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In memory of

Dr. Nelson Ancalmo

Lakeway, TX, USA

1939 - July 4, 2020

1939 - Jul 4, 2020

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Dr. Nelson Ancalmo, age 80, passed away in his home in Austin, Texas, on July 4th, 2020, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born in Central America to Antonio and Graciela, to a close-knit family that was to grow to seven children — six boys and one girl.*

As a child, he thrived on beaches and soccer fields and discovered a natural ear for guitar. As a young man, he began focusing his intellect on pre-medical studies. Early on, Nelson began leaving a legacy of accomplishments, fueled by his curiosity and ambitious dreams.

With his brother and a friend, he formed a trio that would go on to play venues and radio shows, release records, and even tour Japan in the early 1960s. On his return, he continued his medical career, graduating at the top of his class in 1962.

It was around this time that Nelson met his life-long muse and angel, Ana, and was instantly smitten. After a charmed courtship, they married in 1964, welcoming their first two children in El Salvador.

By the decade’s close he had finished his residencies. He became determined to advance his training in the United States, even though it meant repeating years of preparation. After a year at Chicago’s Mercy Hospital, he transferred to Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the next six years, two more children were born, and the second half of the 1970s was split between private practice in El Salvador, and a year devoted to specializing in pediatric heart surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. The period in Central America was fraught with political upheavals; by the early ‘80s, Nelson and Ana had relocated the family permanently to the US, becoming proud citizens in 1986.

The early to mid ‘80s were the most cherished years of his career. During this time he practiced and taught at a teaching hospital in Houma, Louisiana. While there he was honored to receive the Golden Apple teaching award. In 1986 he was named Chief of Surgery at Ochsner’s new clinic in Baton Rouge; during this time he was also participating in their heart surgery program in New Orleans.

In 1994 he was persuaded by a former student to join a private practice in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. For almost two decades, Nelson would go on to dedicate himself to heart and lung surgery, up until his retirement. In 2011, Nelson and Ana moved to Austin, Texas, to enjoy their golden years near their eldest daughter and her family.

Nelson did things on his own terms. He was truly multifaceted, with an over-abundance of interests. Throughout his life, he wrote for guitar and piano and was always asked to perform at family gatherings. His mental archive of jokes was prodigious and bilingual, and he was a passionate reader of sci-fi and history. He cultivated a sense of wonder at the natural world, from macro photography to amateur astronomy. He played tennis and ping pong throughout his 40s; through his 50s he enjoyed Saints football and world soccer. In his 60s he dove into the digital world, learning design basics and setting up a flight simulator at home to reconnect with a childhood dream to pilot. In his 70s he took up writing, penning over a dozen works of fiction and poetry.

Nelson is survived by his wife, three children, three grandchildren, and three siblings. He is preceded in death by his daughter, his parents, and three brothers.

More than anything, Nelson aka “Dr. A” will long be remembered for his vastly generous and creative soul. Throughout his brilliant career, he healed countless lives and taught a future generation of doctors to do the same. He modeled humility and compassionate bedside manner for his students, and treated doctors, nurses, and patients with equal kindness. Through the depth of his music and written word, he brightened the lives of so many around him. Due to his inquisitive nature, he eagerly followed his passions, and never stopped learning. Because of his devotion to the one center of his life, his faithful Ana Margarita, he inspired others around him toward a deeper understanding of true love.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made to Nelson and Ana’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Dedicate your donation gift in memory of Nelson Ancalmo.
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*Details of names and dates remain unspecified for privacy and security.

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