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Edmund Cava Obituary

CAVA, EDMUND, Born in Italy 11/14/1928, Edmund Cava came to the US in 1939. An alumnus of the University of Louisville, he was at 20 the youngest MD graduate in their history. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force and practiced psychiatry in Miami for over 50 years. Edmund pioneered treatment modalities including NLP and EMDR. Recently, he received a standing ovation from UM medical students after curing a classmate's phobia in 45 minutes. Edmund loved his family, nature, opera, a good joke, and his work. An accomplished tenor, he performed with the Greater Miami Opera, becoming known as the "singing psychiatrist." Predeceased by brother, Edward Cava, MD, Edmund is survived by devoted wife and best friend, Gina Tanner; son David and wife, Christine, grandsons Daniel and Cameron; and daughter Loren. Also survived by sister-in-law Fanny Cava and her family. Celebrate Edmund's life at Fairchild Gardens, Sunday, 10 AM by sharing personal thoughts and memories. Donations in lieu of flowers to Human Services Coalition, www.hscdade. 305 576 5001 x16. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.

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Published by the Miami Herald from Aug. 10 to Aug. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Edmund Cava

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31 Entries

joan Childs

October 8, 2025

Edmund was special! He was my mentor and introduced me to NLP and EMDR and so much more, but more than a mentor, Edmond was my dear friend. He took me to my first opera, Carmen and I became an opera addict. His zest for life, his brilliant mind, his talent on being both an one of the very best tenors in the Miami Opera and perhaps the best psychiatrist I have ever known, will never be forgotten. He danced to the beat of his own drum, loved life to the fullest, and shared his knowledge unselfeshishly to help me and so many others evolve in our allied professions. Edmond was a male Frida. He lived exactly as he pleased, colorful, outrageous with only the best that life has to offer. He will be remembered by all who were fortunate to have crossed paths with him in our lives. It took me 18 years to finally share my feelings. I regret not doing this sooner.
Joan E Childs, LCSW

Bob G Cannon II

March 31, 2024

I knew Dr. Cava through a shared interest in rare plants. My fondest memory of him is the time I was with him driving through the Miami area while he was singing an opera.

Ronald Moye

May 15, 2019

I'm sorry I did not keep up with Dr. Cava. I started seeing him in 1965 or 66. I do not think I would be alive today if it were not for him. What a great man.

Virginia Alonso

May 2, 2017

I just read about my dear friend and colleague Ed Cava's passing. Many a time we spent at his house in NE Miami rehearsing with Dr. Csonka. Dear Ed, may you Rest In Peace!

Jose gpnzalez

November 11, 2014

I just found out that Dr Cava pass away,I am sad a vary specail person, as a patient he help me to recover and supported me every step of the way. He will be missed

Randy Bronniman

November 6, 2013

I was saddened to learn of Edmund's passing away. I stayed with him for several months while Doing painting at the office and his home. I recall with fond memories the hours of deep discussion the techniques of NLP. The summer I spent taping his seminars were invaluable and I learned much from you. Thank you my friend. Shalom!

R S

September 28, 2012

Old friend and mentor, miss you grande Cava!

January 20, 2012

Thinking of my Uncle Edmund...

Johanna Dordick

March 17, 2008

I was shocked today when I heard that Ed had passed away. He was so full of life -- so enthusiastic about everything he encountered. Many years ago, as Pat Ippolito, Ed and I sang together with the Miami Beach Symphony arias and duets from Aida and Cavalleria Rusticana. I still have recordings of that concert, and listened to it just recently. What joy and love he brought to the music, as he did to everything he touched. What I especially loved about him was his enthusiasm for even the smallest pleasures. I fondly remember his waxing poetic over a new jar of smelly truffles he has ordered from Italy. It breaks my heart to know that he is not still in this world -- he was just so in love with life, and he shared his joy with everyone around them. Eventhough we had not seen each other in many years, I always felt all was well with the world knowing that Ed was in it. There is no doubt his family will miss him. Everyone who knew that lovable, and yes, that wild and crazy guy, knows that his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.

Abbie Caliendo

September 12, 2007

Learning how not to miss someone after they have died, is something I do not believe I will ever master. Once a special person has worked their way into your heart and soul, it is irrevocable and I am glad. The mental pain and anguish I feel, reminds me on a daily basis that I am still alive. Dr. Cava entered my life over twenty eight and a-half years ago, and saved it more times than I can count. As his patient he taught me more than any other single individual, and proved time and again that there was at least one person in my life that could be unconditionally trusted. He was, and will forevermore be my hero.

todd leoni

August 30, 2007

Edmond, a cousin of mine always made me laugh. a couple of memorable notes to mention. One night while driving in his neigboorhood with my wife at around 11PM, he was gardening outside his house in a bathroom robe and slippers with an animal on them. On my wedding day, he showed up at my house at 6 AM to deliver my wedding gift without notice. He will be missed.

Elizabeth Sanchez

August 27, 2007

my heart is broken and i am so chocked up. I was a patient of Dr. cava for several years, words could never explain what a great man and loving doctor he was, he has changed my life in ways so deeply appriciated, and made such a profound impact in my life. He was a great man, may he rest in peace. I shall never forget him and will miss him so much. My compaassion and deepest sympathy to his family and freinds. love Elizabeth Sanchez

Gianina milbanke

August 17, 2007

I was a patient of Dr Cava for many years. I have to say, his wisdom, his eternal sense of humor and his teachings will always be part of my life.
I am grieving with you this tremendous loss of the life of person that meant so much to all of those who were as lucky as me to have known him.
I am lighting a candle on his memory .
To his imediate family, my condolences and my most sincere symphathy.
I just wished I had seen him, if I had known he was sick.

Chris Moody

August 17, 2007

I was not as lucky as some who have know Dr. Cava longer than I, however in the few years that I knew him he made an impression on me that I will never forget.

Willie Waters

August 17, 2007

When I first became associated with the Greater Miami Opera, Edmund and several other singers took me under their wing and taught me much about opera and about being in the profession. Much later, I was his neighbor, and we often shared fond memories of opera singers and our times together at the opera. He was a loving, caring person and will be missed.

Willie Anthony Waters

Allene Paulk

August 16, 2007

Dr. Cava went out of his way to help me when I was a young therapist trying to get licensed. He took time to talk with my husband who also had prostate cancer. Edmund was humorous, intelligent and loved life. He will be missed.

Marianela Caballero

August 13, 2007

I was fortunate to have worked for Dr. Cava as his office manager for nine years. He was my mentor, grandfather figure, boss, friend, and most of all a teacher. I am eternally grateful for all of his teachings that have allowed me to grow professionally. He will continue to be very proud of me as he sees me from above using all that he had taught me. I love you and will miss you dearly, my mentor!

Dr. George Jacobson

August 13, 2007

I knew Ed mainly, professionally, and his work was always personified by his humor, insights and tremendous enthusiasm for it. He lived and practiced in Miami for a long time - I know he will be missed by many !

Ruth Raffo-Cascio

August 12, 2007

Always a special, loving friend and dear singing partner. He was ever there when needed, wanted and always unexpected. We truly lost a one-of-a-kind individual. He was ready to help anyone even when they had no idea they needed help. My son, Christopher, and myself send all our thoughts and love to his remaining family. He has left a big hole empty in this world. With love and respect we will remember him always in our hearts.

One thing I'm sure of is there's a beautiful tenor voice now headlining somewhere that I'll hear again someday.

Greta Shulack

August 12, 2007

My husband Norman, who was also a Psychiatrist, our friend Nancy Ho, now Belli, a Social worker, and I spent a wonderful time with Edmund,at the APA convention in Hawaii. We toured the Island in a little car, singing opera and even climbing a tree to retrieve fresh lychees. It was a crazy, memorable time. Just thought Ed's loved ones would like to know of an event that sticks in my mind about such a fun loving person. I also remember him crawling on the mountain's on the Big Island to retrive rare ferns.
My deepest sympathy to you, the family, on the loss of this fine person.

Kenneth Keusch, M.D.

August 12, 2007

One does not forget the great teachers that had a lasting influence in ypur life. Dr. Edmund Cava was one of those great teachers that I had as a student.(U of Miami School of Medicine Class of 1963).
Thank you Dr. Cava.

Gayle Samson

August 12, 2007

With deepest Sympathy.

Blanche Freund

August 11, 2007

Dear Gina, My personal condolences to you, Gina, you who brought a shining light to Edmund every time you came to the office. It was a great privelege to work with him and spend some 4th of July celebrations with you and Edmund. Good memories! A great loss of a true behavioral psychiatrist.. May he rest in peace. Blanche Freund, PhD

Bonnie Edwards-Indgin

August 11, 2007

My deepest sympathies to you who love him most. He meant a lot to many who knew him. His wonderful sense of humor, brilliant and enquiring mind were gifts he shared with many. I shall never forget the Saturday studies in the garage, Bandler and Grindler, seminars which gathered people from all disciplines in Orlando. Truly he shall be missed, but so few contribute so much.
Bonnie Edwards-Indgin

Jack Baruch

August 11, 2007

I was saddened to learn of the untimely death of Edmund, an educator, a friend and colleague. The patients I referred to him sincerely valued his compassion and wisdom. He will be sorely missed

Donna MacDonald

August 11, 2007

Edmund Cava brought so many a great zeal and appreciation for life, and even a new view on life. I am priviledged to have known him and worked with him.

Barry Jackie & Fam. Moses

August 10, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

David Berman

August 10, 2007

Gina; Edmund was lucky to have you.

Pamela Saylor

August 10, 2007

My heart is saddened for Dr. Cava's family, friends and co-workers in their loss. I thank God for sending Dr. Cava into my life as a person & doctor. I will miss his humor, wisdom, patience and knowledge of life (and Miami). He loved life and had a passion for his work.
God speed to all and may your memories bring comfort to you in the days ahead.

Fred and Judith Miley

August 10, 2007

Edmund kindly introduced me to NeuroLinguistic Programming when I began psychiatric practice in Miami in 1973. Thanks to him, I and countless others still use it. We'll miss you, Edmund.

Shayna and Elliott Stein

August 10, 2007

We are so sorry for your loss. Though we did not know Edmund Cava personally, we do know Rob and Daniella and other members of the family. The name Cava means a lot to us! May you go from strength to strength.

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