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Elliot Rampulla Obituary
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John Rampulla and Annette Rampulla, and Marianna Giairno Rampulla.
Survivors are his wife, Emily Jane Huneycutt; sons, John Baptist Rampulla (Ashley) of Mobile, Ala., Charles Leighton Rampulla (Heather) of Mobile, Ala., and Mario Martin Ramoulla (Chandra) of Laramie, Wyo.; grandchildren, Leighton Rampulla, Elliot Rampulla, Molly Rampulla and Pierce Rampulla.
Dr. Rampulla was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1943. He was 66 years old. He attended Chaminade High School in Long Island, NY and pursued his undergraduate Studies at Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD. He was then accepted to Wake Forest University Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and graduated in 1972. He then completed his internship at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem followed by a residency in anesthesia at the University of Texas Medical Systems, Bexar County Hospital, and San Antonio Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Rampulla was board certified in anesthesia followed by pain management. He was also certified in addiction therapy, Dr., Rampulla began practicing anesthesia In Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1981. In 1992 he moved to Mobile, Alabama where he was an Associate Professor of Anesthesia and Pain Management at the University of South Alabama. Following his time at the University of South Alabama, Dr. Rampulla travelled abroad as a missionary, providing medical care in Guyana, South America with Catholic Relief Services. It was during this time he realized his calling to provide care to patients living with chronic pain and addiction, opening his private practice here in Tuscaloosa.
He had many hobbies and interests including training and competing in triathlons, inspired by his three sons and their love of sports. He loved to fish and spend time with his family and friends.
After moving to Tuscaloosa, Dr. Rampulla became an avid fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and has spent many days watching football with family and friends. ROLL TIDE!
The family wishes to thank those who have supported them during this difficult time and to pray for all those affected by this tragedy.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Bearden, J.J. Walker, Bobby Jacobelly, Tommy Tomlo, Steve Hughes and Jack Stevens, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Capital Campaign Fund – St, Francis University Catholic Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elliot Rampulla
Jodi Fallowfield
September 26, 2010
September 26, 2010
I lived about 2 hours away from Tuscaloosa so I didn't hear the news about "DOC" until Sept 23rd. I wish I would have known sooner so that I could have paid my last respects. It has taken me a few days to process everything and even write this. From the moment I found out from Ms. Debra I have been in tears. "DOC" was not only my doctor but I also considered him to be one of my friends. I can honestly say without a doubt that he is the best as they come. I don't believe he went in to medicine for the money, but rather to really help people. That is very rare. When I first started seeing Doc I was coming off of a HORRIBLE experience with another pain doctor, one that left me in kidney failure and no feeling in either of my legs for about 7 months (because he put me on a super high dose of BP med when I didn't have high BP). At that point in time I wasn't sure that I would ever be able to trust another doctor ever and considering I have several medical conditions, that was a very scary thought. When I first met Doc there was just something about him that put you at ease and I instantly trusted him. When all the medical conditions I have, I see doctors on a regular basis.....Doc was the only one that I never dreaded going to see. It was actually a pleasure to see him. He would walk in to the room and give me a big hug and instantly made a bad day good. He was never the kind of doc that is in and out of the room in 5 minutes. He would take the time to actually listen to you and care about your problems/pain. We also shared a LOVE for the Crimson Tide....and had planned on going to a game together this year. Not only did he help me get on track with my pain but he also diagnosed me with Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease...something that doctors had missed since the age of 14....and he got me going in the right direction with that. He managed my insulin and I honestly believe that he added years to my life and improved the quality of my life. I have 2 little boys....and he always wanted to know how they were doing. He was sweet, funny, caring, compassionate, highly intelligent, very trusty-worthy, young at heart, full of life, loved his family and always had a smile. I will miss him so much and I know many others feel the same way. There will never be another "DOC" as good as Doc was. I feel blessed that I had the chance to meet him and have him in my life. My heart goes out to his family. He was an amazing person that will be missed greatly. RIP DOC!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!!!!
Kim Nelson
September 20, 2010
Dr. Rampulla was such a compassionate, caring, funny, intelligent man who always had a smile on his face, a kind word to say, and a positive outlook on life. He treated my Dad for a couple of years and every time we left Dad was always laughing and smiling no matter how bad he felt. On many visits to his office he would walk in the room with a book and say, "I was thinking about you and found an article you must read". That is a very rare quality in the practice of medicine. This world is just not a better place without him in it. Doc, I will miss you very much!
You came…
You conquered…
You made a difference…
September 20, 2010
Jane,
Henri and I were so sorry to hear about the tragic accident that took Elliot's life. What fun we use to have in Norfolk - he was always looking for a good time. Our oldest daughter, Beth, remembers babysitting for your boys and a very big dog. Love to you and the boys, their wives and your grandchildren.
Henri and Nancy Hoover
ME AND MY WIFE..WHO SHARED ALMOST ALL HIS YEARS IN GUYANA WITH HIM.
DR MUNESH PRASAD
September 19, 2010
HELLO ALL. I AM DR M PRASAD FROM GUYANA. DR RAMPULLA HAS BEEN LIKE A FATHER TO ME. HEACALLES ME MUNESH. ALL HIS YEARS IN GUYANA HE WAS WITH ME. WE SHARED THE SAME ROOM, EVEN VISISTED MY PARENTS AND HAD SEVERAL DINNER MEETINGS. I LOVED HIM ALOT AND IT WAS MY ONE WISH TO SEE HIM HI AFTER HE LEFT GUYANA IN 2001.
I VISITED HIM AT HIS HOME IN TUSCULOOSA, MYSELF AND MY COUSIN SADI DASI, WHERE I SPENT TWO WEEKS IN HIS HOME WITH HIM AND HIS WIFE.
I LOVED HIM ALOT AND REALLY WANTED HIM TO COME TO GUYANA WITH HIS WIFE. I ACTUALLY BEGGED HIM TO COME WITH ME.
WE STUDIED TOGETHER AND HE TOUGH ME ALOT OF GREAT DEAL ON PAIN MANAGMENT.
I WILL ALWAYS REMEBER HIM.
HE ALSO TAUGHT ME TO SHOOT SEVRAL ASSULT RIFFLES, WITH STEVE WHO IS ONE OF HIS CLOSE FRIENDS.
I CAN HARDLY BARE THE NEWS AND WISH IF I COULD BE THERE TO SHARE SOME MOMENTS WITH HIS FAMILY.
CURRENLT I AM CRYING WRITING THIS POSTED MESSAGE.
TO ALL HIS KIDS, I WAS LIKE A SON TO HIM, HE ALWAYS SAYS HE HAS A SON IN GUYAN NAME "MUNESH"
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY MEMORY.
LOVE ALWAYD DR RAMPULLA..
YOUR SON
DR MUNESH PRASD FROM GUYANA.
Brian Fenwick
September 16, 2010
Dr. Rampulla was a god send to me. I broke my back in 1995 and had numorous other spine problems. He took time to find alternate treatments and not just throw pills at me. He was very careing and my wife and I thought the world of him. The world is minus a careing, thoughtful man and he will be sorely missed.Our thoughts and our prayers go out to his family. God Bless. From the Fenwick Family
September 16, 2010
Dr. Rampulla was a god send to me. I broke my back in 1995 and had numorous other spine problems. He took time to find alternate treatments and not just throw pills at me. He was very careing and my wife and I thought the world of him. The world is minus a careing, thoughtful man and he will be sorely missed.Our thoughts and our prayers go out to his family. God Bless
Angela Sturgill
September 16, 2010
Doc was the absolute best doctor in the world, and I was so lucky to find him. He was so funny to my daughter when she would come with me to my visits, he also was interested in what was goin on with all of us, he would asked about her schooling and ball playing, etc. He was more than a doctor he was a friend and someone who cared about what happened to me when I felt no one else did. I will also miss the girls in the office who I came to love as well, I feel like a piece of my heart is missing. May you rest in peace doc.
Teresa Holliman
September 16, 2010
I will miss you. ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!
charles talley
September 15, 2010
I just found out today about dr rampula,he was the greatest doctor
i have ever new, i will miss him a lot , there will never be a doctor
like him , kevin talley( hayden, al)
We miss you Doc
Lisa Lucas
September 15, 2010
John Roddam
September 15, 2010
Family Friends and patients of Dr. Rampulla, I certainly will miss him after being his patient for the past 8 years. He was more tha a doctor he was a human being with a heart of gold who really cared about people and would go great lengths to solve any problem you might have. He went well beyound his call is Pain Management and Addiction Recovery.I loved drawing pictures of his Grandchildren and him. He will be missed. God Bless to all.
The 2009 National Championship Coach
Don & Sam Smith
September 14, 2010
Doc working Alabama game
Don & Sam Smith
September 14, 2010
Doc working Alabama game
Don & Sam Smith
September 14, 2010
Doc working Alabama game
Don & Sam Smith
September 14, 2010
Doc working Alabama game
Don & Sam Smith
September 14, 2010
Doc working Alabama game
Don & Sam Smith
September 14, 2010
Doc working Alabama game
Don & Sam Smith
September 14, 2010
Don and Sam Smith
Don & Sam Smith
September 14, 2010
Don & Sam Smith
September 14, 2010
Jane,
Sam and I have been out of town and found out about your lose after our return. All I can think about at this time is celebrating Dr. Rampula's 64th birthday with the two of you, after the Alabama game and the Alabama Golf Cart that he was so proud of. And then I started thinking of the time that ya'll came up with your Grandsons to watch the races at Arkedelphia. We so enjoyed the time that we spent with ya'll. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Cindi and Frankie Busby
September 14, 2010
We jsut found out about the news about Dr.Rampula, My husband and I had been on vacation. Sadly we missed the service, We will always carry a little bit of him with us and are better people for having known him. We will will remember his kindness,patience and loving nature.We are sending prayers out to family and friends who morn his passing.
Sherrie Folsom
September 14, 2010
Jane,John,Ashley,Charlie,Heather,Marty,Chandra,and grandchildren. I've known Elliot for a long time, and he was truly a wonderful person. I worked with him at Dr. Rosen's office and also at his own practice after he moved to Tuscaloosa. We helped him move from the Alberta house. He lived with my husband and I for a while with his dog Bailey and our dog Junior. We really enjoyed his company. He was the most caring and kind man that I've ever known. Please know that he and each of you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you can understand this-I'm listening to "A Candle In The Wind" by Elton John.
ROBERT BROWN
September 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ed Mohler
September 14, 2010
Dear Jane, I was so pleased to meet you at our 45th college reunion and of course,to see Elliot whom I had not seen in 45 years! With Elliot and his personality, it was like we had only seen each other yesterday. I was sadden by the news of his demise, but gladden by having had the opportunity to spend some quality time with him while he was still with us. A great memory that will sustain me. I feel most bless to have been in your's and Elliot's presence. I thank you for sharing him with us and, from what I've been reading, the world! You are truly a saint! You have taken good care of him while he has been with us. May his presence before God and our prayers sustain you and your family through your painful loss until you meet again. Love and Peace through Christ be with all of you! Classmate forever. Ed Mohler
Becky Mullins
September 14, 2010
Rampulla Family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious husband and father. My deepest condolences to your family. I will be praying for your family continually.
Laurie Bonnici
September 13, 2010
As Secretary of the Druid City Bicycle Club (DCBC), I am posting on behalf of all members . It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we received the news of Dr. Rampulla’s passing. We are deeply saddened by the loss of a fellow cycling enthusiast, particularly one who lost his life in the act of cycling. We send our deepest condolences to the family and commit to honor his memory in the May 2011 Ride of Silence. May peace be with you during this time!
Laurie Bonnici
(Secretary DCBC)
Michael Armelin
September 13, 2010
Elliot was my roommate during freshman year at Mount St. Mary's University and he returned to the Mount in June for our 45th reunion. Elliot talked to everyone and was so happy to see his old friends -- we were all thrilled that Elliot returned and he gave me a hugh bear hug when we met again. Elliot told anyone with a medical problem how to treat their condition --he knew many of the secrets of medicine and he wanted to help us all. For my back, he clearly demonstrated how to resolve the pain. Elliot loved the Mount and told us he would be back in 2015. There was no one happier at the reunion than Elliot and that is how we will always remember our friend Elliot. May God bless him.
Richard Carroll
September 13, 2010
Elliot once told me that in all the triathlons he participated in, he never beat anyone. I don't know if that was really true, but he shared his enthusiasm for the sport and for life more freely than those that may have been quicker to the finish line. I will miss him greatly.
September 13, 2010
Thank you Dr.Rampulla for caring about the way I felt and going way above and beyond the call of Duty. You researched things until you were satisfied, that is more than any Doctor in Tuscaloosa has ever done for me. I will miss you greatly. Also, thank you for the love and the attention given to my wife and son.
Thank you: Chris Vintson
P.S: Every ALABAMA tail gate and every trip I make at KCS Trucking will be in your "HONOR"!!!
Jean Hansen
September 13, 2010
John-the entire Environmental Affairs department is thinking of you and praying for your entire family. Please know we are all with you during this time of loss. You are not alone.
Amelia Baldwin
September 13, 2010
I knew Dr. Rampulla from a number of triathlons we both did and from seeing him training around Ttown when I lived there. He so obviously enjoyed the physical challenge of training. I am so sorry for his tragic loss. His family are in our prayers.
September 13, 2010
I AM PATRICIA NEAL. I HAVE BEEN A PATIENT OF DR. RAMPULLA'S FOR OVER EIGHT YEARS AND MY HEART IS BROKEN AT HIM BEING TAKEN FROM US. HE WAS MUCH MORE THAN JUST A DR. HE WAS A COMPASSIONATE AND CARING MAN WHO TRULY CARED FOR HIS PATIENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS.HE CAN NEVER BE REPLACED. MY PRAYERS GO OUT FOR HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.
Jocelyn Peters
September 13, 2010
John and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you duing this very tragic and sad time.
Donna & Joyce
September 12, 2010
Jane
We were so shocked and saddened to read in the Fayetteville Observer about Dr Rampulla's passing. He was such a great person to know and truly cared for his patients, he always took the time to get to know them, not just treat them, and he was wonderful to work for (my sister and I worked for him at the Pain Center in Fayetteville). I loved helping him in procedures because I saw him do some amazing things to help his patients. We feel that Fayetteville lost a wonderful doctor when he left here, but just reading his guest book online we know he found a home there and the people really loved and appreciated him not just for a great doctor but a wonderful and caring person. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
deb freeman
September 12, 2010
You will never be forgotten
Rhonda Bardon
September 12, 2010
I first met Dr. Rampulla at Dr. Prosch's Birmingham office. I became a patient of Dr. Rampulla and followed him to Tuscaloosa. My prayers are with the family and staff. Rhonda Bardon, Arab, AL
Susan Pierce
September 12, 2010
I had the pleasure of knowing doc for five years and I know he was one of the most empathetic doctors I have ever met. Living with chronic pain it is hard to find a physician who cares enough to treat your pain, but also give you the quality of life that every patient deserves. Doc was not only my physician, but I am proud to call him a friend. I had an opportunity to know him outside of his office. Dr. Rampulla loved life. He always had a smile and a hug when needed. I know I will see his smile again in heaven. God has a good one on his team now. Doc was a wonderful man and Tuscaloosa has lost someone who gave so much to his community. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, staff, and other patients who lost a doctor who had one of the best bedside manners I have ever had the privledge of knowing. Other physicians should take a page out of Doc's playbook. Rest in peace my friend and physician. Susan Pierce
susan pierce
September 12, 2010
I had the pleasure of calling Doc my friend and physician. Living with chronic pain it was very difficult in finding a doctor who truly cared and wanted to give me the quality of life every patient deserves. Dr. Rampulla always gave me a hug and a smile when needed and he loved life. I will miss him greatly, I know he is in a better place. I will see his smile again one day in heaven and I am praying for his family.
God has a good one on his team now. I will never forget you. You made such an impression on my life and I hope other physicians can take a page from your compassion and bedside manner. You were like family to me. Tuscaloosa has lost a truly wonderful man. Rest in peace my friend and physician. Susan Pierce
Joseph Huffman
September 12, 2010
I have been a patient of Dr. Rampulla's for over 4 years. I have never met a man so full of Love and carrying for his patients. He not only was a good doctor, but a good friend to me. We have spent time together outside of his office, and I enjoyed my time with him rather at his home or just around town. Doc treated me and my wife both and he has made a big difference in my life. Doc was a true friend that cared for everyone. He was always smiling and joking. Doc was the only doctor to listen and explain every detail about my pain and how he was going to treat me. There will never be another doctor like Dr. Rampulla. He will always have a place in my heart. I will miss him dearly, and my heart goes out to the patients of Dr. Rampulla, Ms. Jan, family and staff.
Michele Cahoon
September 12, 2010
Doc was one of a kind! He was a very caring doctor and became friends with the majority of his patients, which I was thankful to be his patient and proud to be his friend. He always had a hug and smile for everyone. He was always willing to try new techniques and sought out to find new solutions to help his patients. He will be greatly missed as a doctor and more so as a friend!
He had given a new meaning to Doctor! He will always be in my heart and prayers go to his family, friends and other patients.
damon dunn
September 12, 2010
the doc was the man who saved me after a tragedy i hit a downward spiral but he pulled me back and was able to relieve my pain i saw him almost 4 years and was hugged or got a loving pat on the back every visit i pray god can make other doctors learn from you thank you doc ill always remember how you never forgot my fiancees name love you doc and great staff.
Charlotte Huffman
September 12, 2010
Dr. Rampulla was not just a doctor, but he was a friend to me. He helped me while I was in school, and never failed to hug me whenever he saw me. This is a great loss to me that I will never get over. He will be greatly missed by me and my family.
deb freeman
September 12, 2010
Dr.Rampulla was a wonderful friend and doctor.He took care of my husband till he passed.We had been seeing him for 9 years he will be missed very much he always had good things to say about his wife and family and friends.He was a good man.My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family and all him co workers.
Daniel Mitchell
September 12, 2010
I work for the city of Tuscaloosa(TDOT)
and had the pleasure of meeting
Dr. Rampulla outside his home while
working on a project. We had a long talk
and I enjoyed our conversation. My
prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Amber Cromer
September 12, 2010
Dr.Rampulla was such a wonderful and devoted doctor that showed so much compassion towards his patients!Doc and his staff were very dedicated to the patients and seemed like family to me! I feel like I wouldn't be where I am or the mother I am if Dr.Rampulla wasn't such a great doctor and had such great staff! I will always have a special place in my heart for Dr.Rampulla and his staff! They helped me through a complicated part of my life and he will never be forgotten! My thoughts and prayers are with the Rampulla family! Rest In Peace Dr.Rampulla
Sherry Roebuck
September 12, 2010
When I first herd the news from a friend that works at Dr. Rampulla I screamed out in pain and cried for a long time. I kept asking why, why. I couldnt help it, I truely loved and cared for doctor Rampulla. My heart is so broken. He loved his patients and he took care of me for me. He took his time with me he explained in medical terrms what was wrong with me. He looked at me, me as a person. Not dallor signs. He took his time with me. He didnt look at the walls down at my chart when he talked to me. When I started with him I was in bed or on the couch. Now Im more active and less pain. He knew what test to order and meds to put me on not just narcotics. My last visit with him he was going to start a meds regiment on me for FM,CFS.He was the only doctor that took me serious with this disease. You tell the Doctors and nurses and other offices that you had these illness they say ya, ya what esle is wrong with you. Dr. Rampulla went to seminars and did research on his own for me and his other patients. He took my chart home and looked it over and studied it. He knew me inside and out. What other doctor would do this? Ive never met one. When I would call he would take my calls and help me or call me back. He took such interest in me and he never showed negative. Im so scared now whats going to happpen to me? I may sound selfish but when you find a doctor like Dr. Rampulla and you as a patient and friend you know youve found someone that will stop at nothing to get you better. My heart goes out to other patients, friends and especially his family. May God be with you Jane, and his three sons, wifes, and the beautiful grandchildren. He will always be remembered. I close my eyes and see his smiling face looking back at me and know no one can ever take that away from me as long as I live. May his families hearts be filled with his love always. God Bless You All. Amen
Melisa Carter
September 11, 2010
Doc has been a dear friend of mine for many years. My family and I loved him dearly and will truly miss him. He was a caring, loving and compassionate man. My prayers and thoughts are with him and his family. Melisa, Josh, Jesse & Allen Carter
April Ligon
September 11, 2010
I never personally knew you but I knew you through a friend of mine who thought the world of you! What I do know about you is that you loved your profession, bicycling, your family, patients, and your beloved dog. I also knew that you were a person who was full of life and brought laughter and joy to so many lives! You gave people back the lives that pain and addiction took away. You spoke lovingly of your son and your family- and how much you missed them. Your time on earth was not in vain because you gave people their much deserved lives back!
Melisa, Josh, & Jesse Carter
September 10, 2010
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Brian Beaty
September 10, 2010
September 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rampulla family. I became very good friends with Doc during the 3 years that I called on him as a drug rep. Doc was a very kind and caring man, and I will miss him very very much.
Sincerely,
Brian Beaty
paul Samia
September 10, 2010
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family, I only new Dr. Rampulla by phone and business, I will say he was always nice and sincere and always treatedme with respect. Sincerely Paul Samia
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