Dr. Juan Ramon Amell was born on September 5, 1946 in his mother's hometown of La Vega, Dominican Republic. He ascended and returned to Heaven on January 30, 2021 in Houston, Texas. He was known as "Johnny" to his immediate family, and was a beloved Husband, devoted Father/Grandfather, a loyal Friend, and a dedicated Physician to his patients.

As a child growing up in the Dominican Republic, he played and loved the sport of baseball. He grew up admiring such players as Roberto Clemente, Juan Marichal, and Felipe Alou. He would share this passion for the "game" not only with his late-Father, but also with his three Sons. He loved his "Houston Astros," and rarely missed a televised game.

Dr. Amell drew inspiration to become a physician from an uncle on his Mother side, Dr. Manuel Gomez ("Tio Manulito"). Dr. Amell, would also learn a great deal about chess from his Tio Manulito, another one of his passions. Another individual that influenced Dr. Amell to become a physician was his Brother-In-Law, Dr. Antonio Creus. They frequently referred to one another as "colegas" (colleagues in Spanish).

Dr. Amell attended the University of Pedro Henrique Ureña for medical school in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. During his final year, he went to Puerto Rico to complete his practical training. It was during this time in Puerto Rico that he met a nurse who would come to be his future beloved Wife, Olga Diaz de Amell. Shortly after graduating Cum Laude from medical school in April of 1973, Juan and Olga would marry in Olga's hometown of Gurabo on June 16, 1973.

Shortly after their honeymoon in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Juan and Olga left to begin their new life in the United States. Dr. Amell completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Mississippi in Jackson, Mississippi. It was during this time that Juan and Olga would begin their family with their first-born, Juan José.

Dr. Amell found his calling to become a cardiologist while visiting his sister, Annie Creus, and Brother-In-Law, Dr. Antonio Creus, in Cleveland, Ohio. To be specific, it was at the Cleveland Clinic where he met cardiovascular pioneers like Andreas Gruentzig. Dr. Amell would accept a Cardiology Fellowship at Louisiana State University in New Orleans. Once completing his Fellowship, he moved to Houston, Texas in 1979 to begin his career in cardiology.

Dr. Amell opened his solo medical practice in 1980, and in 1985 formed Red Oak Cardiovascular Center (ROCC). In the early 1990s, Dr. Amell envisioned an outpatient catherization laboratory for ROCC and thus began a mission. As a result, ROCC would become the first outpatient catherization laboratory in North Houston. Dr. Amell's other noteworthy achievements at ROCC included the development of a cardiovascular rehabilitation program and an outpatient nuclear stress testing center.

In 2011, Dr. Amell would return to solo practice and continue his passion for cardiology with North Houston Cardiology. On August 31, 2020, he officially retired and decided to spend more time with family and focus on his health.

Part of Dr. Amell's philosophy as a physician was: The patient always comes first. Anyone that worked closely with Dr. Amell could attest to this principle. Dr. Amell was very patient-centric in his role as a physician and believed in doing what was best for the patient.

As an individual, Dr. Amell will always be remembered for his positive outlook on life and natural ability to see the best in others. Perhaps this reason alone is why so many people have come to love and respect him. Furthermore, he loved to share jokes and believed that we all needed to laugh and enjoy life more.

Dr. Amell drew inspiration, serenity, and strength by being with his Family. For him, Family was everything. He continuously sought ways to bring the family together. Another way that Dr. Amell drew inspiration, serenity, and strength was by going to the beach or pool during his free time. He naturally felt called to the water. Other things Dr. Amell enjoyed were: doing projects around the house, reading new books on leadership and self-development, watching The Godfather Saga, eating a delicious bowl of authentic homemade spaghetti (which got him in tune with his Italian roots), and drinking a fine glass of red wine such as Tommasi Amarone.

Dr. Amell is predeceased by his Father (Juan Amell), Mother (Lyda Russo de Amell), and two Brothers (Juan José and Roberto). He is survived by his beloved Wife of 47 years, Olga Diaz de Amell, four Children (Juan José "John", Leonard Ramon, Olga Melissa, and Ricardo Luis), and 13 Grandchildren (Timothy, Christa, Alyssa, Sofia, Lucas, Natalia, Jayla, Nicolas, Chloe, Gabriella, Valentina, Alexandra, and Penelope), Sister (Annie Creus), and Brother (José Amell).