Dr. Bernabe Pangilinan Palomares

Loris, South Carolina
Dr. Bernabe "Bernie" Pangilinan Palomares, age 82, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 6, 1942, in Bulacan, Philippines, he was the son of the late David Santiago Palomares and the late Nemencia Pangilinan Palomares. Dr. Palomares worked as a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon until his retirement and was a longtime member of Loris Methodist Church.
Graduating from Manila Central University on May 1, 1966, Dr. Palomares continued his medical work pursuing a medical internship at Clark Air Force Base in Angeles City, Philippines. It was during this time he married his medical school classmate, Dr. Elba Bautista, on June 9, 1966. Following his time at Clark Air Force Base, Dr. Palomares moved to the United States with his wife in July of 1966 to begin his surgical training at the University of Pittsburgh. This included an internship at St. Margaret Hospital, a residency at St. Francis Hospital, and a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Shadyside Hospital located in Pittsburgh, PA. During this time, Dr. Palomares also enjoyed his time as a new father of three children: Melanie (1967), David (1970), and Jennifer (1974).
In July of 1974, following his time of surgical training at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Palomares and his family moved to Loris, SC. Upon arrival, he partnered with Dr. Craigie to establish himself in the area before he and his wife founded their medical practice, Palomares & Palomares, MD, PA. The two enjoyed 3 decades of success before retiring in 2004. The legacy of Dr. Palomares, his wife, and their practice lives throughout Loris as current and former residents fondly reflect on Dr. Palomares' remarkable wit, humor, and bedside manner.
Following retirement, Dr. Palomares enjoyed fishing, art, and golf. Golf became his favorite sport to watch and play. He also garnered adept skill at painting. If not found golfing or painting, he could often be found fishing with his grandchildren or spending quality time with his wife and/or children. He often enjoyed long walks with his wife in the morning and dined with his children and offspring in the evening. When not partaking in these activities, Dr. Palomares could always be found at Loris Methodist Church either singing in the choir, entertaining church members with stories of adventures, or sharing a kind smile. Even after retirement, both Dr. Palomares' continued to serve domestically and abroad, participating in annual medical missions to the Philippines.
Despite so many distinguished career accomplishments, Dr. Palomares was far from defined solely by his work in the office or surgical table. He was a pioneer, the first of his family to move to the U.S., and he sponsored many of his kin to follow in his steps and make the trip to America - he is cited as "want[ing] everyone to have an equal opportunity to build a better life." He was defined by his kind, compassionate, and loving heart and the generous disposition of his soul towards others - something well beyond that of his philanthropic endeavors. He is remembered by his love: a love that makes a marriage persevere for 58 years, a love that makes raising three children hard but never impossible, a love to participate in any grandchild's silly game, a love to nurture any of the great-grandchildren he held in his arms, a love for this community of Loris until his last breath, but, most of all, a love for God - the one thing he never abandoned when the going got tough. This is the life and memory of Dr. Palomares - a great doctor, but, more importantly, a good man.
Left to cherish Dr. Palomares memory are his wife, Dr. Elba Palomares; his three children, Dr. Melanie R. Palomares, David Palomares (Amy), and Jennifer P. Higgins (Terry); his brothers, Manuel Palomares, and Daniel Palomares; and sister, Naomi Capistrano; his grandchildren, Victoria Palomares Martin (Justin), Brian Palomares (Emily Grace), William Palomares, Eric Higgins, and Ryan Higgins; his great-grandchildren, Landyn Martin and Bronson Martin.
In addition to his parents, Dr. Palomares was predeceased by two brothers, Nicanor Palomares and Nathaniel Palomares; one sister Salvacion Palomares Capuli; and his great-grandchildren, Matthew Palomares, and Noah Palomares.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 6:00PM at Hardwick Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends at 5:00 PM until the time of services on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Loris Methodist Church, 3507 Broad St., Loris, SC 29569. Please sign Dr. Palomares' online guestbook at hardwickfuneralhome.com or call Hardwick Funeral Home at 843-756-7001 for further information.