Dr. Jose E. Dait

1933 - 2023

Dr. Jose E. Dait

Dr. Jose E. Dait, 89, passed away on Sept. 6, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Jose was born on Nov. 1, 1933, in the town of Pilar, Abra Province, The Republic of the Philippines, to Tomas Dait and Trinidad Escobar.

Dr. Dait was married to the late Dr. Teresita T. Dait for 50 years. Following their medical training, Jose and Teresita emigrated to the United States in 1966 and became longtime residents of Lehighton, beginning in 1969.

Jose established a urological practice serving Carbon and Schuylkill counties and became the first full-time urologist in the area. For over 30 years, he cared for many people and families.

He was an active member of several professional medical associations including the American Medical Association and the American Urological Association.

In addition to his practice, Dr. Dait volunteered at Sunday pee-wee football leagues, helped with Marian Catholic High School sports physicals, and served as a sideline physician at Lehighton Area High School football games.

Jose and Teresita's journey to the United States was a classic American story. While completing his 5-year residency program in New York City, Jose met and fell in love with Teresita, who was a fellow residency student. They were married in 1959. Daughter Bernadette and son Jonathon were born while in New York.

The family then returned to the Philippines to begin their medical careers. A third son, Christopher, soon followed.

After much prayer and contemplation, Jose and Teresita chose to officially immigrate to the United States. Twin daughters Josephine and Teresita were born after moving to Canada, where Jose and Teresita worked through the immigration process. Now a family of five, the Daits officially entered the United States in 1967. They lived briefly in Delaware, where daughter Marianne was born. They eventually settled in Lehighton, a location that friends suggested needed a urological practice. Jose and Teresita's seventh child, Pierre, would be born in Lehighton, and there the family would grow and prosper.

Jose was known by several names: Doctor, Pop, Lolo, Pepe, and Uncle were among these.

During his practicing years and retirement, he and Teresita could be found cheering on their children and grandchildren at various sporting events, and music and dance performances. Family get-togethers were exceptionally important. Holiday and birthday gatherings were frequent and always included laughter and great Filipino food. Cooking was one of Jose's favorite pastimes and his specialties included pork BBQ, pancit, lechon, and arroz caldo.

Teresita, devoted spouse and loving mother and grandmother (Lola), passed away in 2009, shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

Through a series of contacts, Jose reconnected with Florencia Andres Peralta, a friend from his youth. Florencia was also a widow who had raised seven children. They were married in 2011 and split time living in Pennsylvania and California. Jose and Flor cherished companionship, Filipino culture, and many activities with their large extended family.

Jose is survived by children: Bernadette (John Fitzpatrick), Jonathan (CindyLou), Christopher (Tanya), Josephine (Michael Thornton), Teresita (Joseph Capp), Dr. Marianne Dait, and Pierre (Lauren); grandchildren, Rachael (Sean McCormick), Brian Fitzpatrick, Joseph (Diane Garner), Matthew Dait, Dominic Dait, Theresa Dait, Amanda Dait, James Thornton, Jacqueline Thornton, Angelina Capp, Sophia Dait and Grant Dait; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Dait, Kynsley Dait, Jayce Dait, Greyson Dait and Vivian Dait; stepchildren, Aireen (Gary), Carlitos, Fleurdeliza, Vernon Jr. (Marcy), Cliff, Glenn and Rommel; and stepgrandchildren, VJ, Rylee, Garron, Shannon, Allison, Brandon and Alyssa.

Service: Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 526 North St., Jim Thorpe. Interment, SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Lehighton. Viewing 9-10 a.m. Saturday. Schaeffer Funeral Home, Lehighton, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to SS. Peter and Paul Church, 260 N. Third St., Lehighton, PA 18235.

Online condolences can be offered at schaefferfunerals.com.