Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Dr. Fred Gentili
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Garrick Miklos de Demeter uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
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Belated condolences go out with sympathy and prayers to Fred’s family, friends, and colleagues. A very long time ago, Fred (Manfredo) and I were classmates and good friends, at Oakwood Collegiate Institute. As I recall, we were members of a small, informal group of similarly-minded individuals, who engaged in occasional lively discussions and genuinely enjoyed their high-school years. Perhaps not so surprisingly, though, after graduation, we kind of lost track of each other, as our studies, our lives, and then our careers led us in different directions. Well, just a few days ago, I decided to indulge my inclination for wistful reminiscing (a fairly-common characteristic, I suppose, associated with advancing years) by “Googling” some of the people, who had been important to me in bygone decades… just to see what they’d been up to. It was quite early in my browsing that I learned, not only, of Fred’s death, but also, of his contributions to the field of medicine. I did know that Fred had become a neurosurgeon, but the full extent of his positive impact on his chosen specialization, on his coworkers, and, of course, on his patients, was a new and delightful revelation for me. Adding to the photograph of Mr. Gordon’s grade 11A class, from the 1964 Oracle (kindly posted by Achille Papi, in his tribute), I have uploaded an excerpted image showing the 1966 yearbook entry for Fred, in our graduating year. At the time, Fred still had his best, his most-meaningful years of dedicated service ahead of him. By the way, the reference to “Millionaire” would have been tongue-in-cheek… at most, a very minor aspiration. Already in high school, the Fred Gentili that I remember understood that there were far more important goals in life! Oh, how quickly our days seem to pass… but Fred’s was a life well and truly lived! Rest in peace, old friend!
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Carolyn Mills posted a condolence
Monday, February 14, 2022
I want to extend my condolences on the loss of Dr. Gentili. I am a patient of Dr. Gentili's for the last several years. Going through a very scary and uncertain time, Dr. Gentili was not only extremely knowledgeable, he was compassionate and was able to explain things in a way that were clear and easy to understand. He had a re-assuring way about him. He never rushed me when I had questions, and I had a lot of questions. Being under his care, I felt a true partnership with Dr. Gentili in my health. I was incredibly saddened to learn of his passing. What a void he is leaving in his field, at the hospital, but I imagine most especially at home with his family and friends. His impact on so many lives will never be forgotten. Thank you D. Gentili.
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Michele Cappuccitti pledged to donate to Dr. Fred Gentili Skull Base Clinic Fund at UHN Foundation
Sunday, February 6, 2022
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Michele Cappuccitti posted a condolence
Saturday, February 5, 2022
Gentili family
My heart felt condolences on the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather. May he rest in peace and may your fond memories warm your hearts. God Bless him and all of you.
Michele Cappuccitti
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Mary Ellen Cooke posted a condolence
Saturday, January 29, 2022
My condolences to Fred's family. I have fond memories of him as a colleague at TGH. I started my career in Toronto as a Fellow in the Dept. of Anesthesiology at TGH & then came on staff in 1985. I was immediately assigned to the subspecialty area of neurosurgical anaesthesia both in the OR and Neuro ICU. I believe Fred had just lost his first wife and it was also clear that still fairly early on in his own career he was single mindedly focused on his work, his patients and becoming as excellent a surgeon as he could be. So he was almost mute - especially in the OR!!. BUT if you needed to communicate with him he listened and respected your own specialty area of expertise - sadly not that common an attitude at that point in time. And he was always a class act in being civil, even tempered, calm and approachable. I do remember one instance though where he was extremely focused on a difficult case - I think an aneurysm clipping and as the circulating nurse was now deeply involved with helping Fred as well as the scrub nurse, I picked up the phone when it rang into the OR and was very surprised to hear an obviously young person explain that they were Fred's son and out at a mall with friends and wanted permission to buy an exceptionally pricey pair of sneakers. I presumed the kid must have just told the operator that he was Fred's son and that he needed to speak to him and she presumed it was a real emergency. Anyway it did not look the least bit appropriate for Fred to get up from what was for this operation a seated position or to loose any focus whatsoever..so as the kid sounded earnest, desperately keen to have the shoes and very polite, and I was needing to give the patient all of my attention too, I just decided right away to give that kid permission myself and tell Fred at the end of the case. My little story of taking parental measures re his bank account into my own hands barely registered at the end of the case because Fred as per usual was still in a deeply focused mode as we transferred the patient to the recovery room. So I just hope no son got into real trouble because of me. If so I apologize belatedly. But I doubt it. I am sure his family enjoyed his very,very decent nature just as I - a newbie anesthesiologist - did. I moved on to other hospitals after some years but my friends at TGH and then TWH kept me up to date on how upward Fred's career trajectory went and that he continued to be a pleasure to work with.
Mary Ellen Cooke MD
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Lucie Presot posted a condolence
Monday, January 24, 2022
My sincerest condolences to the family of Dr. Gentili. We have never met, but my Dad was a patient of Dr. Gentili until his own passing a year ago this week. Not only did Dr. Gentili offer his remarkable professional knowledge and skills, but he was also very kind to my Dad. He even answered emails personally, and when Dad was scared (and he often was), Dr. Gentili talked to him over the phone with respect and dignity and he lifted his spirits, notwithstanding Dad's illness. My sisters and I will never forget that kindness. I pray that you will always feel surrounded by his love and that one day, when you are ready, the memories that you have of him will bring a smile -- rather than a tear -- to your face.
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Tracey Gemmell pledged to donate to Dr. Fred Gentili Skull Base Clinic Fund at UHN Foundation
Sunday, January 23, 2022
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Gentili.
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Lou Gabriele posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Fred and I met at an early age at McMurrich Elementary School in the west end of Toronto in the 1950's. We both attended Oakwood Collegiate and U of T as well. We were the immigrant children of Italian parents who brought their families to Canada for a better life. Fred always aimed to medicine and neurosurgery in particular. He was a hard working student and became an incredible Doctor, helping so many people in his lifetime.
He was an outstanding man in every way and I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Gentili family, Gina, Michael, David, Albert, Enzo and family. He will be missed;Rest in peace dear friend. Luigi (Lou) Gabriele
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Sheila Katz pledged to donate to Dr. Fred Gentili Skull Base Clinic Fund at UHN Foundation
Sunday, January 23, 2022
In honour of a giant of a man
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Sheila Katz posted a condolence
Sunday, January 23, 2022
My deepest condolences to Dr Gentili’s family. His passing is a terrible loss to everyone who had the privilege of working with him or knowing him. I worked as a Social Worker in the Department of Neurosurgery at TWH for many years and got to work with him in many family meetings during that time. His kindness and respect for his patients as well as for the allied health team was exemplary. . He stood out as a surgeon and as a compassionate human being. May his memory be a blessing. Sheila Katz
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Jon Arnold pledged to donate to Dr. Fred Gentili Skull Base Clinic Fund at UHN Foundation
Saturday, January 22, 2022
In loving memory from the Arnold family - Jon, Robert, Adam, et al, and our late mother, Ruth!
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Jon Arnold posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Passing on our deep condolences and shared sadness with Dr. Gentili's passing. The long friendship and professional relationship with our mother and Michael was special, and just so ironic that both were afflicted with brain diseases in such close proximity. Of all people, it's just so hard to believe - life sure works in mysterious ways. All of our family will miss him on many levels - as I was reading the obituary in the Globe, I happened to look out my kitchen window, where on the ledge is a plate our mother brought us from Sarnano - just as I was reading the reference to Sarnano in the obituary. Of course, I'll pass on gratitude from those in our family and circle who have been treated by Fred over the years - his care made a big difference in all of their lives. Stay strong, Gina, and you'll both be in our thoughts and hearts for years to come.
The Arnold family - Jon, Robert and Adam, along with Antoinette, Sara, our kids, and Michael Berger
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Diana Di Luca posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2022
My deepest condolences to Dr. Fred Gentili's family and friends at this very sad time. He was an amazing man and incredible surgeon, whose legacy in the field of neurosurgery will live on forever. Sending love and strength to Gina, Fidenzio, Laura and the rest of the Gentili and Salvatori families. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep Fred in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Diana Di Luca
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Beverly Banton posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2022
My sincere and deepest condolences to the Gentili family: Gina, Michael, David & Albert, and to Enzo and the Salvatori's & other family members, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Fred wasn't just one of the good ones he was the best. He was an amazing teacher, a brilliant surgeon and a good friend.
Manfredo, I'm grateful to have known you, worked with you and had the privilege of calling you friend. Thank you for being the person and the gentleman that you were. You are forever in my heart.
Requiescat in pace
Beverly Banton
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Douglas Chepeha posted a condolence
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Such an amazing contribution to skull base surgery. Fred was so kind to me, I will miss him. My condolences to his family.
Douglas Chepeha
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Aristotelis Kalyvas pledged to donate to Dr. Fred Gentili Skull Base Clinic Fund at UHN Foundation
Friday, January 21, 2022
Amazing mentor, master surgeon, exceptional human being; You will be forever missed and celebrated.
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Paul Swartz posted a condolence
Friday, January 21, 2022
My deepest to Dr. Gentile's Family. The world lost a great doctor and a
wonderful human being. Paul Swartz
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Zelma Kiss posted a condolence
Friday, January 21, 2022
My condolences to Fred’s family, friends and colleagues.
Fred was one of my amazing neurosurgical teachers - one that was unique in his ability to change and develop over time. When I started residency in 1989, he had lost his first wife, the mother of his children. He was hard to work with, never let us operate, had to learn by watching and conversation was non-existent. By the early 90s when he had married Alice he became a good teacher and collaborative surgeon. He was comfortable giving lectures, making jokes, and he was fun to operate with; we had to work hard but he let us do it. We all wanted to emulate his technical skills. Recently, since his diagnosis, I watched him speak to the present residents. He had grown even further and I liked this Fred the best. Always learning, advancing, developing …. thank you Fred for all your teachings.
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Frank Napolitano posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, January 21, 2022
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My deepest condolences to the gentile family Dr Gentile was a remarkable human being and he will be deeply missed till we meet again my friend RIP
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Hugh and Carolyn Graham posted a condolence
Friday, January 21, 2022
Dear Gina,
We are thinking of you in this difficult time. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Hugh and Carolyn Graham
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Jonathan Irish posted a condolence
Friday, January 21, 2022
As a previous neighbor on Ridge Drive I knew Fred as a friend, nice guy and wonderful entertainer. As a professional colleague Fred was the consummate surgeon...the "go to" neurosurgeon for complex cancers.
To Gina and to the rest of Fred's family our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jon Irish and Rosemary Martino
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Ian Witterick posted a condolence
Friday, January 21, 2022
Fred was an amazing surgeon, mentor, innovator, teacher, colleague and friend to so many. He was a pioneer in open and endoscopic anterior skull base surgery and translated his knowledge nationally and internationally. A class act that I admired and cherished working with. My thoughts and prayers are with Gina and his family. Fred, may you rest easy in grace and love.
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John Ross Wherrett pledged to donate to Dr. Fred Gentili Skull Base Clinic Fund at UHN Foundation
Thursday, January 20, 2022
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Gary Ouellette posted a condolence
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Marisa and I were very sad to here of the passing of Dr. Fred. He was such a gentleman and we always enjoyed his visit to our camp.
Our thoughts are wish you.
Gary Ouellette
Shadow Lake Centre.
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Adrian Zenwirt posted a condolence
Thursday, January 20, 2022
To Gina and the Gentili family,
I was very saddened to read today about Fred's passing. Janet and I are thinking of you and send you our deepest sympathy. Take good care of yourselves in these difficult days.
Adrian Zenwirt
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Gitta posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, January 20, 2022
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Achille Papi uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 20, 2022
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To Gina, Michael, David and family,
I am so sorry about the passing of Fred. I was shocked when I heard. I am a cousin born in the same little town of Sarnano. My heart felt condolences to you & family. May he rest in peace.
I went to the same high school OCI & I posted a couple of his pictures here.
Achille Papi
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Jed Rabinovitch posted a condolence
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time
With sympathy
Marsha and Jed Rabinovitch
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Michael Schwartz posted a condolence
Thursday, January 20, 2022
I am a 50 year colleague of Fred. We first met when he was a medical student doing a rotation on neurosurgery. He was invariably an excellent colleague and a model neurosurgeon. On a bicycle trip we took together he was good company, too. I ofter my deepest condolences to his family. Mike Schwartz
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Arnold Aberman posted a condolence
Thursday, January 20, 2022
I send my deep condolences to the family of Fred Gentili. As past Dean of UofT and former TGH/TWH physician-in-Chief I was always proud that Fred was a member of our Faculty. He was an accomplished academic, clinician and teacher. He served as a mentor to generations of surgical trainees. He will be missed.
Arnie Aberman
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Allan J Fox MD posted a condolence
Thursday, January 20, 2022
I met Fred through multi-centre vascular surgery trials with workshops in various places. I was a neuroradiologist in London, Ontario. After I moved to Toronto, I saw him on occasion, especially when he cared for our dear friend who passed from the same disease in 2006. The patient had downs and ups during the course of his disease and Fred was there for him. Fred and the neuro-oncology team gave Henry 18 more months, including being able to travel to Warsaw to receive the highest honour from the Polish President.
Fred was a gentleman, very comforting to families even if the news wasn’t so good, and from my vantage point he stood out amongst others. Surgeons operate. The best surgeons also care for patients in other ways, including their families. That's where Fred stood.
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Martha posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, January 20, 2022
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Liew Boon Seng posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
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The family of Dr. Fred Gentili uploaded a photo
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
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