In Memoriam: Peter G. Angelos, Esq.

The University of Maryland School of Medicine community mourns the passing of Peter Angelos, the visionary leader and titan in the world of Baltimore business, philanthropy, and law, who was a longtime donor to the School of Medicine and member of its Board of Visitors.

Throughout his career, Angelos was known as a leading citizen of Baltimore for his accomplishments as a lawyer, his “legendary” indefatigable commitment to his clients, his support of the city, contributions to countless charitable initiatives, causes, educational, civic, and healthcare institutions, and as owner of the Baltimore Orioles.

Born on July 4th, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Angelos was the son of Greek immigrants. His upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence that would shape his future endeavors. After earning his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, Angelos established himself as a prominent attorney, specializing in complex mass tort litigation representing tens of thousands of Marylanders in actions against asbestos manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers in what were at the time the largest consolidated actions in the United States. He continued the fight at the national level to preserve the rights of asbestos victims and led Maryland’s fight against the tobacco industry obtaining a $4.4 billion settlement to compensate the state for Medicaid claims.

Angelos entered politics as a member of the Baltimore City Council from 1959-1963, where he quickly gained a reputation for his dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of his community. However, it was his historic run for mayor in 1967 that truly marked a significant milestone in his political career. Leading the first integrated ticket in the city's history, Angelos stood at the forefront of a movement toward inclusivity and equality. His mayoral campaign was characterized by a passionate commitment to addressing social and economic disparities, urban development, and advocating for the rights of all citizens, regardless of race or background.

Fannie Angelos Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory ribbon cutting

First and foremost, Angelos was a philanthropist and a champion of social justice causes.

One of his notable beneficiaries was the University of Maryland School of Medicine. 

Over the years, he contributed or has been associated with nearly $10 million to the School. He established endowed professorships in Surgery and pledged funding to launch a multidisciplinary center for patients with advanced lung disease and cancer, among other initiatives. The Peter Angelos Distinguished Professorship of Entrepreneurial Surgical Science in the Department of Surgery at UMSOM is currently held by Zhongjun “Jon” Wu, PhD, a scientist who is engaged in the basic and applied research of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and the fundamental technical problems associated with artificial and bio-hybrid organ development.

In 2018, then Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan joined the School for a ceremonial opening of the Fannie Angelos Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility used to study and develop ways to engineer cells for a wide variety of other illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease.  The Laboratory was named in honor of his sister, Fannie Angelos, who died in 2015 from complications of a bone marrow transplant.

Earlier, in 1993, Angelos ensured that the Orioles would remain in Baltimore when he led a group of prominent Marylanders to purchase the team in 1993. Under his leadership, the Orioles experienced a renaissance, reaching the pinnacle of success with consecutive American League East division titles in 1996 and 1997. The Orioles also won more games than any AL team from 2012-2016, a division title in 2014, and three playoff appearances. Angelos's passion for the game was evident in his unwavering support for the team and his dedication to providing fans with a first-class experience at Camden Yards.

“On behalf of the entire SOM community, I want to express my deep condolences to the Angelos Family,” said Mark T. Gladwin, MD, UMSOM Dean, Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the John Z. Akiko Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean.

“In particular, I would like to acknowledge how much the University appreciates the generous spirit and compassionate leadership exhibited by Peter Angelos.  He was a trailblazer and legendary figure in Baltimore, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.”

Former UMSOM Dean of Medicine and University Executive Vice President, E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, the Endowed Professor and Director of CARTI (Center for Advanced Research, Training, and Innovation), was a close personal friend of Mr. Peter Angelos and they worked together on a variety of UMSOM philanthropic ventures, and other civic projects as well.

“Peter Angelos was a very special person and a dear friend who will be missed by many of us in the City of Baltimore and around the Nation. We will never forget his generosity and commitment to the School of Medicine (SOM) and as a member of the SOM Board of Visitors.

"Over the years, Peter and I spent a great deal of time together, and I came to appreciate his warmth and empathy for others and his understanding of the broad impact he was having from both his business and philanthropic achievements.

"I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the Angelos Family. I am very grateful for the close personal friendship that we enjoyed, and for everything he and his family have done to make the world a better place.”