Dr. Jaime E. Irizarry "Pito"

Jaime Elias Irizarry Pérez, “Pito”, as his children and grandchildren call him, was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico on January 17, 1923. He passed away on April 8th, 2013 in San Antonio, TX, at the age of 90.

He joined the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 6 in Miramar, Santurce, when he was 11 years old.

Jaime received his High School diploma from the University High School in 1940.

While at the High School, Jaime joined a seven-member band. They used to play every Saturday night at the Sirocco Club in Santurce. Jaime played the piano. The band received $50.00 for playing 4 hours. Since his very early childhood, Jaime had decided to become a doctor in medicine.

Jaime earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Manhattan College in New York.

By this time he had already been accepted at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, and started medical training with a scholarship granted by the Puerto Rican government.

Jaime and his sweetheart Ada América Montalvo were married on June 26, 1945. His first part-time job was selling books on a commission basis. He only sold one encyclopedia. He then went to work at the laboratory of the Monad Paint and Varnish Factory in Philadelphia, which he took full-time during a summer. His third job was with Blue Cross, where he examined and approved claims for medical diagnoses. He kept this job until he finished his medical school.

He graduated from Hahnemann in 1948.

After the completion of his internship, Jaime and Ada moved to Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, where Jaime was assigned as municipal physician, working at the newly constructed Municipal Hospital.

He also became a member of the medical staff at the Hospital de La Concepción in San Germán.

On March 15, 1950, their first child was born, a daughter, Ada Monserrate Irizarry Montalvo

(Adita).

Jaime became an active member of the Rotary Club International in San Germán. He was elected Vice-President of the Club in 1952.

In 1952, he took a post-graduate medical course in cancer.

On November 25, 1952, the Irizarry’s welcomed their second child, Jaime Elias Irizarry Montalvo (Jaimito).

On this very year, Jaime went to Ramey Air Force Base, and volunteered with the United States Air Force. He was assigned for training at Gunther Air Force Base, Montgomery, AL. As a 1st Lieutenant he was then assigned to Laredo Air Force Base, Texas.

In 1953, he entered Flight Surgeon training at Randolph Air Force Base, School of Aviation Medicine in San Antonio, Texas.

Jaime and Ada returned to Laredo Air Force Base, where Jaime was in charge of Flight Surgeon’s duties, as well as being in charge of the gynecology clinic.

He was discharged from active service on November 2, 1954.

In 1956, Jaime applied to the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Medicine for a residency in ophthalmology. After one year he returned to Puerto Rico to the San Juan City Hospital where he completed his residency in June, 1959.

He was appointed as full-time assistant professor at the School of Medicine in San Juan in 1960, and later, associate professor. He had already approved the American Board of Ophthalmology examinations.

In 1961, he obtained a private pilot license and kept it active for many years. From 1980 to 1987 he flew to San Germán every week to conduct an eye clinic at the Hospital de La Concepción.

In 1962, Jaime set up a private practice in ophthalmology in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

After being in private practice for 14 years, he joined the VA Hospital in San Juan as an attending ophthalmologist and Chief of Ophthalmology Services. In 1995 he was appointed Assistant Chief of Surgical Services until his retirement in 1996.

He enjoyed playing tennis with a group of friends who formed a club named “Club Doble Falta” (“Club Double Fault”), and because of his killer serve he was nicknamed “Bazooka”.

Jaime has lived a very productive and successful life as a professional, having been recognized for his meritorious contributions to his profession.

Very few fathers have had the deep satisfaction of being able to hand diplomas to their children. As part of the Medical School faculty, Jaime had the privilege of handing Adita her diploma when she received her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree. Four years later, he handed Miguel, his son-in-law, his Medical School diploma. A few years later, Jaime handed his son Jaimito his diploma from Dental School. These have been some of the proudest moments of his life.

Jaime and his wife Ada moved to Gainesville, FL in 1997. They both volunteered as docents at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and also volunteered at the Vertebrate Paleontology Lab of the University of Florida, working in the assembly and preservation of fossils millions of years old. This is where he became a rabid Florida Gators’ Fan.

In 2010 they moved to San Antonio.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Monserrate Perez, his father, Francisco Irizarry, and his brother, Capt (USAF Ret) Francisco (“Frank”) Irizarry. He is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Ada Montalvo de Irizarry; his daughter Ada Irizarry-Montalvo and her husband Dr. (Col USAF Ret) Miguel A. Montalvo; his son, Dr. Jaime E. Irizarry and his wife Dr. Zulema Sorrentini; his brother Jorge; his sister Carmen Amalia; his grandchildren Miguel, Jaime, Ada, Adriana and Tatiana, and his great-granddaughter Adita, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who adored him.

Jaime had an outstanding career at the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. During his ten years of service, his medical unit excelled, and was a role model for medical units nationwide.

Highlights of his military career are:

Lieutenant, Gunter Air Force Base, Montgomery,

Alabama (1952);

Lieutenant, Laredo Air Force Base, Texas (1952);

Captain, Flight Surgeon, Laredo Air Force Base, Texas;

Major, Flight Surgeon, Puerto Rico National Guard

(1977); Lt Colonel, Commander, 156th Tactical Clinic at

Muñiz Air National Guard Base (1977)

Promoted to Colonel (1985)

Colonel, State Air Surgeon (1985– 1987)

Retired, January 17th, 1987, as Colonel

US Air Force Reserve (MC)

Jaime belonged to several organizations throughout his life: Beta Kappa Chapter of the Hahnemann Medical College; Nu Sigma Beta Fraternity – Philadelphia Chapter; Bruce McFadyen Gynecological Society; John L. Redman Pediatric Society; Puerto Rico Medical Association; Rotary Club International, San Germán, Puerto Rico Chapter, Member and VP; American Medical Association; Puerto Rico Ophthalmological Society; Aerospace Medical Association (Member of the Board of Governors); Air Force Association; Pan American Association of Ophthalmologists; Puerto Rico Society of Ophthalmologists; American College of Surgeons (Fellow); American Academy of Ophthalmologists (Fellow); Alliance of Air National Guard Flight Surgeons (Secretary)

He received numerous recognitions for excellence in the medical field and his service in the military: National Defense Service Medal (1954); Award received in 1965 from Hospital de La Concepción for his “outstanding medical services to the community”; Under his leadership, the medical unit of the Tactical Group of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard was selected twice in a row as the outstanding unit of all the medical units of the Air National Guard of the United States of America. (1977); Joint Service Commendation Medal – Service Project Red, White and Blue Task Force, Eglin AFB, Florida – for being instrumental in resolving complex problems associated with the Cuban refugees resettlement process (1980); The Humanitarian Service Medal (1984); Longevity Award Ribbon (1984); Air Force Commendation Medal – “for his professional skills and outstanding knowledge and leadership, which aided the National Guard’s medical service program”. (1985); Award from the Society of Air Force Flight Surgeons, “in recognition of his contributions to and of his support of the practice of Aerospace Medicine”. (1985); Presidential Award – for his “unique continuing contributions to the Alliance of Air National Guard Flight Surgeons and Military Medicine”. This award was the highest given by the Alliance (1987); Merit Recognition Award – (1995); The Dr. Manuel N. Miranda Award –Jaime was the first recipient of this award. The award was given to “Dr. Jaime E. Irizarry for his contributions for the betterment of ophthalmology, including but not limited to, the areas of academics, clinical, and education to the citizens with regard to the diseases of the eye”.

He served his community well. He volunteered with Boy Scout Troop 33 (1969-1970) and was appointed to the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America, Puerto Rico Council, as Chairman of the Health and Security Committee. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the San Patricio Boy Scouts Jamboree in 1970. He continued as Professor at the Puerto Rico School of Medicine Ad Honorem (without pay) for many years. Jaime flew to San Germán every week to conduct an eye clinic at the Hospital de La Concepción (1980-1987). He and Ada were contributing members of their neighborhood associations and volunteered at the University of Florida Museum and Vertebrate Paleontology Lab for over 10 years.

Jaime was an adoring and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. This continues to add to his list of great accomplishments.

He was a loyal friend, avid tennis player, talented pianist, licensed pilot, admired professor, the number one Florida Gators fan, a successful physician and an accomplished Air Force officer.

His greatest accomplishment was the love and respect he inspired in all who met him.

Rest in Peace, our dear “Pito”.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 27 at 3PM at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Click on "Tribute Giving", in memory of Jaime E. Irizarry