Dr. Edgardo P. Avancena

Dr. Edgardo P. Avancena of Norristown passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 12, 2018. Born on April 6, 1931 in San Jose del Monte in Bulacan providence, Philippine Islands to the late Feliciano and Modesta Avancena (nee Palomique). Growing up, Edgardo excelled in school and went on to receive a scholarship to Santo Tomas University in Manilla and then graduated from Far Eastern University Medical School in 1958. Upon graduation, Dr. Avancena made the courageous decision to pick up his life in the Philippines and move to America. He then served his internship at Leonard Hospital in Troy, New York until 1960. He moved on to serve his residency at Sacred Heart Hospital in Norristown where he met the love of his life, Donna and they later married in 1965. Edgardo and Donna's family blossomed. Dr. Avancena was the devoted husband of 52 years to Donna (nee Winn), dear father of Jacqueline Fry (Christopher), Rebecca Ottaviano (Gerald), and Edgardo F. Avancena (Charlotte), doting grandfather to Amanda, Justine, Giovanni, Zachary, Peter and great grandfather to Dublin and Fawn, brother to the late Discoro, the late Virgilio, the late Milagros, Rosalinda, Lydia, Efrin, Feliciano Jr., and friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew him. Dr. Avancena was an active member in his community. He was a lifetime member of St Titus Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, worked at Sacred Heart Hospital ER unit until 1980 as staff and temporary head of the department, Staff Physician of Health Services at Merck Sharp and Dohme, member of Knights of Columbus, member of Montgomery County Medical Society and The Pennsylvania Medical Society. He loved playing the keyboard and violin and watching all sports especially the Eagles and Phillies. In his free time he enjoyed reading periodicals and Medical Journals, but most of all he was happiest spending time with his family and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Dr. Avancena's Life Celebration on Thursday October 18, 2018 from 10AM to 10:50AM at St. Titus Church of East Norriton, 3006 Keenwood Rd. followed by his Funeral Mass at 11AM. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Avancena's memory can be made to St. Titus Church. To share your fondest memories, please visit www.lifecelebration.com, 610-277-7000. Services to the family are entrusted to Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Life Celebration Home of East Norriton.