Marinduque Rising: Rodolfo L. Jao, M.D.: From Boton (Boac) to Boston

High up in the mountains I heard about the passing away of Marinduque's famous celebrity in the 60s, Dr. Rudy Jao. His family used to live in the quiet barrio of Boton where I also grew up. I just remember that one summer day in those days there was unusual excitement among the local folks. 'May mga parating na mga artista!' Si Tessie Agana, who was famous for having been the child star of 'Roberta', a tearjerker of a movie, and she was also known as the daughter of the beautiful accomplished actress, Linda Estrella. She was accompanying the couple visiting the humble barrio. Tessie got married in the U.S. to our barrio boy, a well-respected physician there. To welcome the party people lined up the dusty Ilaya road to warmly receive them.

As a kid I just heard people talking about 'nagapandaw laang yang Rudy na 'yan nung araw sa ilog (Boac River) mandin pag walang pasok'. He went to school at the Marinduque High School and returned another time to receive an Outstanding Alumni Award from his Alma Mater dear.

Here's what I came across about the late Dr. Jao:

Rodolfo L. Jao M.D.

OCTOBER 16, 1933 – FEBRUARY 28, 2018

Dr. Rodolfo (Rudy) Jao age 84, of Valparaiso, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Second child of 8 siblings; Beloved husband of 53 years and survived by his wife: Maria Teresa Jao. Devoted father of Marita, Radmar, Rodger, Roderick (Melissa), Michelle (Dino), Mylene (Andy), Rodolfo Jr., Rodney (Noriko), Rodell (Toba), and grandchildren: Brianna, Marcella, Liam, Alexi, Ty, Cassandra, Xander, Lara, Gia, Cali, Chapman, Harris, Rodolfo III (Brody), Maxton, Emilia, and grandchild #16. Cherished brother and brother-in-law and proud uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Rodolfo L. Jao, MD was a practicing Internist specializing in Infectious Disease in Northwest Indiana for over 40 years. As a young boy growing up in Boac, Marinduque in the Philippines his intelligence, curiosity for science and incredible personal drive and ambition paved the path to be a doctor. Dr. Jao went to the University of the Philippines Medical School, however, as he seeked more opportunity he moved to the United States to do his Fellowship training in Infectious Disease at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Dr. Jao’s passion and dedication to the Philippines and the medical community led him to be co-founder of many organizations and led to charitable medical missions in the Philippines. He served in a leadership role and was deeply committed to all organizations. Dr. Jao was an active member in the University of the Philippines Medical Association of America, Marinduque International, Inc., Philippine Professional Association, Indiana Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Medical Association in Chicago, Asian American Medical Association, and Association of Philippine Practicing Physicians in America just to name a few.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Marinduque International, Inc. EIN 52-2184326 A 501 3C Corporation: Mail Checks to: 124433 North 149th Drive Surprise, AZ 85379 to help support medical missions and the church in Marinduque, Philippines. Visitation will be held Friday, March 9, 2018 at Geisen Funeral-Cremation & Reception Centre at 606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN from 2:00 to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 509 Division Rd., Valparaiso, IN. Entombment will be at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN.

FAMILY

Maria Teresa Agana Jao, Wife

Marita Jao, Daughter

Radmar Jao, Son

Rodger Jao, Son

Roderick (Melissa) Jao, Son

Michelle (Dino) Jao-Velasquez, Daughter

Mylene (Andy) Richardson, Daughter

Rodolfo Jao Jr., Son

Rodney (Noriko) Jao, Son

Rodell (Toba) Jao, Son

Brianna Jao-Stuppy, Granddaughter

Marcella Jao-Stuppy, Granddaughter

Liam Jao-Stuppy, Grandson

Alexi Jao, Granddaughter

Ty Jao, Grandson

Cassandra Jao, Granddaughter

Xander Jao, Grandson

Lara Velasquez, Granddaughter

Gia Velasquez, Granddaughter

Calista Velasquez, Granddaughter

Chapman Richardson, Grandson

Harris Richardson, Grandson

Rodolfo Jao III, Grandson

Maxton Jao, Grandson

Emilia Jao, Granddaughter

Baby #16, Grandchild

Amadeo Jao, Brother