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BORN
1938
DIED
2019
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Alfonso Chiscano Obituary
Dr. Alfonso "Chico" Chiscano passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 81.
He was a native of Spain's Canary Islands, the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Dr. Chiscano attended medical school in Barcelona, where he was awarded Most Outstanding Student. Following medical school, he completed General Surgery Residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. Chiscano was then awarded a clinical fellowship in cardiovascular surgery at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston, Texas, working directly under the supervision of Dr. Denton Cooley, a world-renowned surgeon.
With his grand capacity to care for others, he quickly became a prominent cardiothoracic surgeon in San Antonio, ironically, a city founded in part by Canary Islanders. Dr. Chiscano operated and saved more than 6,000 lives. In addition, he was passionate about teaching the next generation of surgeons and was recently promoted to Professor at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Dr. Chiscano worked steadfastly as a cultural ambassador, connecting San Antonio with his native Canary Islands and the country of Spain. His great civic spirit and relentless drive combined with his visions developed many business relations between the Canary Islands and San Antonio. He has been named "The Father of the Tricentennial" celebration of San Antonio as he tirelessly promoted the history of the Canary Islands and their connection with the Alamo City.
In terms of honors and awards, Dr. Chiscano received the Medal of Isabel the Catholic and the Medalla del Merito Civil, both presented by King Juan Carlos I of Spain. He was honored with the Medal of Gold from the Autonomic Government of the Canary Islands. In addition, Dr. Chiscano was an American Heart Association Honoree.
Dr. Chiscano created the Canary Islands Office in San Antonio which is coordinated by the Friends of the Canary Islands Foundation to foster the development of the Canary Islands and worked relentlessly to build bridges between the Islands and the American companies.
Dr. Chiscano leaves his best-friend and loving wife of 51 years, Mary-Alice; his daughters, Kristie and Carina; sons, Steve and Todd; and eight grandchildren: Niko, Caz, Lauren, Oliver, Kayla, Christian, Alexandra (Birdie) and Lindsey; and spouses Jeff, Jon, and Kimberly.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cardiothoracic Research Professorship in Honor of Alfonso Chiscano, M.D. Checks made payable to: UT Health San Antonio.
Address: UT Health San Antonio
School of Medicine
Attn: Steven Reese, Administrator
7703 Floyd Curl, MC 7835
San Antonio, TX 78229 makelivesbetter.uthscsa.edu/Chiscano
A mass is scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2019 at 3 p.m. at San Fernando Cathedral. You are invited to sign
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Memories and Condolences
for Alfonso Chiscano
Sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough.
Mary Alice Martinez
May 23, 2020
I just now found out that this "miracle" cardiologist passed last year. My deepest condolences to his family. I knew the Dr when he performed life saving surgery on me back in 2001, a quintuple bypass. He performed a miracle on me and I am still going strong to this day. RIP Dr. Chiscano, and I cannot thank you enough for giving me some extra time to spend with my family.
Alicia Cantu
September 28, 2019
My husband was one of many to benefit from Dr Chiscano's great skill when he had a triple bypass at age 58 and is now 86 and still going strong thanks to Dr Chiscano. Condolences to all his family. Our Son Santos Cantu was in same graduating class from McArthur High School as Kristina
Jose Luis Pomar
September 27, 2019
I will always have admiration to this great surgeon and good man who fighted until last moment and was always open to help. Siempre un inmenso placer encontrarle en los grandes congresos o comiendo con Mary Alice una magnifica paella en BARCELONA. Descansa en paz, amigo!!!
Jose Luis
Tito Estrada
September 23, 2019
Chiscano family: I met Chico back in 1981 when I was a Medical Industry representative with WL Gire & Associates. Because we had many friends in common, Chivo took me under his wing and was instrumental in making me a successful career medical industry representative. We had the opportunity to share many events together through the DA Cooley Cardiovascular Society and other professional organizations such as STS, AATS and EACTS. Chico was always known as a true gentleman, friend and professional. The VV Surgical community is in mourning...He sure will be missed!!
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Jane (Mark) Kamstra, R.N., MSN., CNOR (e)
September 15, 2019
Mary Alice, Kristie and family. I feel like I lost part of my family. I saw Chico almost everyday for more than 10 years as the Director of Surgery of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Surgery. He was one of the ones who welcomed me when I started. My husband and I met the family at various events: dinner, Canary Islands events. He was the best. A great Surgeon, Doctor, Host. He loved his family always talking about his children and grandchildren. He and Mary Alice are a great team even when they talked about how they met in Detroit. He was good to the staff and would teach. He would always give me money for the staff Holidays Party. Lastly I will miss his words of wisdom he had for me. Love to you Mary Alice and family.
Victor Sanchez
September 8, 2019
Excelente doctor y mejor ser humano que se gastó y desgasto con pasión en unir lugares y sobre todo personas, además de remendar corazones a Miles de personas. En paz descanse!!!
Sidney Chocron
September 8, 2019
La Casa de España está desolada por la pérdida de un amigo tan querido e incondicional como el Dr. Chiscano. Para nuestra asociación, él ha sido, y siempre será, un pilar fundamental. Su pasión por España nos inspiró y sirvió de modelo. Desde el día de su fundación, el Dr. Chiscano trabajó incansablemente para mantener la Casa de España conectada con la ciudad, el estado de Texas, e incluso con las autoridades a nivel nacional e internacional. Querido Chico, hemos aprendido mucho de ti. Muchas gracias por tu impresionante legado. Lo haremos lo mejor posible para seguir adelante con él.
Sidney Chocron
September 8, 2019
Casa de España in San Antonio is heart broken. Dr. Chiscano was, and always will be, one of the strong pillars for the association. His passion for Spain was an inspiration and model for all of us. From the day of its foundation Dr. Chiscano was relentless in keeping Casa de España relevant at the city, state, and even national and international level. Dear Chico, we learned so much from you. Thanks for your impressive legacy. We will do our best to follow your steps.
Guadalupe Bustos
September 6, 2019
Dr. Chiscano was a great man. I had the pleasure of meeting him from time to time being involved in projects he was working on. He was the kindest person ever. I was so sad to hear about his passing but I was blessed and honored to have known him. Lupe Bustos
Fernando Banchs
September 6, 2019
My condolences to the Chiscano family. I met Dr. Chiscano in the Amigos Internacionales Rotary Club and enjoyed being with him and having conversations about the Canary Islands and other subjects. May God rest his soul and provide comfort to his family.
Balous & Julie Miller
September 6, 2019
Our deepest condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
susan krueger
September 6, 2019
Chico was a warm,compassionate and charming man. I had the pleasure of working with him for 30yrs. He
always greeted us with "good morning America" and I got a hug or kiss. He had such energy and was so
kind. He did many pro bono and high risk cases. He will be deeply missed. Coworker/friend-Susan Krueger
Maria Ybanez
September 6, 2019
I can still hear "Good Morning Amrica" when he would come in to our CVICU at Downtown Santa Rosa. That would bring a smile to the staff working. May the lord embrace him and keep him in eternal perpetual peace. My sincerest condolences to the Chiscano Family.
Respectfully,
Maria Ybanez
Jennifer Cook, PhD, RN
September 5, 2019
A gentleman healer who was very respected by the nursing staff at Santa Rosa Medical Center. My privilege to work with him 1984-1989.
Martha COOPER
September 5, 2019
Our hearts go out to the Chiscano family for their loss of the extraordinary person that was Dr. Chiscano.
With deepest sympathy,
Martha Cooper and daughters, Martita and Maria
Larry & Kathy Stull
September 5, 2019
We are very sad to hear of the passing of Dr Chiscano. Please accept our sincere condolences and we are sorry that we will not be able to attend the services at San Frenando tomorrow as Kathy is not well. Brad and Hillary will be there to express our sorrow at your loss, and know that you are in our prayers.
Sarah Lennon
September 4, 2019
Our deepest condolences to the Chiscano Family of the passing of Dr. Chiscano. Our prayers are with you during this time of mourning. God's comfort surround you. Incarnate Word Sisters (Santa Rosa)
Judge Robert and Victoria Thonhoff
September 4, 2019
Dear Chiscano Family:
Like all who knew him, we were very saddened to learn of the passing of our good and great friend, Dr. Alfonso Chiscano, and with this letter we convey our deepest condolences to all of you.
We first met Dr. Chiscano on the occasion of his 50th Birthday Party at the Institute of Texan Cultures in 1988, and we got to know him better at various Columbian Quincentennial events in Corpus Christi in 1992 and at meetings of the Canary Islands Descendants Association in San Antonio over the ensuing years. He had an abiding interest in Texas and American history, especially as it concerned Spain and the Canary Islands.
For many years Dr. Chiscano had the dream of erecting a monument depicting the early settlement of San Antonio on the Plaza de las Islas Canarias. He was instrumental in making that dream come true concomitant with the Tricentennial of San Antonio when the magnificent San Antonio Founders Monument was erected and dedicated on March 9, 2019. .
Dr. Alfonso Chiscano was a good man in every respect, he left a great legacy for posterity, and he will be remembered as one of San Antonio's greatest citizens.
Now Dr. Chiscano has finished his Life's Journey and is in the arms of GOD, waiting the rest of us.
May GOD bless, comfort and strengthen all of you as you carry on in his loving footprints.
Very sincerely,
Judge Robert and Victoria Thonhoff
San Antonio, Texas
Canary Islander and adopted Texan, "Chico" was, above all, just a great guy. He was the embodiment of generosity, heartiness, and tenacity: a leader way above suits and titles. Someone once said: "Chiscano is a force of nature". As a relationship-builder
Jose Munoz
September 3, 2019
Canary Islander and adopted Texan, "Chico" was, above all, just a great guy. He was the embodiment of generosity, heartiness, and tenacity: a leader way above suits and titles.
Someone once said: "Chiscano is a force of nature". As a relationship-builder and bridge between peoples, he was light years ahead of everyone else. "Hey, how are you? How can I help you?" were his first two sentences every time he saw you. People from all walks of life will be at his funeral. Hes one of the most incredible human beings I will ever meet.
300 years ago, 16 families from the Canary Islands settled in today's San Antonio. Chico coudn't be more passionate about this. Thanks to him (in addition to another handful of incredible people) the MOT-Canary Islands program was born and I was able to come to the US along with my other peers. Lifelong dream of mine, Im forever grateful.
Chico's wise advice once here and his humanity, though, marked me forever. "Give back", "pass it forward", "be a leader" and his famous "team" never had a better steward.
Gracias, old friend for everything. Much love to your family.
September 3, 2019
Our Deepest Condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Dr. Menendez and Staff
Carmen Keeth
September 3, 2019
Our Deepest condolences to the Chiscano Family: Dr. Chiscano was a friend to all! He was kind and generous and will be sorely missed. He was a wonderful person and we are proud to call him our friend. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. Carmen & Rory Keeth
Sara De Los Santos
September 3, 2019
My condolences to the family of Dr. Chiscano. My family and I met Dr Chiscano back in 1992, when he performed a double by-pass on my mother. Never had I met a physician with such wonderful bed side manners. He saw how nervous my mother and the family were about this major surgery, he took the time to explain in detail and showed us in paper what the operation entailed. He will be missed.
Francisco Marcos-Marin
September 3, 2019
Dear Mary Alice and friends.
I was in China when the news reached me. I was devastated. Alfonso was for me much more than a friend. I owe him too many things and I will always keep him in my hearts and prayers. God bless you.
Drs. Veronica and Dick Rouse
September 2, 2019
Our sincere condolence to Mary Alice and all your children. May he rest in Peace.
September 2, 2019
My thoughts and prayer are with the family during this time. It was pleasure to have worked with Chico for a few years in the 1980's. A kind person and caring person to everyone.
Gail Fleming Fox
Thornton, CO
Sister Martha Ann Kirk
September 2, 2019
As we were approaching the San Antonio Tricentennial, Dr. Chiscano invited me to help plan a program as a representative of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and Santa Rosa, the first public hospital in the city. It was a joy to learn from his breadth of knowledge, to experience his deep care for people, for healing, and for the city of San Antonio. His life has touched thousands. On new year's eve, it was very special to be celebrating with him and Mary-Alice, and to welcome the Tricentennial Year. May he rest peacefully in God's arms. My sympathy and prayers to all the family. Sister Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI
Roland Solis
September 2, 2019
Mary Alice and Family,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Alfonso. We are privileged to have known and worked with him. May God's love bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Roland Solis and Isabel de Pedro
Barbara Ward
September 2, 2019
Dear Chico...... I've only had the honor of knowing you for just a few years, but you enriched my life and all who knew you here at The Carlyle. You were such a wonderful neighbor! You were so brave in your illness---you never gave up, and you are an inspiration to us all. We will all take good care of Mary-Alice for you.
charles moore md
September 2, 2019
Chico was a great surgeon, with tireless energy, technical excellence and a caring physician's heart. He remained a proud and loving family man and still had time for civic activities uniting his native Canary Islanders with San Antonio.He gave back to his profession teaching young physicians his many talents.
Dr. Micheal Bluhm
September 2, 2019
To the Chiscano family,
There are few words that can express the dynamic personality of such a Christian man. He was the epitome of a totally charismatic individual...greatness, personified. I valued his wisdom, his advice and, most of all, his friendship. His love of America and his homeland, the Canary Islands, was truly an inspiration. An honorable man, such as Dr. Chiscano comes along only once in a lifetime. I am so blessed to have known such a man.
Dr. Michael Bluhm
Maria Ferrier
September 2, 2019
There was only one Dr. Chico and there will never be another like him. A man of great love for our nation and his Canary Islands. He worked tirelessly to make the true history of San Antonio known to us all. A great physician, he saved my husbands life years ago. A faithful friend and leader. Mary Alice, Todd and to the entire Chicano family, my love and prayers as together we grieve such a great loss to us all.
2004 King Williams Fair
Paul Garcia
September 2, 2019
Kathy Cook
September 1, 2019
A great physician, surgeon and teacher but most of all friend. He will be greatly missed and forever treasured in our hearts. Kathy D. Stone - Cook
Esmeralda Williams
September 1, 2019
Sending condolences to the family.
Joaquin and Sheila Mira
September 1, 2019
Dear Mary Alice and family,
We have lost a great man, as physician, family man, Spaniard, Canary Islander, San Antonian, dear friend. Too many accomplishments to name. He is sorely missed. Rest in peace
September 1, 2019
Dear Mary Alice, Kristie and family, please accept our sincere condolences and prayers. Chico was a great physician, a great husband and father, and a great friend..in essence, a great man. His dedication to his patients and profession was unparalleled. It was truly a privilege to have counted ourselves among his friends. Dr. Marco and Carolyn Lopez
September 1, 2019
Dear Mary Alice and family We are very saddened by the loss of a great man,great surgeon and mostly a great friend. Jairo &
Teresa Ramirez
James & Angie Lehmann
September 1, 2019
Our prayers are with you, Steve, in this your hour of need.
Homero & Lula Rodriguez
September 1, 2019
Dear Mary Alice and family...sharing in your sadness for the loss of Chico, we also celebrate the honor and joy of his friendship. Best Regards!!! Lula and Homero.
Mary Nino
August 31, 2019
Sorry to hear about your loss. Always know that Dr. Chiscano was a great man. I first met him at a Canary Island meeting. He had such passion for what he believed in. He will always be our hero. May god bless your family in this difficult time.
José Ismael Rodriguez Delgado de Molina
August 31, 2019
Querido amigo, el abrazo prometido tendrá que esperar lamentablemente. Fue un gran honor poder ayudarlo en su último proyecto, Canarias y San Antonio de Texas nunca lo olvidarán.
Gracias Dr. D. Alfonso Chiscano.
Sandra Wiley
August 31, 2019
Working with Chico was an honor and privilege. He had so much energy. Started every morning with "good morning America". Long days and nights working because of his compassion for his patients. He will be missed; especially by me. Sandi Wiley co-worker/friend San Antonio, Tx
Jorge Vega
August 31, 2019
He was a wonderful and spirited man who cared deeply for his family, which fortunately for us included not only his wife Mary-Alice, and his children and grandchildren, but also the many of us from San Antonio, the Canary Islands, Spain and beyond whose lives he touched. We are all better for having known him and will truly miss his zest for life and community. Dios te bendiga.
Irene Hinojosa Hernandez
August 31, 2019
My sincere condolences to Dr. Chiscano's family.
Charles Christian
August 30, 2019
It was an honor and privilege to be a colleague and friend. Like everyone he touched, I will never forget him. Charlie Christian
Barry Snell
August 30, 2019
We have all lost an incredible human being who excelled in all areas he touched. Godspeed, Chico.
Barry Snell
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