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JOHN W. ESPY

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Columbia University

JOHN ESPY Obituary

ESPY--John W. MD NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital mourns the loss of Dr. John W. Espy, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology and the beloved husband of our dedicated Trustee Polly Espy. During his 50 years of distinguished service to the Medical Center and countless patients, Dr. Espy rose to the positions of Attending Ophthalmologist of NewYork-Presbyterian and Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Columbia University. The John Wilson Espy Professorship in Ophthalmology will continue to be a lasting testament to Dr. Espy's stature and commitment. We extend our deepest sympathies to Polly, Peter and Burwell, and the entire Espy family. May they be comforted by John's legacy of compassion and service. John Mack, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Steven J. Corwin, MD, CEO, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

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Published by New York Times on Dec. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN ESPY

17 Entries

Sharon Guerin

August 26, 2023

Dr Espy, I learned so much in my time with you. So sad to see this, as I´ve thought of you often over my career. You set a standard that has still not been met or duplicated by another.
Fondly,
Sharon
`95-`97

Burwell

December 18, 2022

Miss you Daddy

Shirley Alejandro

December 18, 2020

Dr.Espy will be forever remember and missed:(

Maureen Lynch

February 6, 2013

Mrs. Espy & family,
Sending you warmest wishes during this difficult time. You (all) and Dr. Espy have remained in my heart and prayers. It was an honor to be a part of his professional life for the time that I was. Much love to you. Maureen

January 13, 2013

I am sorry

MLB

Penn Curran

January 6, 2013

Dear Polly,

I just heard the news of John's death, and am both stunned and saddened. I always enjoyed him....his dry wit and honesty.

I have very fond memories of last August in Nantucket. I was lucky enough to be seated next to him at dinner, during which time he and I covered a myriad of topics....in depth.

I left your house thinking that he and I had had our best exchange ever! I relish the memory.

John C. and I have you and your family in our thoughts ...especially at this time.

Allison Hansen

January 5, 2013

Dear Mrs. Espy,
Just saw the notice in the St. James' enews and I wanted to send my prayers your way. On behalf of the Chisolm family,I send our sympathies to you and your children. I remember how much your husband helped my father with his detached retina during Mom's last days.
Fondly,
Allison Chisolm Hansen

January 5, 2013

Dear Polly,
I was saddened to hear of John's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It has been a great privilege to care for many of his patients; it is clear that he was a wonderful man and a talented and caring physician to generations of families.
He will be missed.
Eric Zweifach

January 4, 2013

Dear Mrs.Espy
I am so sorry to hear that Dr Espy passed away. He only retired recently and was my excellent eye doctor for many years. He treated me early one morning after a scary night when I could not contact my previous doctor. I had a torn retina, he
saw me immediately, made sure his partner treated me correctly and I was on my way. This was at least 15 years ago. I miss him.
Sincerely
Sandra Gooder

January 4, 2013

Polly,

I know we have not seen each other in many years but I wanted you to know how sorry I am to hear of John's death. (I saw the notice for his Memorial Service in the St. James' weekly newsletter.) John kindly provided eye care to all of us on staff at St. James' and I remember that fondly. I will pray for you, Burwell, Peter and all your family at this difficult time.

Carolyn (Gibson) Jones (The Rev'd)

Blanche Carney

January 2, 2013

Dear Mrs Espy and family: I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Espy's death. Dr.Espy had cared for me for over 50 years . I first met him when I was thirteen and a patient of Dr Wheeler's. I had severe myopia diagnosed at age four and Dr Espy was able to help me maintain my sight. It was always a pleasure to see him every year. I know he so enjoyed his profession and traveling, but most of all his family. My deepest condolences

Joseph Kartiganer

December 31, 2012

Dear Mrs. Espy,

You probably don't remember me (we met only twice, once at Charles de Gaulle -where John revealed the secret of Duc de Saint Simone - and once, very briefly, on a street corner in New York).

John, however, was a savior to me. In 1972, when I met him for the first time on an emergency referral, he undoubtedly saved my sight. And he remained a wise and considerate physician to me and my entire family up until the time of his retirement.

We often exchanged views on life and family, frequently comparing notes about our children who were contemporaries but, apparently and sadly, never met. I valued his attention, his good humor, and his professionalism.

I offer my sincerest sympathies to you on your loss.

Joe Kartiganer

Katherine Kennedy

December 28, 2012

To Dr. Espy's family -- I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Espy's passing. Dr. Espy was my eye doctor for twenty-five years and provided me with the most wonderful care. In addition, he was such a gentleman and unfailingly kind and patient. He was so dedicated to his profession and so hard working. I will keep him and all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Katherine Kennedy

December 27, 2012

To The Espy Family:
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Dr Espy. It was a terrible shock to me. It's been a great pleasure to have known and worked with him for eighteen years. My prayers and thoughts will always be their
Bernadette Ferguson and Family

December 27, 2012

The Henning family sends their condolences to you and your family. Our parents, Eleanor and Bob Henning, respected John for his caring and wisdom.

Shirley A

December 26, 2012

Shirley ,
I am shocked with the news I heard today knowing that Dr.Espy has passed , the way I looked up to him was like looking at my father I always told him.. Today was a day that I was planning on calling and look what I was struck with. This is terrible and shocking!! I remember bringing his lunch and yogurt to him everyday when we was at work..kept himself healthy till the end: (.. He'll be truly missed and one thing I'm left with a picture that we took together with my mom as a memory that will always be cherish .... May God bless your family in this time of sorrow... You'll be forever miss...

Anne and Edwin Obrecht

December 26, 2012

Polly,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of John's death. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy and know that we are thinking of you and your entire family at this very difficult time. We will all miss John on Nantucket !!

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