Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hays Funeral Home - Northborough on Mar. 14, 2026.
NORTHBOROUGH
Dr. José M. Correa, a beloved pediatrician, devoted father, and man of deep faith, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and kindness that touched countless lives. He was born in Chepén, Peru, where his journey of service and devotion to others began.
Known for his tireless dedication, Dr. Correa faithfully cared for his patients no matter the circumstance-seeing children on weekends, during snowstorms, and whenever a worried parent called. He was a gifted diagnostician, respected by colleagues and families alike for his insight and unwavering commitment to clinical excellence. Even outside the office, José's thirst for knowledge never ceased. He could often be found reading the latest medical journals or taking walks while listening to AudioDigest lectures, always striving to learn more so he could give his very best to those in his care.
José earned his medical degree at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos Facultad de Medicina, San Fernando in Lima, Peru, a place that shaped both his intellect and his lifelong commitment to healing. In 1990, he made
Northborough, Massachusetts, his home-a home that would soon come to know him simply as "the town's pediatrician." With the support of UMass Memorial Health – Marlborough Hospital, he established his pediatrics practice at Northboro Pediatrics, beginning a decades-long partnership dedicated to the wellbeing of area children and families. To José, medicine was never only a career; it was his calling, his ministry. For more than three decades, he cared for generations of children with gentleness, patience, and joy. He approached every patient as if they were part of his own family, and in the eyes of so many, he truly became just that.
It was common, during family lunches or dinners in town, for someone to stop by the table with a smile and say, "Dr. Correa-you were my pediatrician!" Those encounters always seemed to fill him with quiet pride and gratitude, reminders of the many lives he had nurtured from childhood to adulthood.
José's faith was the heart of his life. Each morning, before the day began, he made it his mission to share words of God's love and encouragement with everyone in his contact list-a simple act that uplifted many and reflected the care and spiritual warmth that defined him.
Outside of medicine, José was an avid soccer fan and a proud lifelong supporter of Alianza Lima, cheering passionately for his team no matter the distance from his beloved Peru. He was also a dedicated Boston Celtics fan, having been a talented basketball player himself during his years at Universidad de San Marcos. His laughter was contagious, and his sense of humor and warmth could light up any room. Whether watching a soccer match, spending time with friends, or sharing stories, his energy and joy drew people in and made every moment brighter. He truly was the life of every party.
He is survived by his children, José and his wife Deborah, Miguel, and Lily, who were the joy and light of his life. He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters Nelly and her husband Steve, Dora, and Violeta; his brother Tito and his wife Lillian; and was predeceased by his dear sister Gina, whom he loved deeply. He leaves behind many close family members and dear friends who will miss his contagious laughter, guidance, and strength.
At the culmination of his remarkable career, Dr. Correa was honored with the Chiron W. Smith, M.D. Outstanding Physician Award at UMass Memorial Health - Marlborough Hospital, where he served as chief of pediatrics. The award recognized his lifetime achievements in medicine and the immeasurable impact he had on his community. It was a fitting tribute to a man whose life's work was defined by compassion, humility, and excellence.
Dr. José Correa lived his life in service-to God, to his family, and to his community. His kindness endures in the children he healed, the faith he lived, and the love he gave so freely. For all who knew him, his memory will remain a source of strength and inspiration.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and all caregivers who provided compassionate care, and to all who offered comfort, prayers and support during this time of loss.
Visitation has been set for Thursday, March 19, between 4 -7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. Dr. Correa's funeral will be held from the funeral home at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 20 with interment following in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough. To read Dr. Correa's full life story or to leave an online condolence please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Jose's memory to Children of Peru--an organization dedicated to providing healthcare and education to impoverished children in Peru. Donations can be made at https://childrenofperu.org, or to another organization of your choice, dedicated to helping children in Peru.
_________________________________________________
Obituario del Dr. José M. Correa
NORTHBOROUGH
El Dr. José M. Correa, querido pediatra, padre devoto y hombre de profunda fe, falleció en paz el 13 de marzo de 2026 rodeado de su familia. Deja un legado de compasión, sabiduría y bondad que tocó innumerables vidas. Nació en Chepén, Perú, donde comenzó su trayectoria de servicio y dedicación a los demás.
Conocido por su dedicación incansable, el Dr. Correa atendía fielmente a sus pacientes sin importar la circunstancia-recibiendo niños los fines de semana, durante tormentas de nieve y cada vez que un padre preocupado lo llamaba. Era un diagnosticador talentoso, respetado por colegas y familias por su perspicacia y compromiso inquebrantable con la excelencia clínica. Incluso fuera del consultorio, la sed de conocimiento de José nunca cesaba; a menudo se lo veía leyendo los últimos artículos médicos o caminando mientras escuchaba sus conferencias medicas, siempre buscando aprender más para brindar lo mejor a quienes estaban bajo su cuidado.
José obtuvo su título de médico en la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos Facultad de Medicina, San Fernando en Lima, Perú; un lugar en el que forjó tanto su intelecto como su compromiso de por vida por la sanación. En 1990, eligió
Northborough, Massachusetts, como su hogar-un hogar en el que pronto lo conocería como "el pediatra del pueblo". Con el apoyo de UMass Memorial Health – Marlborough Hospital, fundó su práctica en Northboro Pediatrics, iniciando una asociación de décadas dedicada al bienestar de los niños y familias del área. Para José, la medicina nunca fue solo una carrera; era su vocación, su ministerio. Durante más de tres décadas, cuidó generaciones de niños con gentileza, paciencia y alegría. Trataba a cada paciente como si fuera parte de su propia familia y, para muchos, realmente llegó a serlo.
Era habitual, durante almuerzos o cenas familiares en el pueblo, que alguien se acercara a la mesa con una sonrisa y dijera: "¡Dr. Correa, usted fue mi pediatra!" Esos encuentros siempre parecían llenarlo de orgullo y gratitud, recordándole las muchas vidas que había acompañado desde la infancia hasta la adultez.
La fe de José era el corazón de su vida. Cada mañana, antes de iniciar el día, se dedicaba a compartir palabras de amor y ánimo de Dios con todos en su lista de contactos-un sencillo gesto que animaba a muchos y reflejaba el cuidado y el calor espiritual que lo definían.
Fuera de la medicina, José era un apasionado hincha de fútbol y orgulloso seguidor de Alianza Lima, alentando a su equipo sin importar la distancia de su querido Perú. También era un dedicado fanático de los Boston Celtics, habiendo sido un talentoso jugador de baloncesto durante sus años en la Universidad de San Marcos. Su risa era contagiosa, y su sentido del humor y calidez iluminaban cualquier ambiente. Ya fuera viendo un partido, compartiendo con amigos o contando historias, su energía y alegría atraían a la gente y hacían cada momento más especial. Realmente era el alma de toda reunión.
Le sobreviven sus hijos, José y su esposa Deborah, Miguel y Lily, quienes fueron la alegría y luz de su vida. También es recordado con cariño por sus hermanas Nelly y su esposo Steve, Dora y Violeta; su hermano Tito y su esposa Lillian; y fue precedido en muerte por su querida hermana Gina, a quien amaba profundamente. Deja muchos familiares cercanos y amigos que extrañarán su risa contagiosa, guía y fortaleza.
Al culminar su destacada carrera, el Dr. Correa fue honrado con el premio Chiron W. Smith, M.D. Outstanding Physician Award en UMass Memorial Health - Marlborough Hospital, donde se desempeñó como jefe de pediatría. El premio reconoció sus logros de toda una vida en la medicina y el impacto incalculable que tuvo en su comunidad. Fue un tributo merecido para un hombre cuya obra estuvo marcada por la compasión, humildad y excelencia.
El Dr. José Correa vivió su vida en servicio-a Dios, a su familia y a su comunidad. Su bondad permanece en los niños a quienes sanó, la fe que vivió y el amor que dio con generosidad. Para quienes lo conocieron, su memoria será fuente de fortaleza e inspiración.
La familia desea expresar su más sincero agradecimiento a los médicos, enfermeras y todos los cuidadores que brindaron atención compasiva, y a quienes ofrecieron consuelo, oraciones y apoyo durante este momento de pérdida.
La visita está programada para el jueves 19 de marzo, entre las 4 y las 7 p.m., en Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street,
Northborough, Massachusetts. El funeral del Dr. Correa se realizará en la funeraria a las 10 a.m. del viernes 20 de marzo, con el entierro en el Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.
Para leer la historia completa de la vida del Dr. Correa o dejar una condolencia en línea, visite www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
En lugar de flores, la familia solicita amablemente que se realicen donaciones en memoria de José a Children of Peru, una organización dedicada a brindar atención médica y educación a niños de escasos recursos en Perú. Las donaciones pueden hacerse a través de https://childrenofperu.org o a cualquier otra organización de su elección que se dedique a ayudar a la infancia en Perú.