Jose Vijungco M.D.

1941 - 2024

Dr. Jose Vijungco, a pillar of the Filipino medical community, recognized teaching physician, loyal friend, and loving family man, passed away on February 23, 2024, in Naples, Florida, at the age of 82.

For almost 60 years, he was a devoted husband to Herminia David Vijungco, MD. He was the proud father of five: Jonas Vijungco, Merceditas "Jing" Redfern, Michelle Vijungco, Dr. Joseph Vijungco, and Jeffrey Vijungco. Jose was the cherished "Tatay" (Filipino for grandfather) to nine grandchildren: Justin, Miles, Savannah, Luke, Jaden, Jordan, Jaya, Stella, and Scotty.

Along with his wife, Jose graduated from University of Santo Tomas Medical School and migrated to Illinois in 1968, for an internship at Christ Community Hospital, followed by residencies at Rush-Presbyterian and St. Louis University Hospital. After his training, he was certified by the American Board of Radiology with additional certification in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. He practiced with South County Radiology at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri for many decades. Afterwards, he spent his "retirement years" as an Associate Professor of Radiology at St. Louis University Medical School. During his tenure, he was awarded "Most Outstanding Teacher of the Year" twice in under three years--an honor with which he was most proud.

Dr. Jose Vijungco was a leader in multiple organizations and initiatives within the Filipino medical community. He was a founding father of the University of Santo Tomas Medical Alumni Association of America Foundation (USTMAA) which provided a forum for alumni to gather; but most importantly, insure the advancement of medical academia, procure the respective up-to-date equipment, and coordinate medical mission efforts. He also served as president of the Philippine Medical Association of St. Louis, Association of Philippine Physicians of America, president of Amnesty International, UST Medical Alumni nationally and internationally, and chaired the United States Movement for Free Philippines, supporting transparency, democracy, and orderly and lawful elections. His efforts were further propelled after the once-exiled Benigno and Corey Aquino attended group meetings at his residence.

Upon retirement, Dr. Jose Vijungco returned to his first love, agriculture; specifically, tropical fruit trees. He was an avid mango-farm hobbyist and truly enjoyed sharing the literal fruits of his labor.

Dr. Vijungco's legacy lives on with his beautiful wife whom he deeply loved since the age of 15, his five flourishing kids, and nine grandchildren who are launching their young lives to explore the world and make an impact of which he would be proud. He will be deeply missed by all those who loved him and his effect on the lives he touched and the causes he championed will endure for generations.

Services: A Celebration Mass of Life and Legacy will be held in honor of Dr. Jose G. Vijungco at St. Agnes Church in Naples, Florida. Followed by a lunch reception.

St. Agnes Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL, 34120

Memorial gifts: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations to University of Santo Tomas Medical Alumni Association Foundation, a cause closest to Dr. Vijungco's heart.

USTMAAA

Stella Evangelista, Executive Director

7071 Orchard Lake Road

West Bloomfield, MI 48322

EIN: 38-3345041