[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 148 (Monday, September 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO DR. ALFONSO ``CHICO'' CHISCANO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 16, 2019

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of Dr. 
Alfonso ``Chico'' Chiscano who passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2019. A 
pillar of the San Antonio community, Dr. Chiscano dedicated his life to 
helping others and preserving our community's history. He is survived 
by his wife of 51 years, Mary-Alice; his daughters, Kristie and Carina; 
sons, Steve and Todd; and eight grandchildren.
  Dr. Alfonso ``Chico'' Chiscano was born on July 22, 1938 in Santa 
Cruz de Tenerife, part of Spain's Canary Islands. At an early age he 
demonstrated a keen interest in medicine and community involvement. He 
attended medical school in Barcelona, Spain where he earned high marks, 
later completing his General Surgery Residency at Wayne State 
University in Detroit, Michigan. He soon rose to prominence and became 
one of San Antonio's top cardiothoracic surgeons. During his medical 
career, he performed countless surgical operations and assisted in 
saving more than 6,000 lives. He was also the first to perform open-
heart surgery on the Canary Islands.
  Dr. Chiscano is well-known in San Antonio as a person who committed 
his life to civic engagement. He worked tirelessly as a Cultural 
Ambassador for San Antonio, connecting his native Canary Islands 
through business and cultural ties. He also worked on numerous 
historical preservation initiatives. Dr. Chiscano was named ``The 
Father of the Tricentennial,'' celebrating the city's 300-year history.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to have known such a remarkable individual 
who defined what it means to live in the service of others. Throughout 
his life, he inspired all who encountered him. The entire San Antonio 
community mourns this tremendous loss. I know his legacy and memory 
will live on in every single life he changed.

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