'Profound Sadness': Colleagues, Friends Mourn Beloved East End Surgeon Who Died After Triathlon

EAST END, NY — Hearts are broken across the East End at the sudden passing of beloved orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter Sultan, who died after participating in a triathlon Sunday in Jamesport.

Dr. Sultan, who lived in Westhampton, leaves a long legacy of dedication at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, where he is remembered for his professional excellence and personal mission to help others.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Peter Sultan, a respected and compassionate physician whose dedication to patient care, medical excellence, and community well-being left a lasting impact on all who knew him," a statement from a Northwell Health spokesperson said. "Dr. Sultan was not only a skilled and trusted member of the medical community, but also a mentor, colleague, and friend to many."

Dr. Agostino Cervone, who worked with Dr. Sultan, spoke about the profound loss. "It's so sad and shocking," he said. "He was a friend outside of work and a well-respected surgeon, patient advocate and colleague to all that met him. He was passionate of his vocation, the community, his hobbies — as well as his self-instructed talent of playing the piano."

He added: "He cherished his children and family. We loved to play golf together at community golf events and enjoyed meeting up at car shows and drives. We talked about personal health and there was no indication of anything that predicted his death. The realization of how our life’s affects those we come in contact with is so valuable — he understood that value and will be truly missed. RIP, Dr. Sultan."

Jerome Foster Lewis, Dr. Sultan's longtime musical partner and friend, mourned his death on Facebook. "He loved nothing more than sitting at the piano and sharing music with all of you," he wrote. "My friend Peter, the music lives on in each ear that has heard the chords you’ve constructed, each voice that has sung along to songs you have played and all the hearts you have touched, especially mine."

Lewis told Patch he first met Dr. Sultan six years ago, when he worked as a security guard in the front lobby of the hospital.

"Every now and then, he would come down, often in between procedures, and he’d sit at the piano and escape in the melody of a song he learned the night before," he said. "It wasn’t until I was asked to sing at a hospital event — a performance that ended up landing me on the front page of the local newspaper paper — that he came over to me with the paper and said, 'Oh, you’re the real deal. We need to get together and make some music.' And just like that, a musical partnership developed. That's when I met Peter and our friendship was born."

The first song they ever learned and performed together was "Lean on Me," Lewis said. "He used to say, 'That’s our crowd pleaser.' And he was right. No matter where we sang it — whether in the hospital lobby or community events, wherever — people lit up. He loved to see people clapping and singing along. It wasn’t the hardest song to play, but it was always the most fun. It was about uplifting. It was about connecting. It was about healing."

He added: "Most people knew the analytical side of Peter — the brilliant surgeon, the thinker, the leader. But I got to know the artist. And second to his two beautiful children, whom he loved with every ounce of his being, there was nothing that brought him more joy than sitting at that piano and sharing music."

Despite his profound loss, Lewis said he feels "deeply honored to have known Peter, to have made music with him, to have laughed with him, and to have shared in his passion. He always encouraged me to keep singing, to keep sharing my gifts, and to keep using music as a form of therapeutic healing. We would always say: Medicine cures the body, but music heals the soul."

He added: "My heart is certainly broken, but the love and support from my colleagues at Peconic Bay Medical Center is what has been holding me together. It is my hope to continue to carry on his legacy by sharing the gift of music to anyone who is open to receive it."

Dr. Sultan, according to his LinkedIn, worked tirelessly for more than 20 years as an orthopedic surgeon, and more than nine years as chairman in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at PBMC. He was one of New York’s top hip and knee replacement surgeons, PBMC said. He was named PBMC’s Physician of the Year in 2012.

Dr. Sultan sadly passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 54, his obituary read.

"Born on April 17, 1971, in Mineola, Peter dedicated his life to the health and well-being of his patients, serving his community with unwavering commitment and compassion.

"Peter's career as a physician was marked by profound dedication, where he not only treated a multitude of patients but also inspired many through his knowledge, kindness, and exemplary patient care. His contributions to the field earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and patients alike. He was an incredibly gifted musician, often serenading patients between surgeries with his keyboard playing at the hospital. Patients and co workers all valued him as a friend, mentor, and caregiver.

"He is survived by his cherished children, Elizabeth and William Sultan, who were the light of his life and his greatest pride. He is also survived by his father and mother Burton and Marilyn Sultan. He was a devoted brother to Dr. Marla Sultan (David Kramer), Jessica Fields and her husband Joel, and Lorna Kapusta and her husband Matthew, shared in the joys and challenges of family life with him. Peter's family provided him with endless support and love throughout his life," his obituary said.

A prayer service will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 11 a.m. to noon at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home, located at 406 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901.

"Peter's legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched over the years as both a physician and a family man. His presence will be missed dearly by all who knew him," his obituary said..