Patrick "Pat" Joseph Tchou M.D.

Dr. Patrick J. Tchou, M.D., age 73, of Pepper Pike, OH, died at his home on April 18, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Shanghai, China to parents Peter and Elizabeth Tchou (nee Frey), they immigrated to the US in 1962. Pat graduated from Harvard University (B.A., 1974) and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (M.D., 1979). He pursued specialized training in Cardiology (Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital) and in Electrophysiology (Mt. Sinai Hospital, Milwaukee, WI). He practiced in Milwaukee for 7 years and was then recruited to be the Director of the Electrophysiology Dept. at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA. In 1994, he was recruited by the Cleveland Clinic, where he enjoyed a rewarding career for the last 28 years. Throughout his career he published over 100 research articles in various medical journals. Pat loved his position at the Cleveland Clinic, especially in his roles as teacher and mentor to the fellows and residents and also his colleagues. Pat was respected and adored by many of his patients and colleagues at the Clinic. In 2023, he was recognized with the Heart Rhythm Society’s Distinguished Teacher Award.

An avid biker, Pat took many bike tours in the United States and Europe. He was probably the biker whom you saw on the road biking to the Clinic in the wee hours of the morning, even in the cold Ohio winters. Pat also loved to cook and enjoyed treating guests to a sumptuous meal. He would often subject his family to the same meal over and over, while he perfected the recipe to his liking. As much as he enjoyed his job and his hobbies, he especially loved his family and truly treasured his time with them. Pat married the love of his life, Shirley Tchou (nee Shorter) and together they raised three sons. As a soccer fan, he enjoyed going to matches, especially ones that involved one of his children playing. He coached his kids’ soccer teams while living in Pittsburgh. Pat was also a strong advocate for protecting your right to vote.

Preceded in death by his parents; he is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons Christopher (Meli Kousovitis), Michael (Erin Stenson) and Jeremy (Madeline Boyd); 6 grandchildren, Milo, Teo, Daphne, Charlotte, Gavin and Zoe; and his brother Ray.

Pat was laid to rest at Foxfield Preserve on April 20, 2023. A Memorial Service to Celebrate Pat’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM SATURDAY May 13th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bike Cleveland (www.bikecleveland.org) or to Planned Parenthood (www.weareplannedparenthood.org). 

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.

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