George J. Reul, M.D.

The family of George J. Reul, MD, sadly announces his passing. His extraordinary journey has come to a close. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend, and internationally acclaimed cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon. Dr. Reul leaves behind a remarkable legacy of excellence, compassion and dedication. Born on April 19, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was predeceased by his parents, George and Anne Reul, and his sister, Anne.

Dr. Reul’s inspiring work ethic, unwavering pursuit of excellence, gentle humility, and relentless thirst for knowledge defined his remarkable life. He was devoted to his family, to helping his patients and students, and to supporting his colleagues. He set the bar high in everything he did, often arriving at the hospital before dawn and leaving long after sunset. He was an avid reader, traveled widely, loved music of all genres, and enjoyed a great discussion on nearly any topic—from world history and classical music, especially opera, to Monty Python and Formula 1 racing.

His education began at Marquette University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1958. He continued his studies at Marquette University School of Medicine (now Medical College of Wisconsin), earning his medical degree in 1962, which was followed by a Master of Science in Surgical Science in 1966. During his medical school career, his groundbreaking research in thyroid function earned him membership in the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He next completed his medical internship at the University of Chicago Clinics in 1963, which was followed by a General Surgery residency at Marquette School of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals from 1963-1966 and from 1968-1969. His residency training was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, where he courageously performed surgery under extreme conditions at evacuation hospitals in Long Binh, Vietnam. His experience with battlefield trauma significantly contributed to his innovative research in wound ballistics and body armor, which saved countless lives.

Dr. Reul’s training took him next to cardiovascular surgery. He was accepted as a thoracic and cardiovascular surgery resident at Baylor College of Medicine, working under Michael E. DeBakey, MD (1969-1971). After his residency, he joined the faculty of Baylor College of Medicine, eventually serving as Associate Chief of Surgery and Chief of Vascular Surgery at the Texas Heart Institute, where he worked closely with the renowned heart surgeon Denton A. Cooley, MD. His career was also legendary, marked by his pivotal role in advancing the field of pediatric and adult cardiovascular and vascular surgery, his development of innovative surgical techniques, and his dedication to improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Reul held numerous academic and leadership positions, notably Clinical Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Internationally, he served as Honorary Consulting Professor of Thoracic Surgery at Shanghai Second Medical College. He held prominent roles at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Texas Heart Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, and Ben Taub Hospital until his retirement in 2014.

During his career, he authored or co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications, presented over 500 lectures worldwide, and trained hundreds of residents, fellows, and medical students from around the world.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Reul received numerous prestigious awards. He was most proud of the Ray C. Fish Award for Scientific Achievement, the Texas Heart Institute Medal, Honorary Fellowships from the Indian Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Adriatic Vascular Society, the Lifetime Achievement Award of the International Society of Endovascular Specialists, and the Alumnus of the Year from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He received many “Top Doctor” awards from various groups. He was a member of numerous professional societies, including the prestigious Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American Association of Thoracic Surgeons, and the New York Academy of Sciences.

Affectionately known as the "Golden Reul," he was admired for his gentle nature, humility, quick wit, love of humor, and life of service. Scrubs were his uniform, but he felt most at home in a Hawaiian shirt in Houston or in his beloved Hawaii, savoring life's simpler pleasures like apple crisp, Blue Bell ice cream, and especially anything made by his beloved wife, Susan.

Dr. Reul exhibited profound courage and resilience throughout his life. He survived tuberculosis, Agent Orange from the Vietnam War, a chlorine gas explosion, and being struck by a vehicle while running on a Houston street. His devotion to Susan was, perhaps, his greatest strength, driving his determination to overcome adversity.

Dr. Reul’s joy was his family—his six sons and eight grandchildren whom he deeply cherished, instilling in them his values and a zest for life. His extraordinary legacy lives on through them and the countless medical professionals he inspired and the many lives he touched.

Dr. Reul is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; sons George Jr., Ross, David, Darren, Thomas, and John; sister Patricia Seitz; eight cherished grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held on April 7, at 6:00 PM at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home 4525 Bissonnet Street, Bellaire, Texas. To honor Dr. Reul’s love of everything Hawaiian, feel free to wear Hawaiian or brightly colored attire to the rosary. A funeral mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77098 April 8, at 10:00 AM.

During this Lenten season, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Thomas High School and St. Anne’s Catholic Church or School.