<p>Peter L. Scardino, a surgeon and civic leader instrumental in founding Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, died of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was 88.</p><p>A urological surgeon, Scardino, who died Wednesday, served as a professor at Medical College of Georgia and the Mercer University School of Medicine.</p><p>In 1954, he co-founded Memorial Medical Center, now Memorial Health University Medical Center. He served as president of the hospital's medical staff and once held the same position at Savannah's St. Joseph's Hospital.</p><p>Scardino's research led to the invention of a number of medical devices and surgical techniques that contributed to the advancement of urological science. He also was an early leader in research into the treatment and management of prostate cancer.</p><p>Over the years, Scardino served on the Chatham County Board of Education, as a trustee of the Telfair Academy of Arts and as president of the Savannah Symphony Society.</p><p>In the 1950s, when all major health facilities in Savannah were racially segregated, Scardino eliminated separate waiting rooms at his clinic and went on to join the Committee of One Hundred _ a group of business and professional leaders who coordinated the peaceful integration of hotels, restaurants and other facilities in the city.</p><p>Scardino was born in Houston in 1915. He graduated from Rice University and the University of Texas Medical School. He served in the Navy as a ship's doctor and was appointed to a residency program at Johns Hopkins University before moving to Savannah.</p><p>Scardino is survived by his wife, four sons, three daughters, 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.</p>
