ROBERT JOHN “R.J.” NOWINSKI, D.O. age 51 of New Albany, Ohio. Entered God’s Heavenly Home on June 25, 2020. Husband of Candice (nee White); father of Dylan, Charlie, Katelyn, and Kellie Nowinski (mother Erin Brewer); cherished son of Robert M. and Rosemary of Lyndhurst, Ohio; dearest brother of Roseanne Deucher (husband Michael, M.D.) and Rochelle Young (husband Jason); treasured uncle of Christopher, William, Thomas and Matthew Deucher and Vivian Young; loving nephew and godson of Nick and Ruth Pellecchia; dear cousin and friend to many.
R.J. graduated from Saint Ignatius High School, John Carroll University, and Ohio University School of Osteopathic Medicine. R.J. was practicing at OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio, as a successful orthopedic surgeon, specializing in shoulder surgery. He and his wife were entrepreneurs with their own wine company (RJV Wines) and tasting room in Napa, California. R.J. was also an avid golf and polo player. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Contributions may be made in memory of R.J. to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21741-5014.
Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, July 3, 2020 at Saint Clare Catholic Church, 5659 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124 at 10:00 am (MASKS REQUIRED). Burial following at All Saints Cemetery, Northfield, Ohio. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of R.J. at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) on Thursday, July 2, 2020 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. (Masks are required and social distancing will be observed.)
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Kristy Huffman, D.O.
RJ, I enjoyed working with you and getting to know you. You were always so nice to me and my husband. Rest In Peace and May God Bless you and your family always.
Amy O’Neal PT
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Nowinski was a brilliant surgeon and so well respected. I had the privilege of working with him and his patients and the seeing the benefit of His commitment to improving the quality of their lives. We will miss him.
Ronald Westbrook
He was a kind and caring surgeon. It’s hard for me to believe he’s gone.He just did my surgery on my shoulder June 3rd. I saw him a week ago this past Friday. I pray God comfort’s all of your family. I’m so so sorry for your loss. God Bless You!!!
Trish Romo
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. I worked for RJ and he was such a kind man and outstanding surgeon.
Cristal Doherty
Many fond memories of RJ from JCU and beyond. Sending prayers of comfort and strength as you grieve his passing.
Pam Blank
RJ, hard to believe you are gone. I have loved your family and enjoyed your friendship for many years. So many wonderful times for my boys at your house and with Charlie and Dylan at our home. Always got a big hug from Caitlyn and Kelly every time I saw them. You will be greatly missed. We spent so many track meets and soccer games together, huddling in the cold and just enjoying great friendship. You helped me with running injuries too. Such a dear friend. Rest In Peace my friend.
CAL
RJ was a treasured friend long before helping me with my own shoulder issue. Smart, compassionate and, by all accounts, the very best in his field. To say RJ will be missed is a colossal understatement.
Ashlee McAfee
Dr Nowinski, you will be missed by many. I have had the pleasure knowing you throughout your Ortho Neuro career for the last 15 years! You were such a pleasure to be around in/ outside of work.
Continued prayers for the entire family during this time. R.I.P
Rebecca Steve
oh, can hardly believe that you, Dr. Robert Nowinski, are gone. You were always such a brilliant surgeon and your bedside manners were the best of any doctor. I am so saddened and am praying for your family, and the ones who worked right beside of you for so long. How they all will miss you.
Sharon Lehman
So loved Dr Nowinski and shocked at his passing. He took care of my son, husband and replaced both of my shoulders. What a kind loving doctor who truly cared about his people. I have sent so many people to him and they have felt the same way. He made you feel like family. Will be greatly missed.
Arthur Gibbs
My sincere condolences. Some of my fondest high school memories were playing golf with RJ. He always made it fun. Godspeed.
Angela Darragh PT
We are saddened by the loss of a talented and gifted orthopedic surgeon within the OrthoNeuro family. I had the pleasure of working with him and his patients and have a great respect for his dedication and work ethic. He will be missed.
Stacey Fisher
Dr. Nowinski you will truly be missed around the office. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, staff and all the Pt lives that you have touched over the years. May God wrap his arms around all your loved ones during this hard time.
Godspeed
MaryAnn Wallace, former co-worker
My sincere condolences to Dr. Nowinski’s family, friends and co-workers. There are no words to express how heartbroken I am to learn of his passing. Dr. Nowinski was a class act and one of the best physicians I have ever worked with. He taught me a lot about shoulder anatomy and included me in his dream team. Dr. Nowinski was the one person who supported me, included me, and would lend me his ear when I needed it. He will truly be missed.
Dominique Micu-Stan and Tim Diersing
We are so sorry to hear about R.J. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We will cherish many memories of attending various events together. R.J. was always warm and welcoming to us with a big smile on his face! What a terrible loss at a young age, we are so saddened. May he Rest In Peace.
Victor McComas
I just heard the sad news of Dr. Nowinski’s passing. He was the best surgeon I know when it came to shoulders. Has fixed both of my shoulders numerous times. He will be missed tremendously. My thoughts and prayers to the family. He is now in the greatest hands of all.
GRACE PIPER
My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Melissa French
My condolences to all Dr. Nowinski’s family and friends. I have had the pleasure of taking care of his patients from a rehab standpoint for many years. His brilliance as an orthopedic shoulder specialist will be missed. May God bless him and keep him!
Bill Keller
My deepest sympathies to Dr. Nowinski’s family and friends.
May he Rest In Peace.
Kip Malek
Dr. Nowinski was a compassionate and patient doctor who provided care for my clients ( injured workers ). He will be missed.
Denny woods
Very sorry to learn of Dr. Nowinski passing. He repaired my left shoulder 3 times and was instrumental in helping me recover each time. He was always so kind and attentative each time I saw him.
Maurice LeCompte
I’m very sorry to hear of your passing, my friend. I’m glad we were able to catch up a few years ago. Rest well in heaven. Peace and love to your family.
Bill and Diane Schmenk
I don’t believe that there are any words from us that will truly console you, but please be assured that your whole family will be in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.
Roberta
My deepest condolence to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Stout
My sincere Condolences to Dr. Nowinski’s family and all the staff at OrthoNeuro. I, along with all of you, are totally shocked. I only saw him a few times and did have a surgery scheduled; he was a “delightful” man and wonderful doctor. He will truly be missed.
Love and Prayers,
Tricia Heisler
I only know about Robert because I am friends with his Mother Rosemary she often spoke lovingly about him and all his activities. I’m sending my prayers and love to his entire family
Tony Lee
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Take care
Dave and Trupti Sturgeon
RJ, your life was tragically cut short, and you will be missed by so many. You were a brilliant surgeon and always a welcoming host to both Dave and I. The many times we all shared- trips to Miami, Cabo, st. Barths…, attending numerous events and the parties that you hosted, will always be remembered. The medical community and the wine community has lost a great one. Your great qualities will always be cherished and remembered by your loved ones. May you find peace and solace in the hands of angels. RIP.
Debora McKenna
My deepest sympathies. Dr. N was a brilliant surgeon and special man. A very real loss to the community and us in need. God be with you all!
Fred Portman
He will be missed by many who had the opportunity to work with him.He successfully treated many of my injured clients.I feel bad for his family and friends.
Veneva Glover
I worked with Dr nowinski his first day at Licking Memorial and what a day. He followed me to Nash. Loved working with him at both places. Did some long call nights with him. Great memories. Sorry for your loss and prayers.
Betty Stanard
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nowinski family over the loss of their loved one RJ. The Stanard family.
David Slapnik
Dear Bobby, Rosemary and Family,
May R.J. rest in eternal peace. Sending condolences, love, support and prayers from the west coast at this difficult time and in these trying times.
Love,
The CA Davids
STAY SAFE!
GOD BLESS!
Janet nacerino
I so appreciated the work Dr Nowinski did on both my shoulders, the latest of which was quite complicated and done the first part of May, 2020. I had a broken arm included with the reverse shoulder. He didn’t finish with me and I am broken hearted. I need him back! He always listened and made me feel better.
RIP
New Albany Surgery Center Nurses
In Loving Memory of The World’s Greatest Shoulder Surgeon. We will miss your smiling face, witty banter, and entertaining antics. You may have left a small hole in our surgery schedule but you have left a huge hole in our hearts. NASC will never be the same without you. We are making a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation in your honor. Our sincere condolences to your family.
New Albany Surgery Center Nurses
Ed and Sandy Erick
We are so sadden about the sudden death of Dr. Nowinski. He was my husband Dr. for shoulder surgery. He was one of the kindest compassionate Dr. we have every had. When we would go to the cafeteria and he would come in he always knew you. He had a way of having every patient feel special. This is a terrible loss to his patients and the community
Linda Peck
I just learned of the passing of my long-time shoulder physician, Dr. Robert Nowinski last week; I am assuming that it was unexpected. I am still stunned & saddened. He & Jenn did my shoulder surgeries more than once at New Albany over the past ten years. He also did surgeries for my adult son. I also used to work in the cafe at New Albany & used to see him at work every day. Always a smile & hello when I saw him. What a kind and caring physician & person he was. I am certain that all of your staff at OrthoNeuro is heartbroken by this loss. His patients will be, too. I am so sorry. Sincere condolences to his family, friends, & co-workers.
Lisa Allison
So tragic, so sorry for your loss. Dr. Nowinski was such an fun, gregarious, energetic, larger than life person! One of my all time favorites! He will be missed. Gone too soon!
Ralph Napolitano, Jr.
Deepest sympathy to the Nowinski family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. RJ was a terrific surgeon and colleague. It was an honor to practice with him. God bless you RJ.
Ralph Napolitano and family
Janel Petrilli
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers are with you through this unimaginable time.
Spirit Novel
Columbus has lost a bright light with your passing RJ. You always brought the fun wherever you were. I’m blessed to have gotten to know you. I will miss the many laughs, interesting conversations, RJV wine posts, riding horses and practicing polo with you, as well as watching you take a spill and get right back up. May you rest in peace my friend. I hope you’re galloping around heaven scoring goals and drinking wine. My condolences to your family and friends as I know you will be sincerely missed.
Zelda
indMy Condolences to his Father,Mother,Sisters and Children. He spoke so proudly of all of you and always was seeking ways to improve the bonds that held you together. He was not only kind and loving he was genuine and sincere. He impacted the lives of people he met both professionally and personally. He left an indelible mark in my life and I will always keep his memory alive with stories filled with mirth and prayers for his parents,sister children and friends.
Mary Ann Guidos
Please accept our deepest sympathy. We are shocked and saddened by this loss. Many fond memories of elementary school at St. Clare have flooded back during the last few days.
May God bless your family and bring you strength for each day.
Love and Prayers. Bob & Mary Ann Guidos
Karen Adinolfi
For me, too, Mrs. Guidos. Many fond memories of playing at the Nowinski house with R.J. and Roseanne.
Valerie Coolidge
Dr. Nowinski did surgery to repair a complete tear of the rotator cuff and partial tear of the bicep. I learned that like us he was a winery owner, him in Napa Valley and us two wineries in Ohio. He was very curious about a winery in Ohio so I brought him a bottle of our Statehouse Cab/Merlot blend. I hope he enjoyed it, but I never got his feedback. I was hoping at my next appointment, that he would tell me how much he enjoyed our wine and give me a bottle of his…it was such a shock to hear of his passing. He is also of Polish heritage and I was hoping that post covid he’d dame buji (give me a kiss, (on the cheek)), for my album ;-(. My heart goes with his family and children, and all who will miss him dearly. Until we meet again, życzenia powodzenia.
Larry and Kathy Carter
We are so sorry for your loss. We just found out about his passing. He was not only a very good surgeon but also he treated his patients like people and also as friends.. May the angels carry thee home.
Bill Philput
My words cannot express the moments and memories I have with RJ. I was blessed to have been associated with him both professionally and personally. Prayers to family and friends.
Margaret Mudge
I am so sorry for your loss. RJ was such a wonderful addition to our polo family, and I was looking forward to another season with him. The world has lost a kind-hearted and enthusiastic husband, father, surgeon, and polo player.
Michael Byrd
To The Nowinski Family – I am totally shocked and saddened to hear the news about Doc! He was my surgeon for a number of years now. I’m am in prayer for his wife, children, and entire family during this time of transition.
Prayerfully submitted,
Michael Byrd
Blacklick, Ohio
Barbara Wills
A wonderful surgeon who has made my life easier. Always professional & took time to listen. May your family know that God will say “ good job “for all that you have done to guide & help your patients.
RIP
Elvis Henry
So sorry for the lost of Dr Robert Norwinski.. Such a great person…
Bobbie Merritt
To The Nowinski Family – I am so very sorry for the loss of such a brilliant, kind and caring surgeon, doctor and friend. He has been my rock and my comfort during my battle with RA and the ongoing struggle with my shoulder replacement. I am saddened beyond measure to hear of his passing. He was the kindest doctor I have ever had and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers for his wife and children as well as all who knew and loved him.
With Love,
Bobbie Merritt
Ashville, Ohio
Thomas R Parsley
Dr. Nowinski performed my shoulder replacement surgery back in April 2015. My recovery has been long and difficult with a lot of bumps. Dr. Nowinski hung in there with me and never gave up when many other doctors had. I will miss you smiling face and always cheerful personality. Thank you so much for all you did for me.
Loralee Carmichael
Dr. Nowinski gave me a new lease on life. He replaced both of my shoulders three years ago and they are like new. Always so professional. May God comfort all his friends and family during this time.
Robert Gorham
I just learned of the passing of Dr. Nowinski through OrthoNeuro. Dr .Nowinski performed a Reverse shoulder operation in 2014 on me and did a wonderful job. My sincere condolences to Dr. Nowinski’s family and the staff of OrthoNeuro. God be with you all. RIP sir.
Ella Schott
I am a patient of dr nowinski. This is heartbreaking news. Such a kind man and respectful doctor. I’m at a loss and send prayers for his wife, children, parents and co workers. This is hard for me to wrap my head around. Rest In Peace.
David l Bloise
you will be miss on this earth but God had some angels that needed someone to help them
Theresa Graham
What a tremendous and tragic loss! Dr. Nowinski was an extremely gifted surgeon who was committed to providing his patients with the absolute best care. While it is never a fun time to need surgery, the care and compassion that Dr. Nowinski had given me was truly appreciated. His dedication to stay at the forefront of technology and technique was commendable. RIP Dr. Nowinski, you will be missed by all!!!
Linda Taylor
You have my very deepest sympathy for this tremendous loss. In September 2019, I fell, breaking my left humerus, tearing rotator and bicep tendons. Dr. Nowinski was highly recommended to me as the shoulder surgeon other doctors would chose if they needed it. He walked into the exam room, said “We can fix this.” and did. Forever grateful.
RIP, Dr. Nowinski.
Dale Strader
So sorry to hear about Dr. Nowinski passing. He was a great surgeon. He done both shoulder replacements on me about 20 years ago. My surgeries relieved me of all my pain. He was a very caring and efficient doctor. He will be missed greatly in the medical community R.I.P.
Raymond Semien
Sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Nowinski. He did my rotator cuff surgery and I haven’t had any issues since. He was an excellent Dr. and will be greatly missed.
Mark Ramsey
Truly sad. A guy you will never forget. R.I.P.
Joe Theado
I was lucky enough to be one of his patients. He was always kind and reassuring that he would get me back to normal and I’m well on my way, thanks to him. A good man, gone too soon, but always to be remembered by his joy to help others. Rest in peace Dr.
Deb McEllistrem
RJ did my husband’s shoulder surgery. He did an amazing job; my husband was healed in a matter of weeks. Later, when my daughter was born, we were so happy that she was in class with his youngest, Kellie.
I didn’t know RJ well, but I knew him socially. He was a good man who always had a kind word for my husband and myself.
Please be assured of our prayers. May God bless you!
John J. Maier
Great doctor and great guy! He helped me immensely. I shall forever be indebted to him.
Marna Maynard
I am so sorry for your loss. He operated on my right shoulder in 2016 and my left shoulder was next. He always had a great bed side manner and made me feel at ease. Rest in peace.
Ron Kalchik, D.O.
So sad to hear of RJ’s passing. My patients and I will certainly miss him and his wonderful caring manner.
Samar Ahmad
To the family of Dr. Nowinski,
I wanted to send my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Nowinski. I had the privelige of shadowing him in October 2018 and I had recently even emailed him if he could write a doctor letter of recommendation a few months ago in early May, to which he gladly replied that he would “love to help out.” Seeing this news recently is truly shocking and heartbreaking. He was a wonderful man and passionate doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and all those whom Dr. Nowinski touched with his gentle heart. May he rest in peace and may God give comfort to your family in this difficult time. Amen.
Dickenson Peatman & Fogarty
We are deeply sorry for your loss and would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Kim Lafferty
I’ve just learned of Dr. Nowinski’s passing today and it left me speechless. This man will be missed by many and I can’t begin to tell you what a wonderful patient/doctor relationship was had with him for nearly 10 years now – my husband and I are forever grateful for his healing hands. May God help his family and friends during this sad time and may this angel on earth rest in peace.
Cindy Bradford
Dr. Nowinski did a reverse shoulder replacement for me winter of 2019. I found out today of his passing. I can’t say enough about his skill, knowledge, friendliness, faith, and love of his family. He was awesome and I have full range of my arm. I’m so worry that we lost such a beautiful gift and my heart goes out to his family.
Danielle Kappes
I just learned that Dr. Nowinski passed away. I will be forever grateful for his incredible skill, as he improved my quality of life to a SIGNIFICANT DEGREE. I shattered my shoulder falling on ice in Jan. 2019. I had surgery at another orthopedic practice, and I started having so much pain, but I felt my first surgeon was dismissive.
I finally met with Dr. Nowinski after the most miserable year of my life. He identified that there were broken screws migrating into the joint cartilage. He was so compassionate. I truly never thought my shoulder would be pain free.
He very carefully cleaned out lots of scar tissue and removed the hardware (since the bone was long healed). I was amazed when just a week later, how much better I felt.
I have told so many people about the rockstar of a surgeon that truly has made the rest of my life look so much better.
I’m so sorry for his family’s loss and for the community’s loss of such a talented surgeon.
Rose Childers
My sincere sympathies to his family. Dr. Nowinski repaired my shoulder a few years ago. My fond memory of him is before surgery he took my hand and said I am going to take good care of you and he did. I am so saddened. God bless his family.