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George CIERNY Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

CIERNY III, Dr. George 12-12-47 to 6-24-13 George Cierny III, MD of San Diego, California passed away June 24, 2013 after a difficult battle with pancreatic cancer. George was born on December 12, 1947, in San Diego, California, the second of two children of George W. and Sylvia J. Cierny. He is survived by his wife, Doreen DiPasquale MD, his sister Carol Cierny Bird, his four children: Bennett Cierny MD, Alec Cierny Esq., Sylvie McDonald and Tessa Beers, and his three grandchildren, Sipsey and Cahaba McDonald and Jackson Cierny. George served as president of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society of North America and was a renowned physician and pioneer of the Cierny-Mader Classification System and Methodology accepted as a scientific standard in the treatment of osteomylelits. He attended the University of California at Berkeley for his Bachelor of Arts and the University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles for his Doctorate of Medicine. Following a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Texas, Dallas (Parkland Hospital), his education continued with fellowship training in clinical pathology, orthopedic oncology, and the methods of Gabriel Ilizarov. George was an international Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and published over 100 scientific papers and book chapters in the field of musculoskeletal pathology and infection. His dedication to his patients and to the field of orthopedics was paramount to the advancement and understanding of orthopedic infection. George's boundless energy and enthusiasm were also evident in his many hobbies: he was an incredible chef, avid gardener, great dancer, and he loved to surf and ride his bike in the hills of La Jolla. Memorial services will be held privately by his family. The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation has established the "George Cierny III, MD Bone and Joint Musculoskeletal Infection Fund" in his honor. The fund will continue the work of Dr. Cierny by funding researchers investigating the most clinically relevant treatment for patients with musculoskeletal infections. Contributions to the George Cierny III, MD Bone and Joint Musculoskeletal Infection Fund at OREF can be made online at http://on.oref.org/Cierny or by mail to OREF/Cierny Fund, 6300 N. River Rd. Suite 700, Rosemont, IL 60018.

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jul. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for George CIERNY

Not sure what to say?





Janie Johnson

March 30, 2023

I´m so sad to read that he has passed away due to cancer. He performed many surgeries on my left leg/ankle, including the application of the ilizarov. He took my case after no one in South Georgia knew how to fix my problem. I am an Operating Room Nurse and was told I would never be able to work as a nurse again, but Dr.Cierny worked miracles. One of the smartest men I´ve ever known. He was a true joy when I had appointments. I think about him all the time. RIP Dr. Cierny and thank you for all you did.

Susan Town Shea

October 27, 2022

Buzz was a wonderful friend from Point Loma High School. Buzz asked me to his junior prom but because of a neck injury couldn´t dance. We had dinner at my home and Buzz made twice baked potatoes which in 1964 was new to my parents and me. Buzz took me to the movie ` Space Odyssey ` which was very avant-garde! I really enjoyed Buzz´a intellect and sense of humor! We would write letters in college. I was visiting my brother in San Francisco and drove to visit Buzz at Berkeley. We lost touch over the years, but I always had a special fondness for him. I am so sorry and offer my most sincere condolences to his family.
Whenever I drove past his parents home to my parents, I remembered Buzz and our special friendship. With love,
Susan Town Shea

Van Romans

October 26, 2022

Our parents were friends as we grew up...our families would travel back and forth from San Diego to Long Beach...Buzz was always the first to rise in the morning !!! Always wanting to play hide and seek in park across from the family home in
home in Point Loma.
I had no idea this site was available...belated....Buzz called
A few years ago...we reminisced
He was in our wedding...57 years ago!! Sorry I´m so late with this but thank you for providing...
Best

Jaclyn Whitmore

May 4, 2020

Dr. Cierny saved my arm when I was just 16 yrs old in Atlanta and again 10 years later in San Diego. He found me as numerous other doctors had misdiagnosed me and were performing unnecessary surgeries leading to infection in the bloodstream. He saved my life. Now I am pre-med with a 4.0 GPA and will spend the rest of my life paying forward what he did for me. He was an extraordinary man and very possibly the best musculoskeletal sepsis physician worldwide. He will always be in my heart, my "superman"

Dr. Cierny and me at his San Diego office in 2009

February 24, 2020

I didn't know this site existed, I certainly would have been here before now! I heard of Dr. C. passing in Oct-2013, sad was an understatement, he was my Dr. and like others whom have written , he saved my right leg, Dr. C. was an extraordinary person as n Dr. I had already been through 15 surgery s on my leg, it was only getting worse, he flew me out to CA. looked at my leg, films etc. and said he could fix me. and he did. words from my infectious disease Dr. Dickensheets, I would loose my leg if not for Dr. C. this great person even came to visit me Thanksgiving week while he was in Atlanta visiting his children, taking time away to come see me and make sure I was still doing fine, that was Nov-2011, and last time I ever saw him.
I just wanted to pay my respects to this incredible Doctor, who I was fortunate enough to know, and whom I could call my friend.

Deborah Renfroe

August 22, 2019

I was Saddened to read about this great man, physician's passing! He save my leg/life some 30 years ago. He was so very well known by physicians everywhere. When I see my current ortho doctor he says I was treated by a celebrity and a great physician that every doctor has heard of. Thank you, Dr. Cierny and may you RIP always.

Robert Crowe

June 10, 2019

Thank You !

ROBERT CROWE

June 10, 2019

A GREAT MAN , MD. THANK YOU DOCTOR CIERNY IN HEAVEN !

Christine Mazurk

December 2, 2018

When I was referred to Dr. Cierney, I was told I had tumers in my right tibia. We talked amputation, steel rod to rebuild the bone, but when the biopsy was done, he felt my body was healing itself and he monitored my progress for four years, making sure my bone was healing. My first published novel was released in December 2012. I contacted Dr. Cierney and he graciously agreed to show my book (based on the what if? of my situation) in his waiting room. I did not know then that he was fighting his own battle. Ive since lost three people including Dr. Cierney to pancreatic cancer, and my heart aches for them. I pray for their families & hope a cure will be found. In the meantime, I look up to the heavens and hope they feel our love! We have angels watching over us. ❤

Jessica Boynton

November 27, 2018

I guess I'm 5 years too late but I just found out about Dr. Cierny's passing. I used to work at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta and I remember what an amazing work he has done for osteomyelitis patients. He was dedicated to his patients. I remember him calling me down the OR late Christmas Eve to make the footplates for the external fixators of his patients who just had surgery. "Make sure that support strap is tight, like in the key of G not C". I have no clue because I didn't play the guitar :) Great loss to the medical community.

Greg Gebhardt

June 29, 2018

I was a patient.

I owe my leg and likely my life to this Doctor. He put my leg back together when I lived in Atlanta when no other doctor could. AT the time the olizaroth device was very new. He stretched my tibia almost 2 inches! I hated that device but there was nothing else that would have done the job. I remember seeing his helicopter land outside my hospital window and him waving at me, knowing we would be meeting me in OR in an hour!

Over 20 years later, I am still walking on this leg and have the great Doctor to thanks. May he rest in peace, he trained a LOT of other doctors.

October 21, 2017

Tonight I found a message from beyond the grave, well maybe a little to mellow dramatic. Back in 2007 I was sent by a Kaiser surgeon to an out of network Orthopedic Surgeon for a decision, save my right arm or remove it. I had a bone infection of unknown type, from a previous surgery to repair a fractured humorous. If that had gone systemic my arm probably would not have been the last thing to go. This Man was Dr. George Cierny III, or Trip as I would come to know him. This man poured though my x-rays and test results then put his hand on my shoulder and said "Steve, how brave are you? Because we're going to fix you." It was a rocky road, but after almost 18 months and 12 trips to the OR he and his wife, Dr "D" did just that. Trip died on June 24, 2013 of pancreatic cancer, Dr Doreen DiPasquale (Dr. "D") passed away January 7, 2014 of unknown causes.

While searching for some paperwork tonight I found a drawing that he made in my hospital room the morning He started the long process of putting Humpty Dumpty back together. This man chose the do the worst job in the world, put back together people medical science said you couldn't. Miracles were just another day at the office for Trip, and yet he called his patients "Brave".

David Rearwin

August 16, 2017

I had the privilege of living next door to George (as I knew him) on Cole Ave. in Dallas in the 1970s. He was attached to Parkland Memorial; I was teaching at SMU. A true Renaissance man, he was a great neighbor, with many interesting stories to share. Among other things, he had shot an 8mm movie of a rural Louisiana tradition which I hope has been preserved for posterity. His oral narrative of the event was priceless. The world will miss him.

2009

sheri wilson

July 30, 2016

Tammy Costello - Moody

June 15, 2016

I am so sad to hear of a great man that Dr Cierny was to have passed away. I was one of his first patient that he has placed the olizaroth device after a motor cycle accident. I will always be so grateful to him and I know that God has placed him in my life for that reason. He will forever be in my heart. Dr cierny was a man of great character and had love for his patients. It wasn't about the money it was about helping and saving a limb. My prayers to the family. May Dr. George Cierny III RIP.....

Post surgery synovial sarcoma 2001

Robert Aegerter

December 8, 2015

Myra Springfield

November 25, 2015

I will be forever grateful to Dr. Cierny for saving my arm after I developed osteomyelitis following surgery by another physician. I am so terribly sorry to hear of his death.

Lisa Travis

October 8, 2015

I am so sorry to hear this. Dr. Cierny performed surgery on my son some years ago. He needs another surgery and I googled him to see if I could get him to do another. I am so sad to see this as he was a genius and wonderful Dr. I considered him the reason my son still has a leg today.
My condolences to his family. I hated seeing this.

October 3, 2015

I am shocked to find out Dr. Cierny has passed away. He was such a magnificent doctor. He saved my leg from a soft tissue sarcoma. He had a huge personality and will be missed greatly. Mary Harmon

Corrine & Kurt Thompson

September 3, 2015

Dr. C: I didn't realize you are gone. I remember back in the 80's after my husband's surgeries you'd call at 3 am & say "Hey, are you OK, because your husband is" and while I was crying & laughing, I said "Hey, are you OK?" "Just tired" you replied. You gave my husband his leg, when everyone else decided on amputation. You will be missed our friend & we truly appreciate all of your thoughtfulness, your knowledge, your spirit & kindness. The world is surely lacking without you. Blessings & prayers to your family.

Derrick Gaskins

July 19, 2015

My name is Derrick Gaskins, I am from south Georgia and Dr. Cierny was the only doctor that would do surgery on my leg after I was involved in a motorcycle accident that occurred on March 23 2000. I have had diabetes since I was eight years old and I also had an awful chronic bone infection. I had really come to know Dr. C ierny on a personal level while he was trying to help me save my leg. Dr. C ierny was truly AMAZING and very professional. I really miss Dr. C ierny and I have been praying for his family. Dr. George C ierny will truly be missed and I really do hope his family can have peace from his passing. Dr.George C ierny was, in my opinion, the best in the world. Thank you Dr. C ierny for giving me the opportunity to have the best in the world to help me during some of the worst times of my life.

June 19, 2015

I just read today of the passing of Dr. Cierny. I am so saddened to know he is no longer among us. What a wonderful man ,humanitarian, and doctor he was.I will miss him dearly. discovered Dr. Cierny in 2009 ,after enduring active osteomyelitis for 25 years. Dr.Cierny was so reassuring and confident he could cure my problem I flew across the country to meet with him.I had literally consulted with 25 other orthopedic surgeons over the years and none could match this great mans attributes as a man or doctor.I too remember his bringing food to me and the sound of his whistling through out the hospital hallways announcing his arrival. I am blessed to say that since 2010 I no longer suffer with the debilitating painful condition of osteomyelitis, thanks to Dr.Ciernys great skill and innovative approach. To those doctors that trained under him how unique and inspiring an opportunity to have had a great mentor such as he .As I sit here writing these ineffective words to somehow try to express what a profound loss I am experiencing and at the same time appreciate the blessing GOD granted me by bringing The good doctor into my life I hope one day to see you again sir with great admiration and affection Kevin Usry Boynton Beach Fl

Faye Forgety

April 16, 2015

I am in a state of shock to learn of Dr. Cierny's death. He treated me and saved my leg in 1996. H was very caring and such an expert in his field. There will never be another like him.

March 4, 2015

I just recently learned of Dr. Cs passing, I was fortunate to have worked for him @ Resurgeons, he was a wonderful physician as well as employer he will be missed!

Octavia Harris, MD/GA.

Patra Longino

January 19, 2015

I worked for him when yAll were there MInor family. I remember you all. He cared for every patient with his whole heart!!!

Jerry Minor and Kevin Minor Minor

January 16, 2015

Dr. Cierny saved my son's life and both legs in the mid-80's in Atlanta. We followed him from hospital to hospital over a 20-year period. The worst finally came in 2010,when no doctor in Atlanta would offer my son any hope to save his right leg.amputation was the only answer. We searched for Dr.Cierny but to no avail. Doctors where he once had led the way would not divulge his whereabouts. We were truly frightened. We had always depended on the brilliance of George. Now here we were after all this time with nowhere to turn. Out of desperation I went online. There he appeared with all his wonderful abilities. I contacted him immediately in San Diego. Happy to hear from us he said for us to send photos and medical records. His almost instant reply was don't let anyone amputate anything. Come to San Diego. No problem . Once again he saved Kevin's leg. Saved his life. We kept n touch. All seemed well. He share d his hip accident and recovery with us.we thought all was fine. Heartbreak was waiting on the wings for one of God's best. His death came as a shock to say the least. He gave me my son as surely as God gave him to me the first time. The world will never be the same without Dr.Cierny. there are no words in my vocabulary to express how much he gave to so many. Our hearts are sad for family and for all who know what a big void his passing leaves. God bless Dr.Cierny and all those he loved and all those who love him. January 16, 2015.Jerry and Kevin Minor

Patra Longino

December 16, 2014

This man taught me so much and I owe him for everything he did for me. He was tough on me at Emory but for the right reason. He was an amazing man!!!!

Steven Whinery

August 18, 2014

So sorry to hear of the passing of Drs' Cerny & DiPasquale, my best friends, thank you for saving my arm and my life.

Jennifer Ramey

June 30, 2014

What an amazing doctor and person. He saved my husbands leg and was there for him emotionally when he was struggling being so far away from home. He was so much more then just a doctor that would come in and check on him he truly was a caring person and took the time to make sure you knew he cared. Thank you Dr. Cierney and my condolences to your family

May 20, 2014

Buzz was the little boy growing up behind our home. Great kid! Played with my younger brothers. Always knew he would do well in this world! hodge crabtree

Leslie

April 9, 2014

So sorry to just learn Dr. Cierny has passed. My condolences to his family. Had the honor of working with him. His legacy remains in the patients he so positively impacted.

Sheri Wilson

February 11, 2014

"Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world." ~Archimedes

And, so you did.

Thank you.

Kelly McManus

November 4, 2013

I just learned the passing of this incredible human being. I'm still in shock while writing this. Dr. Cierny was more than just a doctor. He was the most compassionate, loving, joyful, smart, funny, trusted human being of all time. I've never met another person like him nor will I ever. My sister lost her leg about 4 years ago and he saved her life. We had the privilege of having him save her at that time. He made everyone in my family feel like he was apart of our family. He took care of my sister for along time even after she returned home. Unfortunately she passed a couple of years ago, but she truly loved Dr. Cierny. We will always be so grateful for him giving us another couple of years with our sister. Thank You Dr. Cierny for everything you have done for so many people. You were truly an angel to us all. Our condolences go out to the family. Heaven received one of the best!

george gibson

November 3, 2013

I saw Dr Cierny before he moved to Cali so he referred me to Dr Terrell. Five months ago I contacted him to ask him about the difficulty I was having once agian with my leg. He asked me to send xrays and we emailed back and forth giving me advice. Imagine, he is dying yet he was trying to help me. Dr Jon Hyman gave me the news but I thought he was mistaken. With tears in my eyes I related my interaction less than five months ago. My heart goes out to the family and the world for the loss if a great humanitarian.

Diana Carroll

October 28, 2013

Many of us feel we have limbs today because of Dr. Cierny, but we also owe his wife, for not only assisting him. He saved my leg & I'm a stomach sleeper & ask him when I could sleep that way while still in the hospital. He told me when I could get there, with hospital railings I made it & woke up to him rubbing my back. We all felt safe with him around.

Max Morandi

October 15, 2013

A GREAT LOSS. A very inspiring colleague.
Massimo "Max" Morandi ,MD

Mona Jankowski

October 15, 2013

Dr Cierny was the most amazing man! I have my leg today, only and because of this him. He was the most caring and honest person I've met in my life. I will be forever grateful for having known him on so many levels. He will be missed. The world is a better place because of him! He was an angel on earth, and now in heaven! My heart goes out to his wife, family and all who loved him. RIP GC

Beverly Samuelson

October 10, 2013

God has taken the very best. He will be a light in heaven. May your memories be your comfort.

Robin White

September 25, 2013

It is with heavy heart to read about the loss of such and exceptional man and doctor. Dr Cierny, was my attending Dr as recent as April of this year. We first met in Atlanta 1998 after my famly & I were in a terrible motor vehicle accident. He put me back together again. So I was very excited when we reconnected upon my move to Southern Califonia. He had the best bed side manner and explained my difficult situation in ways that I could understand. He always said, I was one of his most difficult cases but he vowed to get me back to normal. I will forever be indebted to him for he will never be replaced. My heart, soul and prayers go out to his wonderful family. For he was truly one of a kind.

Laurie Lyon

September 25, 2013

Dr. Cierny performed many surgeries on my mother, saved her leg and her life.
I got to meet him two years ago at my mother's last surgery. He was the most caring and kind doctor I have ever known. Condolences go to his family and loved ones. What a big loss
you must be feeling. May he rest in peace and may the angels surround him always.

Chip Routt, MD

September 11, 2013

Dr. Cierny was my attending at UTMB in 1981 when I decided to be an orthopedic surgeon. I loved working with him - he was tough and very demanding. He set an incredibly high bar, raised our standards, and drove us all to be better than we were. Please accept my sympathy and respect. He made a huge impact on me and so many others.

September 5, 2013

His last email to me
"Fly me to the moon and
Let me sleep out with the stars!"

GC

Bye Buzz

Ina N

August 26, 2013

Back in 2009 after hopelessly seeing hundreds of doctors regarding my case, I came across Dr. Cierny's website. I received an instant reply to an email and an immediate interest in my problem. Dr. Cierny genuinely wanted to help me. I have seen a lot of doctors in my life, and I have never seen another doctor that was so caring, so easy going, and so humane. Dr. Cierny spent several weeks following up with me, studying my test results, imaging, all my medical history, and all of that via emails! When I finally saw him in his office for a consultation, he was so positive and cheerful, that I think that alone made me feel better. He listened to me, walked me through my images in details, explained me my options, he knew exactly what he was talking about, and he didn't just send me to the OR like every other doctor did. On top of it all, I received no bill from his office for the consultation… Just recently in April I had the need to contact Dr. Cierny again regarding the same health issue. I spoke with him on the phone when he said he had retired. Without knowing the circumstances, I was happy for him, but I was extremely sad that I could no longer receive a proper care from the most knowledgeable specialist. I was even more saddened by the later news. Dr. Cierny was the best one, the only one in his field and in his kind.

Susan Town Shea

August 26, 2013

I was so fortunate to know Buzz since high school . Buzz asked me to his Junior Prom. We had dinner at my house and he made twice baked potatoes to add to my Dad & Mom's dinner. Buzz's humor, intelligence, thinking outside the box made him special. I always remember Buzz telling me how his parents wouldn't allow his sister & him to travel on the same plane. I know that Buzz must have been a great husband, father, & physician. I will miss him and I know he will always be in everyone's hearts.

osue mejia

August 16, 2013

My prayers to the family

josue mejia

August 16, 2013

I just heard of Dr.Cierney I was shocked and very sad he was a great man.He was my Dr. for about 9 years.My prayers go out to the family may the Lord be with you.my name is Josue Mejia 706 F street Apt.#90 chula vista,CA 91910

August 13, 2013

Buzz was the one person I really wanted to see at our high school reunions, but we always missed each other. It makes me very sad to realize that I will never see him again. Buzz was the best. --Mary Jane (Hopper) Cooper

Mary Todd

August 9, 2013

Having just learned that Dr. Cierny has passed, I am greatly saddened that Orthopedic medicine has lost one of the BEST Ortho Surgeons in the country, if not the world. He was a pioneer in treating fractures that would not heal. I owe my left leg to Dr. Cierny and only wished I could have seen him before he passed to express my heartfelt gratitude for his work. He was a brilliant man, truly an expert while other Ortho doctors are still 'practicing'. God bless his family and wife. I will never forget him.

steve goodwiller md

August 8, 2013

I trained under Dr Cierney at UT Galveston 1978 to 1987. He was the most outside of the box innovative Dr I have ever have ever known. His approach to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal infections and disease still influence my orthopedic decision making. I regard him as my mentor and am saddened at the news of his passing

August 8, 2013

I am in shock upon hearing of the death of this wonderful Dr. and man. After four years of pain and near hopelessness, I was able to miraculously have him take care of my severely injured leg. He not only was a skilled Dr as we all know, he was someone who lightened each of our burdens with his positive, confident demeanor and never ending curiosity. He just recently took time out to provide the FAA with some documentation assisting me reagin my career in Aviation. I never knew he was sick and he was so positive and responsive that he really made me feelI had an advocate. I am so terribly sorry to his loved ones for their loss. WHat a SPECIAL man we have all lost and I hope we can all take a moment to learn something about living that this wonderful man demonstrated to us.

Pete LeVecque
Marietta, GA

Newton Swain

August 6, 2013

I just learned of Dr. Cierny's passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to everyone who was touched by Dr. Cierny. After twelve surgeries and five surgeons, Dr Cierny was the only Dr. that explained my case to me and the way to resolve it. He was also the only surgeon that was confident enough to tell me he could cure me. I too had food delivered by Dr. C. We all mourn the passing of a fine, fine person. Dr. Cierny, thank you. You are missed.

Giovanni Riccio

August 2, 2013

I had the honor to meet George Cierny several time at the annual meetings of EBJIS were he was considered, from several european collegues engaged in bone infection treatment, a pioneer, a master and a good friend. We'll never forget you, George.

Patti Hoschouer

July 29, 2013

I'm the most fortunate person to have had the privilege and honor to meet and be Dr. Cierny's patient from July 2012 to the time of his "leaving" us! He saved my only functioning hand, enabling me to remain independent and infection-free. His ability, charm and dedication made each patient feel so special...I know I will never meet such a compassionate, caring doctor again in my lifetime. The sadness I still feel is overwhelming, and my heart goes out to all his family and friends. You were "one of a kind",Dr. Cierny...I so miss you!

Julie Slaughter Millard

July 27, 2013

To Carol and all the family of George "Buzz" Cierny: I was so saddened to hear and learn of Buzz's passing. What a profound loss to each of you and all of his colleges and friends throughout his life. I so enjoyed his friendship throughout our junior high and high school years at Point Loma High continuing on in our separate life endeavors. He had such a brilliant mind combined with a dear, sweet and kind soul. As we remained friends over the years, I enjoyed seeing his accomplishments in his life as a doctor, husband, father and friend. You will be missed,"Buzz", and I feel so blessed to have had you as my friend. I wish your family peace and special prayers with wonderful memories of your times together.

"William Squared" with George, Resurgens Atlanta

William Pound

July 24, 2013

A wonderful man,father,doctor and friend. I would have enjoyed seeing you one more time, you taught me many things and made my life better. Our time working together at Resurgens will never fade.

Lewis Goble

July 23, 2013

Our condolences to the family of Dr. Cierny. Thanks to the skill of Dr. Cierny and Dr. DiPasquale I am alive and still walking today. Our family will always be grateful for Dr. Cierny's great skill,his good humor, and his concern for us and his profession. He was a great doctor and a great man.

Frances Davidson

July 23, 2013

To the family of George Cierny my prayers and thoughts go out to the family..He will be missed as a husband, father and Doctor...I was blessed to have him as my Doctor and respected him very much.

July 21, 2013

Carol, I'm so saddened to read about Buzz's untimely death. My sympathy goes to you and the family. Jean Lewin, Point Loma

Brett Rothman

July 21, 2013

I was blessed to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Dr Cierny. George was a pioneer to the field of osteomyelitis and lived to treat his patients. He was a father figure to me and taught me so much about medicine as well as how to be a better person. I was fortunate to have considered George a friend and I genuinely loved him. I will never listen to Johnny Cash again without remembering him with a smile. He was truly one of a kind.

Professor Peter Nezafati

July 19, 2013

I just found out the news, and I am deeply, shockingly, grieved and mourned right now. Dr. Cierny was the only doctor in the entire world I trusted. I had four botched surgeries before he miraculously came into my life. I cannot put into words how much his work and passion has changed my life. YOU WERE THE BEST!! OF ALL TIME!! Much love and heartfelt condolences go out to your family. He is shining down on us for sure from his rightful place alongside the creator. Rest assured his work continues...

Dave Giaimo

July 19, 2013

Dr. George Cierny was the best physician I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Far beyond his clinical expertise and musculoskeletal wizardry (he reconstructed a leg that was slated for amputation FOUR TIMES due to chronic osteomyelitis, and gave me back a normal gait and an ambulatory life), there was also the tremendous humanity of this man. No other surgeon - and I have had fourteen surgeries - ever brought me Pork Carnitas from his favorite Mexican restaurant while I was recuperating. He was a real mensch in the truest sense of that lovely word, and this world will not soon know his equal. I will miss him always.

July 19, 2013

My husband was truly blessed to have Dr. Cierny come into his life. After his terrible accident there was this truly gifted Doctor that saved his leg. Dr. Cierny even said he never thought my huband would walk on both legs again. Bless you Dr.Cierny, such a gifted Doctor. Your family should know how many lives you have touched.

Gregg Bettis, President, Kids Across America Camps

July 19, 2013

I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your blessed loved one. He was a godsend to me after my plane crash and to so many. May Gods comfort, grace and peace be yours in fullest measure.

Carla Klepper

July 15, 2013

Dearest Sylvie, Alec and Bennet,
My most heartfelt condolences on your loss. Your father most certainly was a wonderful man and will be in your hearts forever. My thoughts are with you and your family. Love, Mrs. Klepper

Sabrina Daniel

July 15, 2013

My heart truly grieves the death of this wonderful, gifted doctor. He saved my life and my foot. I will always remember his confident, resounding presence and the way I felt assured when he was caring for me. What a huge loss we have suffered in the medical community. I pray for his family.

George Stock, M.D.

July 15, 2013

I remember Buzz from Loma Portal, Dana, and PLHS, and, while I didn't work with him professionally, I had occasion to speak with several of his trainees, who stood in awe of him. His presence in the medical community will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family on the passing of a unique person.

July 14, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Dr. Cierny's family. I was blessed the day Dr. Cierny walked into my hospital room. If he hadn't taken my case, I'm sure my life wouldn't be what it is today. I have my leg and I'm walking without a cane. He truly cared for his
patients and went above and beyond to make sure he gave us the best care. I will always be grateful for everything he did for
me and the life he gave back to me. R.I.P. Dr. Cierny...you are
definitely a great loss to many, but Heaven received a
beautiful soul.

Your very grateful patient,
Debbie Kinney

Eg

July 14, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

July 14, 2013

I will always remember my childhood friend and neighbor, Buzz. We surfed together, played on the same little league team, and golfed in Plumosa Park. Unfortunately we did not work together professionally, but I know he was an excellent physician. He will be missed by many. Bruce Crabtree MD

P Sharpe ( Isaiah 12:2 )

July 14, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

July 14, 2013

So very sorry to hear of his passing, he will be deeply missed. prayers to the family.

July 14, 2013

It was with great sadness that we learned of Dr Cierny's passing. His team on 4North at Sharp Memorial Hospital could not put into words the impact he has had on all of us. Our hearts go out to his family and close friends at this time. He will always be with us in our hearts as one of the most outstanding orthopedic surgeons of all time. Our unit brightened up as he would waltz onto the floor, whistling the last song he heard, and recanting his latest cooking adventures shared with his wife. The adoration in his eyes when he told stories of his children and grandchildren was beautiful. And the compassion and devotion he showed his patients was admirable and exceptional. Dr George Cierny will truly be missed by everyone in this hospital who had the pleasure of working by his side. Forever in our hearts.

Much love,
4North Ortho/Neuro, Sharp Memorial Hospital

Harris Freihon

July 14, 2013

Never met a more skilful trusted pair of doctors. Love them both. My heart goes out
To the family. HF

July 14, 2013

With deepest sympathy to the Cierny III family during your time of grief...GOD is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May GOD provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead...(PSALM 62:8).

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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 George's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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.

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Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

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

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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.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

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

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How to Write an Obituary

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

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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.

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The Five Stages of Grief

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

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Ways to honor George CIERNY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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

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How to Write an Obituary

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

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

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

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

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