Obituary of Eric A. Davis

Survived by his wife of 16 years, JoAnne, sister Amy, mother Margaret (Simone), father James, daughter Caitlin, brother-in-law’s Drew Coviello, and William Jones, sisters-in law Janine Jones and Pattie Van Wuyckhuyse, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Costco lost its best customer on May 20th 2020. Eric planned his Costco visits as a Big Ten school coach plans their plays. No bargain too small, no package too large, Eric traveled the aisles with purpose and enjoyment. Little did the other shoppers know that in their midst walked an uncommon man. An exceptionally skilled and compassionate physician, a healer, a man who dedicated his life to the study of medicine and caring for others. A man of inexhaustible curiosity about history, art, music, all things automotive, and especially his chosen field of emergency medicine. Eric never dabbled. He became a resource, teacher and mentor. Eric’s career included practicing at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, after which he was a founding member of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Rochester. Eric served in multiple capacities during his 22 years at UR Strong Memorial Hospital. He was Professor of Emergency Medicine, 10 years as Director of EMS services for the region and as URMC Urgent Care Director. Eric was integral to the emergency medicine residency program and the training of EMS personnel. He was awarded Residency Teacher of the Year, Department of Emergency Medicine, and EM Residency Clinical Teaching Award for Adult Services. His honors included, Physician of Excellence - Monroe-Livingston EMS Regional Council, EMSI Institute Annual Physician's Award and the Air Medical Physicians Association MPA Recognition Award, among others. Eric devoted hundreds of personal hours to research and the study of medicine to further develop his exceptional clinical skills. Eric loved his profession. He dedicated not only his time to his work, he dedicated himself. At Strong Memorial Hospital Eric was routinely awarded recognition by his patients, noted for his personal and caring approach to their treatment. He never forgot his patients were people, first and foremost. He treated lives and families, rendering his skills with kindness, tenderness and occasional humor. He carried their pain and suffering with him and never forgot he was there to serve. Eric worked his free weekends as a physician at Watkin’s Glen race track lending his professional skills while pursuing his passion for automobiles. From 1998-1999 Eric’s expertise in disaster management led him to work with Pope John Paul ll’s physician at the Vatican to establish safety protocols for the Pope during the millennial celebration in Rome. Eric was a man of intention and reflection. Each day began with purpose, focus and fortitude. Even after a debilitating medical condition forced his retirement, he accompanied his morning coffee with a medical text or journal, maintaining a connection to what he loved so much. Always humble, Eric was committed to his charity work, animal welfare and his church. He loved to travel, read and engage in intellectual exchange with others. He had a quick wit and love of laughter that endeared him to all. A favorite pastime was detailing cars, including his beloved Corvette. Eric spent hours walking his treasured Jack Russell through the woods, listening to medical CDs, returning to tell tales of terrorized chipmunks and the terrier’s newly discovered logs for exploration. Eric pursued any challenge with tenacity and resolve and his commitment to ’rising to the occasion’. Eric knew through personal adversity that to master life, one must live it. And he did. On May 20th, Eric’s worn out and much used heart failed him. He has embarked on a new journey now; perhaps in a brand new Corvette. Eric - May those you love be at your side forever. May you know peace that comes with a life well lived. You were cherished, admired, respected and loved. Your contribution to this life was boundless. We ask that God cradle you in his arms and reward you for the life you chose to live here on earth. May you be eternally blessed, as we were blessed for having walked beside you for a brief moment of time. Services will be held at a later date when permitted due to the current public health emergency. In lieu of flowers, in Eric’s memory, kindly consider a contribution to the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary at https://indraloka.org/