GERARD KAISER Obituary

KAISER, DR. GERARD, passed away peacefully on Friday morning from a prolonged illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was 80 years old. A real life "Health Care Hero", Dr. Kaiser was a board-certified Cardiothoracic surgeon with a special expertise in pediatric cardiac surgery. Over the course of his 30-year career as a surgeon, he saved thousands of young lives. As the chief of cardiothoracic surgery, he built a nationally recognized program that filled a vital medical need in the South Florida community. The consummate teacher, he personally trained dozens of residents, including more than 30 chiefs of cardiac surgery in Florida and beyond. Yet in a career dedicated to excellence in every aspect of academic medicine, Dr. Kaiser's most significant accomplishment for Miami-Dade residents has been the shaping of the unique partnership between the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital. Working closely with senior JMH and UM administrators, Dr. Kaiser has been a major architect in the building of the UM/JMH Medical Center as a unique clinical resource, one that provides world-class surgical, trauma and medical care for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Dr. Kaiser came to UM/JMH in 1971 after completing residency training at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York. At that time, he was the youngest chief of surgery ever appointed to a hospital. He soon launched a pediatric open-heart surgery program so that children and their families could receive care in their own community. In conjunction with his medical practice, Dr. Kaiser founded the Lubb Dubb Club for children who had heart surgery. With "Lubb Dubb" representing the sound the heart makes, The Club grew to more than 2,000 members who all shared the special bond of open heart surgery. Thanks in part to Dr. Kaiser's tireless efforts, the medical center's reputation for medical excellence continued to grow. In 1986, his team performed the first successful heart transplant in Florida. In recognizing these accomplishments, UM/JMH was named one of the top 25 medical centers in the country by The Best in Medicine. It was the only public hospital to make the list. Jackson was also named one of the nation's top hospitals in The Best Hospitals in America. Dr. Kaiser was elected to the presidency of the American Heart Association of Florida. In the early 1990's, Dr. Kaiser played a leading role in building support for the Ryder Trauma Center, which opened in 1992 as a state-of-the-art facility. He also propelled creation of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the most complete diagnostic and treatment center for cancer in the Southeast. In 1994, Dr. Kaiser became the first full-time Chief Medical Officer of the Jackson Health System. In his dual role as Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the Miller School, Dr. Kaiser continued to serve as the lynchpin between the two institutions, which share more than 50 clinical programs in 18 different departments. In his role as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kaiser also became involved with the fledgling Florida International University - Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. It was a great challenge for him to help the College achieve provisional and then full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. Known as "Jerry" to his family and friends, Dr. Kaiser first met Joyce Ellen Kosh while they worked as camp counselors at Trails End Camp in 1953. After a magical courtship, they married in 1955 following his graduation from Princeton University in 1954. Inseparable for the next 58years, Joyce and Jerry, raised three children. He is survived by his extraordinarily devoted and loving wife, Joyce, children Beth, Jordan and Charles, daughters-in-law Maria Dolores Ordonez and Angela Hatfield, sister Teri Goldstone and her husband Howard, grandchildren Benjamin, Sasha, Joshua, Brett, Ruth, Rebecca, Rachel, Cristina, Juan Manuel, Chloe and Olivia. Funeral services will be held at Temple Israel, 137 NE 19th Street, Miami, at 1:00PM on Sunday, June 30th. The burial service for family and close friends will be held the same day at Mt. Nebo Memorial Gardens, 5505 NW 3rd Street, Miami, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackson Memorial Foundation (305-355-3999, Adm. Asst. Isabel Hernandez) in memory of Dr. Kaiser.

Published by Miami Herald on Jun. 29, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for GERARD KAISER

Not sure what to say?





So sorry and sad to hear the news of Gerry's passing. I have very fond memories of my childhood friend, Beth and her lovely family. Love to you all from the Hocking family in Australia.

Jean Tibballs (nee Hocking)

January 9, 2014

My heartfelt condolences. I had the privilige to work with Dr. Kaiser at UM. he was a great doctor and a better human being. May God rest his soul.Hugs to Joyce and the children.

gladys vinageras-pita

August 30, 2013

Beth and Jordan... My condolences on the loss of your Dad. May you all find speedy peace and joy in all the memories you share

Lauren Katz

July 3, 2013

He was a teacher, a colleague and a friend, and one of the true great souls of JMH. I will miss him.

philip villanueva

July 2, 2013

We send our sympathies and condolences to Joyce and family on the loss of their wonderful and special Gerry.
We were pleased and proud to have been touched, honored and assisted by dear Dr Kaiser.
He was A WINNER in every way; the last time he lost at anything (as I used to remind him about) was at Palmer Stadium in 1952 where we both saw Penn beat Princeton ("24 No More") at football.
Rest in Peace dear Jerry..with love and blessings from,
Graziella and Manny Offen

July 2, 2013

Dear Joyce:
So sorry to read of your sad news.
I remember you and Beth coming in to
Apple Annie's together and our wonderful conversations.Jerry came in
with you a few times and I was impressed with such a loving family.
It has been a long time but certain
people you never forget.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Anne Pallot

July 2, 2013

Dearest Joyce and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of wonderful Jerry. From the early days when our families met while Jerry and David were working at Columbia Presbyterian to our subsequent relocation to Miami, I have considered you and Jerry among our closest friends. Jerry's knowledge and caring was unexcelled and so many took heart in his advice. You knew you were in the right hands if Jerry was involved. He was a special and unique human being. And you Joyce were such a wonderful wife always positive and steady even when the bad times hit. Please know that I am thinking of you.I am unable to be with you at this time because I am in Lenox but my prayers are with you.

With profound sadness,
Mira Lehr

Mira Lehr

July 1, 2013

Our condolences to the family of Dr Kaiser, we have had the privilege of knowing him and his beautiful family for many years.Always a gentelman ana a kind person, we will miss him dearly, From de Caffe Abbracci Family.

Nino Pernetti

June 30, 2013

I was most fortunate to work with Dr. K and the Pedi Cardiology team beginning in 1974. He cared first for the patients and their families...but also took care of everyone else. A very special man. Best wishes to the Beth, Joyce and the entire family. May his memory be a blessing.

Ann-Lynn Denekr

June 30, 2013

Dr. Kaiser was a wonderful leader, mentor and friend. I will remember him always. My deepest sympathies.

Nathan Anspach

Nathan Anspach

June 30, 2013

Dr. Kaiser was a great human being. He operated on my son-in-law when he was only 10 months. First operation of its kind made in Miami. Our sympathy to the family.

Lourdes

June 30, 2013

I will always remember my mentor, Dr. Kaiser, with fond memories and much gratitude. He was an amazing physician and loved his family dearly. We were honored to know him. He was truly loved and will be missed dearly. Heaven received an incredible angel.

Lori Allyn Raskin

June 29, 2013

I was fortunate to have worked with Dr. Kaiser for many years at JMH and saddened to hear of his passing.

To his family and close friends, I am so sorry for your loss.

Bill Binkley

June 29, 2013

So saddened to hear about Dr.Kaiser's passing. He was a great human being a great friend. We will miss him.. Our sympathies to the family.

Marc Port

June 29, 2013

My family and I were honored to know Gerry. He was a very special person. He will be missed. We are so sorry and you are all in our thoughts. With love. the Ankus family.

Joe Ankus

June 29, 2013

Dear Joyce, Beth, Charles and Angela, Jordan and Maria, and all of the grandchildren,

I was so very sad to hear that Jerry has died. He was such a very dear person--and how it shined through that smile. (I will keep the University of Miami's photo as capturing the way that I remember him.)

All of my sympathy.
Love,
Judi

Judith Neibrief

June 29, 2013

Dear Jordan and Family,
Richie and I was so very sorry to hear about your Dad's death. He was a very warm and loving human being. We send our sympathy to you and your family. Love, Steffie and Richie Terris

Stephanie Terris

June 29, 2013

Our sincerest sympathies. Seth and Pat Thaller

June 29, 2013

Dear Joyce, Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. You both have been such special and dear friends for so many years. It was a great privilege to share so many evenings with Jerry, a gentle and kind soul. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I send my love to you and all the family. I am in Lenox at the moment and cannot be at the service in person only in spirit. Carol

Carol Fryd

June 29, 2013

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in GERARD KAISER's name

Memorial Events
for GERARD KAISER

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support GERARD's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor GERARD KAISER's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more