IPA & HGP CEO John Giampolo Passes

John A. Giampolo, the founder of both Independent Pharmacy Alliance and Healthcare Group Purchasing, passed after a short illness on Tuesday, November 29th at 84 in Princeton Junction, NJ surrounded by his family. A loving husband, father, and friend known for his lively and generous spirit, he will be sorely missed by his family, community and colleagues. John was a passionate supporter of independent pharmacy.

Over the course of his career, he was the Senior Vice President of the New Jersey Hospital Association Group Purchasing Program for 13 years representing 118 hospitals. In June 1988, he founded the Independent Pharmacy Alliance (IPA), a retail-buying group serving 150 independent pharmacies in New Jersey expanding to 3,700 in New York and the northeast. Over the last 34 years, IPA has independently evolved into a multi-regional, comprehensive trade group and buying co-op offering discount programs and support services.

John founded Healthcare Group Purchasing (HGP) in 1988. HGP began as a small, regional group purchasing organization in the tri-state area of New Jersey that distinguished itself with a member based, member driven, facilitative approach to the group purchasing process. As a representative and an advocate for the interests of their members, HGP quickly grew to cover the Middle Atlantic region. Their affiliation with US Foods via the Manufacturer Cost Reduction (MCR) Program extended HGPs reach nationally and membership has now grown to thousands of facilities throughout the United States – resulting in millions of dollars in member savings each year.

John was born in Newark NJ to the late John and Rose (Carlucci) Giampolo. He was raised in Livingston as the oldest of eight children. He graduated St. Benedicts Preparatory School in Newark and attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology. After residing in South Brunswick Twp. for 25 years, he moved to Princeton Junction where he has lived since 2017. He also enjoyed spending time at his second home in Hilton Head, SC. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Bernadette Norz of Princeton Junction and three children.

For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to either Shriners Hospital for Children, or to the Wounded Warrior Project.