Ramon A. Mabasa M.D.

Mabasa, M.D., Ramon A.
Ramon Albar Mabasa, M.D., 76, of New Milford, passed away peacefully November 6, at New Milford Hospital surrounded by his family who loved him deeply. He was the husband of Jan Grize Mabasa.
Ramon was born September 17, 1937 in Capiz, (later named Roxas City), Philippines, an American Protectorate. He was the son of the late Catalino Mabasa, a civil engineer and Antonia Albar Mabasa, a mathematician. When he was 4 years old the Japanese occupied the Philippines. His family fled their home to live in the mountainous jungle enduring many hardships and uncertainties. Once the war ended, his education began. Ramon went on to graduate from San Juan Letran Collage, Manila, then graduated from The University of the East, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical College, Quezon City. He completed a fellowship in Internal Medicine at the University of the Philippines.
Ramon was recruited by Rev. Pelzer, SVD, missionary priest, to bring modern medicine to an isolated cultural community of indigenous peoples: the Tingguians, in Manabo, Abra. As there were no roads into the village to this remote area, travel was done during the dry season, using dried up river beds. Together, Father Pelzer and Ramon built the 20 bed hospital of Santa Monika. Ramon brought in x-ray equipment and laboratory equipment, which he assembled and operated. There he began performing small surgeries and treating traumatic injuries. At this time, he realized that his talents lay in the field of surgery. Once the Philippine Government made it mandatory for medical graduates to serve in rural areas, Ramon left Manabo to pursue a residency in General Surgery.
Ramon came to the United States, landing in New Jersey. Having no money, he hitched a ride with a kindly truck driver who brought him into New York City. He made his way to St. Clare's Hospital in Manhattan to begin his training, where he completed a rotating internship. He went onto a residency in General Surgery at Waterbury Hospital and trained under Dr. Sidney Luria.
In November, 1971, Ramon came to New Milford Hospital and joined Dr. John Haxo in the practice of General Surgery. Together they worked as New Milford Surgical Associates. Ramon was an extraordinarily gifted surgeon. He excelled in surgical procedures well beyond the scope of general surgery. These included operations in orthopedics, gynecology, hand, plastic/reconstructive and micro surgery. Ramon introduced laparoscopic surgery to this area.
Practicing well before the era of helicopter evacuations to Level 1 trauma centers, he proved to be excellent at the management of multiple trauma. Years later, a fellow surgeon, describing Dr. Mabasa said, "Not only does
Ramon do everything, he does everything well." He was loved by all who knew him and worked with him.
Together, Ramon and Jan supported and operated a home for parentless children in the Philippines for 25 years (International Alliance for Children), assisting children with rehabilitation, reunification and when necessary, adoption.
Besides his wife, Jan, of 45 years, Ramon is survived by his daughter, Abra Grize Mabasa, M.D., New Milford, his son, Reyes Grize Mabasa, Watertown, his daughter, Ryah Albar-Grize Mabasa King and her loving husband Thomas King, his beloved grandchildren, Abigayle,Alessandra, and Andrew of Middlebury. In addition, he is survived by family members in Canada and the Philippines, his sisters-in-law, Emelyn Grize, East Dennis, MA, and Nancy Grize, New Milford, nieces and nephews, loving cousins, and a myriad of special and close friends.
Also, he is survived by his family of colleagues: the doctors, nurses and staff of all departments of New Milford Hospital whom he loved and regarded so highly, and enjoyed working with for 35 years. He is survived by the now adult children, who passed through the care of International Alliance for Children and who benefited from his support. Ramon is sorely missed by his constant companion of the past two years, Lexi, his grand-dog.
Ramon lived by the Hippocratic Oath, and he espoused a deep and abiding Roman Catholic faith. He was a daily communicant, and leaves behind his church family of priests and fellow parishioners.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at: Saint Patrick's Church 50 Charles Street Waterbury, Connecticut.
To honor Ramon, Family and Friends are asked to perform an act of love and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
CLOSER TO FREE
P.O. Box 7611
New Haven, CT 06519-0611 or
Chase Collegiate School
565 Chase Parkway
Waterbury, CT 06708
Arrangements by the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT