Dr. Otto Raul Medinilla of Wilmington died peacefully on November 27, 2022, reuniting with his wife, Myriam, who had passed fifty days earlier.
This man called Otto liked simplicity. Reserved and serious, he was a man of few words. His mantra about making statements was “ser deciso, preciso, y conciso,” best translated into “keep it short and to the point.” But to do so is as impossible as describing a firework display via text message. His 80 years were extraordinary, deserving of a little fanfare.
Otto came from humble beginnings. He was one of eight children born in Guatemala in 1942 to Mario Medinilla, a cab driver, and Laura Herrera, likely a saint called upon to raise eight children. But thankfully, Otto helped.
He assumed the role of provider at an early age, landing his first job at age 11 as a factory sweeper. His father said school would have to wait. But Otto decided to do both. Working days and studying nights proved a successful routine. Disciplined and smart, he achieved “#1” status in most everything he did as a first-generation college and medical school graduate, humbly accepting various awards in his life journey: valedictorian, summa cum laude, best Dad, #1 Abuelito, etc.
But his number one was the love of his life, Myriam Schwartz. She was his sunshine who made him happy when skies were gray, and often sang as much to her. They wed in 1965, joined later by their daughter, Vivian, and Otto Jr. The young family traveled to the U.S. for Otto’s surgical education, which led them to Philadelphia where Otto completed his residency at Thomas Jefferson University. And they completed their family with their youngest child, Sandra.
Dr. Otto became a neurosurgeon and Delaware became his home, where for forty years, his skilled hands and gentle bedside manner helped countless patients heal. When he retired from this calling, he dedicated his time to public service, accepting an appointment from former Governor Markell to serve on the DE Industrial Accident Board.
When not working, Otto had a wilder side, going toe-to-toe on soccer fields with players 20 years his junior, and flying planes out of New Castle County to see sunsets from a different view. He taught himself to play guitar, piano and the accordion, and learned to speak German, Russian, and Mandarin. In his seventies, he enrolled in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to continue his education until his body said it was time to rest.
Otto took great risks and made extraordinary sacrifices for the love of his family. They paid off. Like fireworks, his life is a brilliant display of magnificent accomplishments, leaving us in awe and amazement, yet quite sad upon its end.
He was humble and brilliant. Serious but cool. Introverted yet engaging. But mainly he was quietly kind to everyone who knew him. And his legacy lives on in each of the lives he touched.
Otto was preceded in death by his wife, Myriam, and his father and mother, Mario Medinilla and Laura Herrera. He is survived by his three children, Hon. Vivian L. Medinilla, Otto R. Medinilla, Jr., PA-C, (wife Joann), and Sandra P. Medinilla, M.D.
Known best as “Lito” (abuelito) he is survived by his grandchildren Victoria (husband Bennett Procter) and Alexis Longo, Otto Jake and Isabel Medinilla, Rocco Rapposelli, Xavier Otto, Theo, Remi and Sydney Meyer. He is survived by his remaining four brothers and sisters, their spouses, and too-many-to-name loving nieces, nephews, and grandnieces/grandnephews.
Dr. Otto Raul Medinilla
Funeral Services
At Otto and Myriam’s request, their joint celebration of life will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 3 pm at the Osher Lifelong Institute of Learning (OLLI), located at Arsht Hall at the University of Delaware’s Wilmington Campus, 2700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806. Their final resting will be held privately at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Otto wished that contributions be made to OLLI at above address (olli.udel.edu).
Condolences
Thank You
Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.