Alfred Chang Obituary-Death News; Noelle Caccia, Associate Director, Public and Media Relations at Hospital for Special Surgery Passes Away
The New York healthcare and communications community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Noelle Caccia, who passed away suddenly in New York, NY.
Noelle served as the Associate Director of Public and Media Relations at the prestigious Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), where she was widely admired for her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication to amplifying the voices of healthcare providers and patients alike.
Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of her colleagues, friends, and family, as well as in the world of healthcare communications. Noelle Caccia was more than just a skilled communicator she was a connector, a mentor, and a champion of meaningful storytelling.
At HSS, Noelle played an instrumental role in shaping the public image of one of the world’s leading orthopedic hospitals. She managed complex media relations with grace and tact, worked closely with physicians to highlight groundbreaking research, and navigated crisis communications with calm and clarity.
Her ability to tell stories that mattered stories that inspired hope, resilience, and healing set her apart in a demanding and competitive field. Her colleagues at HSS describe her as a bright light in the organization someone who brought warmth, intelligence, and humor to every interaction.
She had an uncanny ability to make people feel heard and valued, whether she was speaking to a top journalist, a medical professional, or a patient family. Her work helped HSS maintain a national and international reputation for excellence, and her leadership was felt deeply across departments.
Outside of work, Noelle was known for her adventurous spirit, love of New York City culture, and her deep ties to family and friends. Whether attending a Broadway show, supporting local art, or spending a quiet afternoon in Central Park, Noelle approached life with curiosity and gratitude.
Her loved ones recall her as someone who brought joy and empathy into every space she entered. She listened with intent, advised with kindness, and always made time for the people who needed her.
Born and raised with strong values of service and integrity, Noelle carried those principles into every facet of her life. She pursued a career in communications not for the spotlight, but to spotlight others—to give voice to the stories that deserved to be told.
Her talent for storytelling extended beyond the professional realm; she was often the person who would offer words of comfort, encouragement, or perspective when others needed it most.
The news of her passing has sent waves of sorrow through both the healthcare and media communities. Journalists who worked with Noelle praised her reliability and transparency, noting that she was a rare public relations professional who understood both sides of the newsroom.
She was respected not only for her work ethic but for her integrity—always honest, always thoughtful, always committed to doing what was right. As the HSS community and countless others grieve her loss, there is comfort in remembering the incredible impact Noelle made in her time with us.
She elevated the voices of healers and patients. She brought attention to medical breakthroughs that changed lives. And most importantly, she reminded everyone she encountered of the power of empathy, the strength of connection, and the enduring value of kindness.
Noelle Caccia’s legacy will live on in the stories she helped tell, the lives she touched, and the standard of excellence and humanity she brought to her work every day. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Those who wish to honor Noelle’s memory are encouraged to support causes in healthcare, journalism, or the arts—fields she held close to her heart.