Dr. Manuel P. Blas

Dr. Manuel Piedad Blas, age 84, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Lourdes "Odette" (née Abante), devoted father to Mark (wife Cassie) and Liza (husband Steven), and proud grandfather to Ava, John, and Annalise. He is survived by his siblings Teodulo Blas Jr., Susan (Blas) Schreiter, Marie (Blas) Cabrera, and Conception (Blas) Muego, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He is also survived by numerous extended relatives and cherished brothers- and sisters-in-law, with whom he shared lasting bonds of love and friendship.
Dr. Blas earned his pre-medical degree from the University of the Philippines in Quezon City in 1962 and graduated from the University of the East/Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine in 1967, where he ranked among the top ten in his medical board exams. After completing his rotating internship at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, he pursued residency training in Anesthesiology at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
In 1972, Dr. Blas joined the medical staff at Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, Illinois, where he served as an anesthesiologist for over 30 years. He was Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology for several terms between 1979 and 1994. From 1983 to 1990, he proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserves.
A pioneer in pain management, Dr. Blas established the first pain clinic at Westlake Hospital in 1985 and, in 1993, became the first in the region to implant spinal cord stimulators. He later founded the Melrose Park Pain Management Center and served as a consultant staff anesthesiologist at Oakbrook Surgical Center. In 1992, he became a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management.
Dr. Blas was also an active leader in his alumni community, serving as President of the UERM Medical Alumni Association Midwest Chapter from 2002 to 2004, and later as National President of the UERMMMC Medical Alumni Association in America in 2006.
Beyond his medical career, Dr. Blas led a rich and full life. He was a licensed private pilot, avid boater and golfer, and an enthusiastic reader with a lifelong love of history. In his later years, he found great joy living in The Villages, Florida, with his beloved wife Odette-playing mahjong, singing karaoke, dancing, socializing with friends, and cherishing time with his family and grandchildren.
Dr. Blas will be remembered for his intelligence, warmth, and generosity of spirit. He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and effortless charm that brought laughter and happiness to those around him. His life was one of dedication-to his faith, his family, his patients, and his community-and his legacy will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.
Visitation Sunday, November 02, 2025, from 3:00 PM- 8:00 PM at Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S. Meyers Road Lombard, Illinois. Funeral Monday, November 3, 2025 beginning from the funeral home with prayers at 9:15 AM, to Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, 1S314 Summit Ave, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Mass 10:00 AM. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. Funeral info: knollcrest.net or (630) 932-1500.