Dr. Enrique Gongora

Enrique Gongora of Hollywood, FL passed away peacefully on Tuesday November 26, 2024, at the age of 56. Born in Bogota Colombia to Enrique Gongora and Amelia Combariza Stevens, Enrique was a beloved cardio thoracic surgeon who had a passion for saving lives. Enrique attended Universidad del Rosario in Bogota Colombia and began his career as a General Surgery resident at Washington Hospital Center.

After several surgical residencies and fellowships including the Cardiac Surgery Residency Program at the Mayo Clinic, Enrique was Director of Adult Heart Transplantation & Mechanical Support at Memorial Cardiac & Vascular Institute. Most recently, Enrique led the team at the University of Alabama at Birmingham as Surgical Director of ECMO Program. Enrique was a selfless and dedicated leader who uplifted the teams and patients he worked with.

Enrique also loved spending time with friends and family, his mom Amelia’s delicious gourmet cooking, dancing at a great party, and family game night. A world traveler and avid salsa dancer Enrique loved all Latin rhythms especially salsa, vallenatos, and Pit Bull. Enrique is survived by his mother Amelia Combariza Stevens, sister Paola Silva, sons Enrique Gongora, and Ivan Eduardo Gongora, many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins Gongora Rubio and Combariza Rodriguez; significant other Tammy Dorfman and her children Ariel, Aaron, Aaliyah, and fur babies ECMO, Salem, Skyler, and Belvedere.

A visitation for Enrique will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024. A service will be held from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Immediately following the service and visitation, Shiva will be held at Enrique and Tammy's home located at 725 North Crescent Drive Hollywood, Florida 33021 from 7:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. The family will also sit Shiva on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, and Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.