Dr. Julian Giraldo

1934 - 2021

Dr. Julian Giraldo
November 27, 1934 - September 29, 2021
Palmetto, Florida - Dr. Julian Giraldo, age 86, passed away September 29, 2021 surrounded by his family.
He was born November 27, 1934 in Salamina, Colombia to Jorge Eduardo Giraldo and Bertha Echeverri. He studied medicine at the University of Caldas in Manizales, Colombia, obtaining a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery in 1963. He and his wife, Gloria moved to the United States in 1964, as the first of his family to establish a life here. He attended Ohio State University to continue his education receiving a M.S. in Aerospace Medicine in 1967.
His passion for medicine took him to the Amazon jungle where he provided volunteer care to the Indigenous populations and then to Bolivia, where he was assigned to improve Public Health and to develop family planning programs with the U.S. Agency for International Development. He also instructed medical students at Ohio State University, the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Miami.
Julian, Gloria and their three children moved to Palmetto, FL in 1975 and he became the first Spanish speaking physician in Manatee County. He brought his love for soccer to the community and led the formation of the Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization (MAYSO), serving as its first President in 1975. He was in private practice at the Family Health Center in Palmetto, FL for 17 years. He relocated to Marianna, FL in 1992, where he became the Public Health Director for the Jackson County Health Department. Upon retirement, he continued to treat patients as a contract physician at local institutions and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Julian loved his garden filled with exotic plants, flowers and trees, which he affectionately named "Mon Jardin." For those who knew him well, not only was he a Doctor of Medicine, but he also had a bit of Dr. Dolittle in him. Chica the miniature deer, Pachocho the three-toed sloth, Pepe the spider monkey, and Midget the Shetland pony were among some of the many exotic animals that called Dr. Giraldo's residence, home. Roaming the pasture of his Marianna ranch, a ram and an alpaca could be seen while Bianca the African grey and Valentina the Scarlet macaw chatted away inside the house.
With his favorite classical music playing in the background, Julian loved to share his amazing flare for cooking with family and friends and was always looking for unique and healthy recipes to expand his repertoire. Any time spent with Julian would be guaranteed an opportunity to experience his wonderful sense of humor and fun-loving disposition.
Julian is survived by his wife, Luz Marina Gutierrez; his three (3) children; Andrew Giraldo (Jennifer), Juan Carlos Giraldo (Melissa) and Adrienne Giraldo Robotham (Martin); seven (7) grandchildren; Antonio Giraldo, Lauren Robotham, Olivia Giraldo, Ethan Robotham, Nico Giraldo, Julian Robotham and Mia Giraldo; three (3) brothers; Abel Giraldo (Beatriz), Jimmy Giraldo, and Hernan Alberto Giraldo, and one (1) sister, Norma Lucero (Jairo Antonio).
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Rene Fabian Giraldo.
A Memorial Mass to Celebrate His Life will be held October 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 505 26th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221.