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BORN
1916
DIED
2020
Rodolfo Duterte Obituary
Born on January 22, 1916 on the Philippine island of Cebu, he displayed an early excellence in academics that foreshadowed a future in which he would become, at 23, the youngest student ever to complete medical studies at the University of the Philippines and, eventually, a driving figure in medicine in California.
When Japan invaded the Philippines, the young doctor quickly enlisted in the Philippine Commonwealth Armed Forces. He was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant, Medical Officer. He served in Impalutao, Bukidnon, and Mindanao before being taken prisoner of war on May 10, 1942 and held until a general release of prisoners ten months later. He resumed his practice in Cebu and was honorably discharged from the service at the end of the war. In 1951, Dr. Duterte moved to San Francisco with his childhood-sweetheart wife, Martha O'Keefe, and the first four of their six children. Martha's sister, Annie, soon followed, as a second mom. In San Francisco, Dr. Duterte opened a private practice above the Disernia Drugstore on Mission at Precita and became a staff member at Mary's Help Hospital, later Seton Medical Center, Daly City.
An avid fan of the SF Giants, 49ers and Warriors, the doctor rarely missed a game. In 1972, he founded the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California and became its first president. The Society continues to provide scholarships to students and lead medical missions in the Philippines. A devout Catholic and generous philanthropist, he was a member and stalwart of the Knights of Columbus and supported many parish functions of both Star of the Sea and St. Monica.
In 2016, Dr. Duterte turned 100 in a large celebration at St. Francis Yacht Club, with a welcome by his son-in-law, the Commodore. In 2017, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in World War II and in the same year returned to the Philippines for a processional that ranged from the Malacanang Palace to his grammar school, Zapatera Elementary. He may well have been the oldest subscriber to The San Francisco Chronicle and certainly was among its most devoted readers.
Rodolfo Duterte and Martha (deceased in 2012) raised six children: Rodolfo Jr., Michael Angelo (Teresa Dion, deceased), Marie Young, Brendan (Ruth Vavuris), Patrick (Diane Gallagher) and Lourdes (Kimball Livingston). He is survived by grandchildren Kye, Justin, Allyson, Micheline, Danielle, Jeremy, Isaac, Johanna, Laurence, Andrew, Martha, Keefe, Erin, Yelena, Marcus, Shaylynn, Julia, Jon and 15 great grandchildren. A celebration of life is intended, when such things again become possible. But in truth, the friends and family of Rodolfo Duterte remember his entire life as a celebration. As one grandson put it, "He was a romantic for life."
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Philippine Medical Society of Northern California via their website: www.pmsnc.org/supportus.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rodolfo Duterte
Ruth Aviles
April 23, 2020
Dear Rodolfo, Jr., Michael, Brendon, Marie, Patrick, Agnes and family,
I am sending all of you, on behalf of my family and I, our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your father. May you find comfort in remembering all the guidance, strength, and love with which your father touched your lives. Those precious gifts will always live on in all of you. We will always cherish all the beautiful memories that we shared with your father and mother. They were my loving Godparents for my wedding back in 1954 and were truly inspirational with their love and devotion for each and your big family, their faith with action for God and compassion for others.
With love and prayers,
Tita Ruth and the Aviles Family
Ernesto Duterte
April 13, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Stephan Betz
April 12, 2020
I met Dr. Duterte several times when he visited his son Patrick. I remember Patrick's stories how his dad offered medical help to all in his community - whether they could pay or not. Often times Patrick would come home with a fish for payment handed him by the neighbors! Dr. Duterte showed all of us what it means to be a true Community Doctor. You can see it in his children who are just as committed to supporting their communities as he was. What a legacy of kindness and dedication!
Stephen Schwarz
April 12, 2020
My parents had the greatest time with your Mom and Dad traveling to the Philippines and places like Hong Kong. The best part was being cared for in a family home and not some hotel. They had a greatest times.
Sorry to hear about your Dad and we value his generous gift to the future medicine world he helped start.
Take care
Stephen Schwarz and Family
April 12, 2020
What a beautiful legacy he leaves. All out love to you, the loved ones who had to say goodbye to such a fine human Love, Michael, Lindi, Kellen and Emma
Gregory Mar
April 11, 2020
RIP Papalut... The time shared with you, was very special, always loving and nurturing . Your wife, RIP Lula and your generations of family, will always be close to my heart.God Bless the Duterte's .XXXOOO
Judith Garvey
April 11, 2020
Condolences to the Duterte family. What a remarkable father. You couldn't ask for a better Dad.
Enrico Jereza
April 11, 2020
Will miss our travels to parts of the Visayas and Mindanao visiting relatives. Rest In Peace TIyo Bebe
Crystal
April 11, 2020
What a remarkable man! I know he was deeply loved and respected. The world has lost one of its finest and will never be quite the same. My heart goes out to his family and friends. May God grant them peace at such a difficult time. Amen.
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