Ralph P. Miech MD PhD

Date of Passing:

October 10, 2020

Miech, Ralph P., M.D., Ph.D., 87, of Riverside, died peacefully on October 10, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (Kornely) Miech.

Born in South Milwaukee, WI, a son of the late Joseph P. and Helen (Witucki) Miech, he lived in Riverside since 1963.

Dr. Miech was an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Biochemistry at Brown University from 1963-2000. He came from Wisconsin with Dr. Parks and Dr. Cha to help establish Brown University Medical School where he taught and conducted research. He was an emergency room physician at Landmark Hospital throughout the majority of his career.

Dr. Miech received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Marquette University in 1955. He graduated from Marquette School of Medicine in 1959. He received a Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the University of Wisconsin in 1963.

Dr. Miech was a communicant of St. Brendan Church where he also was a member of the Parish Holy Name Society. He was a member of Opus Dei, the Catholic American Medical Association and the American College of Emergency Physicians. He served on the Ethics Committee at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital, Providence. He was the past President of the Rhode Island Cancer Pain Institute and the Providence Dioceses Biomedical Ethics Commission.

Dr. Miech was the recipient of the People of Life Award from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was a founding member of the Coalition of American’s for Research Ethics, speaker, author, advisor and expert witness on life issues.

He was an intellectual man who always put his faith in God and role of family at the forefront. He balanced this with his quick wit and creative stories. Always with a twinkle in his eye, his family and friends will deeply miss his many jokes and shenanigans. Throughout his lifetime, many sought out his wise counsel.

To this impressive list of accomplishments, it must be added that he was a lively accordion player – true to his Polish heritage. He never left home without a book in hand and his affinity for learning was almost matched by his love of a “good” beer. He enjoyed hosting dinner parties with his beautiful wife, fishing with his brother and friends, playing chess, coaching instructional league basketball, and playing squash. Dr. Miech also spent countless hours with his family enjoying the beauty of Vermont at Trapp Family Lodge. Board games, sleigh rides, lodge activities, and family dinners abounded as did his delight in watching his children and grandchildren sled, ski, ice skate, and swim.

Besides his devoted wife of 63 years, he is survived by his loving children, Susan C. Sweeney (Robert) of Seekonk, MA, Joseph R. Miech of South Kingstown, John R. Miech (Lori) of Warwick; Thomas J. Miech (Pam) of Coventry and Karen M. Stoneman (Chris) of Jericho, VT; twelve grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. He was the brother of the late Judge Robert J. Miech. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside on Friday October 16, 2020 at 10am. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside on Thursday, October 15, from 4 to 8pm. The guidelines set forth by the Rhode Island Department of Health will be observed. Face coverings are required and only fifteen people will be allowed in the building at a time. Flowers are respectfully omitted.

Contributions in memory of Dr. Miech can be made to either Opus Dei: Mathewson Foundation, 224 Bowen Street, Providence, RI 02906 or Spar Hawk Academy, 376 Orchard Street, Mills, MA 02054.

Online Condolences

18 Comments

  1. To the family of Dr Miech,

    I was very saddened to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was a mentor, adviser and friend to me during the formative years of the Medical Science Program at Brown. He was a compassionate and honest person, clearly devoted to teaching.

    Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

  2. My condolences to the family. Ralph was a great man and i have found memories of him and our families growing up. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. May he rest in peace.

  3. I was so sorry to hear about Dr. Miech passing. I had the pleasure of working with him in the er at Landmark. He always started his shift with a glass of orange juice and 2 aspirins. He was such a wonderful doctor and was fun to work . God bless .

  4. My deepest condolences to his family – he was a father in so many ways as Dr. el Kouni has already said. He was the last of the old guard in pharmacology at Brown University so an era has passed with him. I consider him one of my most influential mentors and remember him for his sly smile, honesty, dedication to the field of pharmacology, sense of humor and his love of beer and all things Polish and Catholic which he displayed by making fun of. May he rest in peace.

  5. Sincere Condolences. May Dr. Miech sole rest in peace.

    Very sorry for your loss Tom and Family.

    My prayers to you and your family during this tough time.

  6. To John, Lori and the Meich family, I would like to extend my sympathy to you all as you go through this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers

  7. To Joe Miech and family,

    I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Sending my deepest sympathy to you all. I will always remember seeing his sweet, smiling face when he would bring zeppoles to the office for us to enjoy. Prayers that you will find peace at this difficult time and always.

  8. Mrs. Miech and Family,

    Very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Miech. He was a true Gentleman and a pleasure to be around. I know how much my Mother and Father enjoyed the time they spent with your parents. I am sure your Dad is in Heaven discussing the world events with my parents.

  9. I am so very sorry to hear of Dr, Miech’s passing. I knew him as the critical care instructor at Landmark Medical Center. He always willingly taught Pharmacology in our American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support Courses. He was a great teacher. I covered the Emergency Dept. as part of my duties, Dr. Meich was an honor to work with, he was a fine gentleman and physician. His empathy and caring for his patients was exceptional. He kept us safe and laughing with his many jokes. A multitalented and special person. I wish to offer my sincerest condolences to his family. God Bless.

  10. All my condolences on the passing of Dr. Miech. He was one of a kind. He shared his time, energy, intellect, and spirtuality with me when I was an undergrad and I was a better person for it. He had impact and made everyone who interacted with better off. Just a great man.

  11. Dear Mrs. Miech and John and Family, I am so sorry to read of your Husband and Dad’s passing. He was indeed a great man who made our world a better place to be. And, I admire his faith and commitment to his family. May we all emulate his great qualities in life….an inspiration to me and all. May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. Amen! Love and Prayers, Bobby

  12. Aunt Liz and Cousins, Uncle Ralph will be truly missed but never forgotten. Let’s remember the good times we had so not to shed so many tears! David & I will miss our weekly call especially during the Patriot & Packers season. We will call Aunt Liz as Uncle Ralph is watching from above. Prayers to all of you! Niece Kathy and David Gregory

  13. Ralph was a good friend for many years, I will miss him.

  14. To all the Miech family,

    Heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Dr. Miech will be remembered for his kindness and quirky sense of humor. I was fortunate to work with him in the Dept. of Pharmacology for four years. He was always smiling and telling those “awful” jokes of his. We shared stories of our children who were of the same age and many wonderful social events with the wonderful group of doctors from Wisconsin who formed the department at Brown. I know what a dedicated doctor, husband, and father he was. My all the good memories you shared comfort you. Sincerely, Janet Bowab

  15. To Elizabeth and family,

    I remember Dr Miech from my days working at Brown University in the Department of Pharmacology. A gentle soul with a great sense of humor. Very sorry for your loss and my prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.

  16. Very sad news indeed. A kind, generous, and gentle soul. A mentor and a long time dear friend. He will always be remembered as the tender “Father Miech” by his students and colleagues at Brown, as he was always there for comforting and advice when needed. God bless his soul and condolences to all of us who knew Ralph.

  17. To the Family of Dr. Miech,

    I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Miech. I have very fond memories of him from my days as a graduate student. He was a very kind, generous an funny man and I consider him one of my mentors from my time at Brown University. He will be missed.

  18. To John & Joe Miech and Family,

    Very sorry for your loss and my prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.

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