Dr. Constante "Cos" Gil

Dr. Constante Gil, beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, educator, and mentor, passed away peacefully at home on February 13, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by his loving immediate and extended family and a cherished friend and colleague.

Known as "Cos" to his family, he was born on January 31, 1945, in Trujillo, Peru, and grew up with a deep curiosity about the world and an unwavering determination to serve others. He moved to Miami, Florida when he was twenty, pursuing his dream of becoming a physician - a dream that would evolve into a lifelong vocation of healing, teaching, and advocacy.

With determination and grit, he overcame various obstacles and was awarded a Presidential Scholarship to study medical technology at the University of Miami. He then went on to earn his medical doctorate degree from Universidad Central del Este in the Dominican Republic and completed his residency in internal medicine at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He remained devoted to that institution and community for his entire career, serving in both clinical and administrative roles, including Residency Program Director and Medical Director, while maintaining a longstanding outpatient practice in Perth Amboy.

As he actualized his career goals, his personal life was also blossoming. In 1971, he married the love of his life, Elsa. Together, they raised two children who later made him grandfather to five grandchildren. He loved his children and grandchildren, showing up for them at all parent days, grandparent days, graduations, special events, and supporting them all in the ways he could. He was an important father-figure for his son- and daughter-in-law and he loved his children's childhood friends as if they were his own.

A passionate clinical teacher, he shaped generations of physicians. Residents found him to be caring, practical, and deeply invested in their growth. He championed the inclusion of international medical graduates, broadening the diversity of the profession in his community and opening doors for physicians from around the world. Even after retirement, he spoke of his former trainees with pride and affection. He loved all of the residents he worked with, often entertaining groups of them in his home.

Alongside his wife, Cos was a founding member of the Coalition of Hispanic Physicians, dedicating countless hours to organizing and participating in community health events, guided by his conviction that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. In 2006, he was awarded the Key to the City of Perth Amboy in recognition of his service. He remained deeply connected to his Peruvian heritage, receiving various honors from the Peruvian community, including serving as honorary Grand Marshal of the 2013 New Jersey Peruvian Independence Day Parade.

Known for his compassion, loyalty, and intellectual curiosity, Cos never stopped learning. He read widely - from scientific journals to poetry, religion, history, and politics - and delighted in sharing what he learned. Long before podcasts, he listened to medical lectures on cassette tapes during his commute, a testament to his enduring commitment to growth. Family gatherings often turned into political discussions, or impromptu health lessons, and he often shared videos meant to spark curiosity and conversation.

He loved soccer and, in his early twenties, served as president of the Miami-based Sporting Peru soccer club and eventually reached his goal of getting FIFA team accreditation. He cherished weekly outings with his brothers, time with his children and grandchildren, and the simple joy of being present. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends, where he would often be found dancing, singing, playing percussion or offering his loved ones a glass of whiskey.

Cos is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Elsa Gil; his children, Karla Gil and her husband Javier; and Ernesto Gil and his wife, Melanie; and his five grandchildren, Isabela, Victoria, Lionel, Arianna and Olivia. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Elio, Carlos, and Enrique.

Above all, Cos will be remembered as a man who gave fully of himself - to his family, his patients, his students, and his community - with compassion, humility, and unwavering purpose.

For those unable to attend the Service, the family is offering LIVE streaming of the Funeral Service on Friday, February 27th, 2026 beginning at 7:00 PM. The link to attend LIVE is on the Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care Facebook page at: Tributes of a Lifetime Livestream

Though he requested no services, his family hopes he forgives this small breaking of his wishes as they gather to honor his life and legacy. A Memorial Gathering will be held on February 27, 2026 from 6:00–8:00 PM with Tributes of a Lifetime at 7:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera's University Drive Chapel located at 1600 North University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33024

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he healed, the physicians he mentored, and the family who will forever carry forward his love of learning, service, and compassion.