John Eugenio Morales

Dr. John Eugenio Morales COLUMBIA - John Eugenio Morales, M.D. (Johnny) passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017 in Columbia, S.C. Dr. Morales was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico on February 18, 1930 to the late Rosa Maria Yordan and Candelario Morales. Johnny had a wonderful childhood in his home town in the mountains of Puerto Rico. He grew up playing and enjoying the blessings of a small town where his father was the mayor and the largest employer. Everyone knew the Morales family, especially the fun loving Johnny. He left to attend college at Polytechnic University in San German. After graduating from the University, Dr. Morales moved to Spain to attend medical school. He graduated from the prestigious Salamanca University in Salamanca, Spain. While in medical school, he was introduced by family friends to his bride of more than 60 years, Margarita Rodriguez. They were married in Madrid and had their first child before moving to Washington, D.C. where Dr. Morales completed his internship at Sibley Memorial Hospital and his residency in anesthesiology at the Washington Hospital Center. In 1964, he moved with his young family to Columbia, where he joined Anesthesiology Associates of Columbia (AOC). He was the first anesthesiologist to become Chief of Staff of the Baptist Hospital. He proudly held the distinction of delivering the most babies by a non-OB/GYN in the history of the Baptist Hospital. He loved being a physician and loved the people with whom he worked. He was a warm and generous man who made friends easily. He was a devoted student of history and along with his wife, traveled the world over. Traveling was a fundamental part of his life. Dr. Morales was also a lifelong fan of baseball. He loved the Atlanta Braves from as early as the days when they were the Milwaukee Braves. During baseball season, if he wasn't at the hospital he was in his lazy-boy watching the games and keeping the stats. He was a loving brother to his 3 siblings, who predeceased him; Jorge Morales, Ligia Morales Catalano and Maria Esther Morales Febles. He was also a favorite among his nieces, nephews, cousins and all his family. Dr. Morales is survived by his beloved wife, Margarita, his son, John Enrique Morales, daughter Margarita Rosa Pate (Andrew J. Pate, M.D.), Myriam Amalia Dietrich (Mr. Orlo Dietrich), Cristina Maria Morales (Mr. Adrian Hunt), as well as 5 grandchildren, Stephanie Amalia Burgart (Mr. Dennis Burgart), Alexandra Jordan Pate, Charles Summer Haltiwanger, IV, Wesley Erin Dietrich, Ansel Morales Dietrich and one great grandchild, Amalia Juniper Burgart. The family wishes to thank everyone who loved Johnny, including beloved lifelong friends. Special thank you to Lisa Coleman for her devoted care when we needed it the most. Johnny Morales leaves behind a legacy of generosity, compassion and good humor. A Liturgy of the Word will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine Street, on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., with burial to follow in the Columbarium garden. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation or The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.