina Caserio (Brian Corn) of Orlando, FL, Maria Caserio (Nick Estruda) of Los Angeles, CA, and Anthony James Caserio of Asheville, NC

Rebecca was a 1967 graduate of Hempfield High School where she was a commencement speaker; a member of the National Forensics League.  She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, summa cum laude with a BS in Biology and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.  As a very active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, she served as Director of Education for 2 years and vice president in her senior year.  Rebecca graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School in 1975 and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha.   She completed her residency in internal medicine at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh 1975-1978 where she was chief resident.  From 1980-1983 she completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh where she was also chief dermatology resident.   Dr. Casrio was an investigator in the original trial of Minoxidil (Rogaine) for alopecia areata totalis.  She was known for her expertise in hair disorders and co-published a textbook Office Techniques for Diagnosing Skin & Hair Diseases.

Dr. Caserio was a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Pittsburgh Academy of Dermatology, where she served as secretary for 10 years, the Dermatologic Surgery Society, Society of Laser Surgery and the American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons. 

She practiced medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology in private practice for over 30 years in the Fox Chapel area of Pittsburgh.  Dr. Caserio was honored as Pittsburgh Magazine’s Top Pittsburgh Dermatologists (12 years), Top Women Dermatologists, Who’s Who In the East, Who’s Who in America, and awarded clinical teacher of the year at the University of Pittsburgh in 1995.

Dr. Caserio was the first physician in Pittsburgh to perform cosmetic sclerotherapy and IPL laser hair removal.  The cosmetic component of her practice grew extensively over the years, but she was best known for her extensive and detailed total skin exams.  A great big thank you goes out to all of her patients for their support and dedication.  The practice of dermatology was truly the love of her life.   

She and her husband were members at Oakmont Country Club for 20 years.  They traveled extensively to golf courses across America, the Caribbean and along the Danube River.  Her favorite courses were Big Horn in Palm Desert, CA and Pebble Beach Golf Links where she birdied #7 from the sand.  She and Chris always owned and loved Boston Terriers.  The last 2, Poppy and Lily gave her great companionship in her final years.

Dr. Caserio’s major hobby was collecting antique glassware.  Her exclusive collections included Satin, Cameo, Mary Gregory, Tiffany, Peachblow and Cranberry.  Her other interests included home decorating, jewelry making, the piano and gardening.  Her most favorite activity was traveling through Italy with Chris, and cruising the Mediterranean with her office staff and nieces.  

Special thanks go out to Claudia Hoak, her home aid for 9 years and Susan Secen, all around helper for 30 years.  She deeply appreciated her dedicated friends Tina Caserio, Dr. Maria Pucevich, Dr. Gail Fisher, Dr. Kathleen Minerly and Gerri Momberger for their regular telephone support and lunches.   

Thank you also to Hillman Cancer Center nurses and aides for excellent care and support.

A private Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Paul Cathedral. Wear sunscreen daily to remember her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul Cathedral, 108 N. Dithridge Street, Pittsburgh PA 15213, the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N. Linden Street, Pittsburgh PA  15110, or Humane Animal Rescue 6926 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15208. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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