Dr. Edward R. Cichowicz Emmanuelli

September 14, 1952 – January 16, 2020

“Though lovers be lost, love shall not; and death shall have no dominion”

–Dylan Thomas

Eddie Cichowicz crossed the veil on January 16, 2020; with courage, with love,

and with dignity.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, son of Román “Chic” Cichowicz and Rosa Emmanuelli, father to Iván and Alexandra Cichowicz, grandfather to Emily and Eric, stepfather to Helga, Alfredo and Deborah; and married to Inés Rivera, whom, to this day, keeps falling in love with him every single moment.

His profound work ethic and limitless compassion for every human being; especially children, led the way to a fulfilling career as a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. Not even his physical challenges kept him from fulfilling, what was to him, his calling – being a resource for others. Eddie leaves a legacy of love and integrity with his wife, children, stepchildren, and those who knew and loved him.

His smile could light up a room; his soft-spoken demeanor filled every space with peace. Continuously hungry for education and knowledge, he always searched for new ways and methods to help alleviate suffering in the world. He was, and continues to be, a “true north” for his wife, whose love for him

increases in depth and wonder. They remain together; for life continues, just with a shift in perception.

We thank all the staff at the NACER project; the health professionals in Puerto Rico whom he considered his friends; Dr. Juan Alicea, Dr. Ignacio Arroyave, Dr. Raúl Rios, Dr. Juan Igartua, Dr. René Sánchez Borrero, Dr. William Micheo, and others; and the staff at Baptist Hospital Downtown and South in Jacksonville, Florida, for their extraordinary support and care.

Proyecto NACER was always close to his heart and he continued visiting while he could, even under physical distress; for he loved the staff, and the children had something Eddie could never resist – innocence. He was deeply touched by those who opened their hearts, homes, and resources to him during the most challenging time he had; Diana Rivera, Donald Uhlmeyer, and Michael Oliver, whom he cared for deeply. May the good Lord bless each and every one of them in a very special way. He brought out the best in us all.

Eddie, my immortal beloved; we continue our journey, hand in hand; one heart, one soul, one breath, one….in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, until death joins us forever. One of the two has to grieve now; what a painful blessing for me that it is not you; for I fulfilled my promise to myself to never

let anything hurt you.

“So come with me where dreams are born, and time is never planned”

– Peter Pan