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Jose F. del Rosario, MD

Dr. Jose F. “Joe” del Rosario passed away on Sunday March 14, 2021 at Riddle Hospital in Media, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his wife and children. He was 85 years old.

Dr. del Rosario was born in the Philippines in 1935 to Crisanto and Liwanag del Rosario. Although he often dreamed of being a fighter pilot, he was a dutiful son who followed his parents’ wishes and pursued a career in medicine. Dr. del Rosario attended college and medical school in the Philippines where he met his wife Juliet and they had their first son J. Fernando. Dr. del Rosario then came to the United States for a medical residency at Elizabeth General Hospital in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His career next took him to Detroit, Michigan where he worked at St. John Hospital in Grosse Pointe. He and his family moved back to the Philippines for a short time, where Dr. del Rosario was a consulting physician at the Far Eastern University Hospital, and where the family quickly grew with the addition of his only daughter J. Patricia. Dr. del Rosario next accepted a position at Baptist Health in Louisville, Kentucky. His last career stop was a position at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe, Michigan where Dr. del Rosario (or “Dr. Del” as he was called) served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff. He spent thirty years dedicated to serving the people of Monroe County. Dr. del Rosario, his wife and kids, including son Jose “Joe” Jr. who was born at St. John Hospital, spent many happy years as part of the Monroe County community. His kids attended St. Mary Parish, Catholic Central, St. Mary Academy, and Monroe High School respectively. The only reason Dr. and Mrs. del Rosario left Monroe was to be closer to their children and grandchildren on the east coast after retirement. In retirement, he spent his time doing the things which he enjoyed the most: traveling with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, and working in the yard to relax.

Dr. del Rosario is survived by his wife Juliet; son Dr. J. Fernando (Mylene), daughter J. Patricia (Paul), and son Jose “Joe” Jr. (Marcella), grandsons J.J. and Jalen, granddaughter Juliet, and the family of his brother Crisanto Jr., who preceded Dr. del Rosario in death, and his brother Quirino and his family.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, anyone wishing to make such a gesture to honor Dr. del Rosario is encouraged by the family to make a contribution to ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital (formerly Mercy Memorial Hospital)(https://giving.promedica.org/), where Dr. del Rosario spent the majority of his career tirelessly serving the people of Monroe County, or to Riddle Hospital in Media, PA (https://www.mainlinehealth.org/ways-to-give/riddle-healthcare-foundation/make-a-gift-online) where Dr. del Rosario received excellent care.

Jose F. del Rosario, MD Obituary Photo
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Funeral Services

In keeping with the family’s wishes, funeral services will be private.

Condolences

    Donna McRae lit a candle and writes,
    My heart goes out to Juliette and the del Rosario family. I met the del Rosario's by way of my lovely Daughter in law, J. Patricia McRae. They were an active and loving family to all that met them. May God's Blessings soften the hurt you are feeling. Sincerely, Donna McRae and Family
    03/17/2021 03:04 pm
    Gadson Family lit a candle and writes,
    We are sending heartfelt condolences to the del Rosario family during this difficult time. Dr. del Rosario sounds like an amazing man who cared for his family deeply and was an asset to everyone he touched. ❤️ May he Rest In Peace.
    03/17/2021 03:21 pm
    Shara writes,
    Dr. Del sounds like an amazing person and if his son Dr. Jose F. Del Rosario is anything like him then i know for a fact that he was amazing. I pray that God give you all the comfort and peace. My prayers are with the family and friends. Shara and Fam
    03/17/2021 03:46 pm
    Regina Garfola lit a candle and writes,
    My heart goes out to you and your family. No words can express sorrow. I will continue to pray for peace and love. I love you all!
    03/17/2021 03:58 pm
    The Inguito Family lit a candle and writes,
    Dr. del Rosario lived his life to the fullest and was a dedicated physician! Our prayers and condolences to the del Rosario family during this very difficult time!
    03/17/2021 04:44 pm
    Mr. & Mrs. Paul Muldoon and Family lit a candle and writes,
    Dr. del was a kind and caring person who will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace Dr. del.
    03/17/2021 08:00 pm
    Villanueva and Santos Family lit a candle and writes,
    Kuya Pito will never be forgotten, we will always remember him. During this difficult time, Ate Juliet and family will be always in our prayers. We Love you.
    03/17/2021 11:35 pm
    Glee Villarta Punzalan writes,
    Our deepest sympathies on the passing of you father. We wish you and your family peace and comfort during this difficult time. May God's peace and love ease the sorrow and pain from your loss. God bless his soul and may he rest in peace
    03/18/2021 12:51 am
    Christina, Claudine, and Cindy lit a candle and writes,
    Our hearts are heavy with the loss of this great man. We loved him as our brother and uncle, and find solace in knowing he is now reunited with our dear Crisanto and their parents. Sending you all our love and support during this heartbreaking time.
    03/18/2021 08:24 am
    Grace Shalom lit a candle and writes,
    Tito Pito will be fondly remembered. May his blessed memory live on forever and comfort you always. Sending you, his beloved family, prayers and much love.
    03/18/2021 11:17 am
    Terelou Paragas Lazarte lit a candle and writes,
    Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May you find strength and comfort at God's grace and love. Eternal rest grant unto Uncle Pepito del Rosario O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest In Peace. Amen.
    03/18/2021 05:48 pm
    Bob and Lyn Fenchuk lit a candle and writes,
    Ate Juliet and family, Bob and I are very sorry to hear about the passing of Kuya Pepito. We send you our deepest sympathy and condolences during this time of great loss. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace. May God’s loving presence comfort your family always. We hold you close to our hearts. 🙏💕🙏
    03/18/2021 07:09 pm
    Julie Standifer writes,
    I used to work for Dr. Del. He was not only the best surgeon in Monroe, but a great man to work for. I will always remember his laugh. My condolences to his family.
    03/18/2021 10:03 pm
    Debbie Fry lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest sympathy to Dr. Del's family, friends and loved ones. He will be dearly missed. What a great man, Dr. and all around person genuinely nice and caring, fun, talented and dedicated Dr. he was. Anyone who knew him was blessed to do so. I know I am honored to say I knew him. His sacrifices to his patients and their families and hospital staff is remarkable. Rest in peace oh faithful and devoted servant.
    03/19/2021 12:20 am
    Brian McLaughlin writes,
    Dear Family of Doctor Del, You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of this GREAT man. He saved me from the brink of death in 1970 shortly after coming to Monroe. I truly believe God guided his hands through 9 hours of surgery We had a special relationship as a result of that situation. He not only took care my physical needs he was also an awesome emotional support. I never heard one bad word from anybody about Dr Del. Not that I would have listened with out a strong response. I am certain you will receive many well deserved accolades from the Monroe cocommunity. I can say with out any reservation I loved this man. The world is a better place as a result of his time here.
    03/19/2021 12:44 am
    Judy Scott writes,
    Always remember Dr Del’s kindness to his patients and our ER staff. Very patient and kind to everyone. Prayers for the entire family. He called me Jude. From Monroe, Michigan
    03/19/2021 10:32 am
    Regina and John Powell and family lit a candle and writes,
    Our hearts are filled with sadness hearing about the loss of Dr. del Rosario. He was such a wonderful, kind person, and so proud of his family. I will always remember his smiling face and loving demeanor, it was truly a pleasure to know him. May Dr. del Rosario rest peacefully, as looks down upon you. May each of you feel comforted through the beautiful memories he leaves with you. We are sending our love and sincerest condolences during this difficult time. Regina and John
    03/19/2021 11:26 am
    Thomas and Marilyn Laboe writes,
    Juliet and family, We send all of you our thoughts and prayers. We have wonderful memories from your time in Monroe, MI. Joe was a gifted surgeon and a kind and compassionate man. Renee and Anthony send their regards to Joyce and Joe. Our son Tim is a priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, and we will ask him to offer Mass for the repose of Joe's soul. May he rest in peace. Marilyn and Tom Laboe
    03/19/2021 11:31 am
    Barney and Leona Nilo writes,
    He was family surgeon for many years may you rest in peace . He will be in our prayers 🙏🏼❤️
    03/19/2021 11:45 am
    Robert Marsh lit a candle and writes,
    I was blessed to have Joe and Juliet come into my life. They are two of the finest people who I have had the privilege to know. I so admired Joe for his lifetime of helping people. I will miss him. My condolences go to Juliet for her loss. Maybe Joe will run into my wife, Dolores, in Heaven ❤️
    03/19/2021 12:12 pm
    Gracie Hopkins lit a candle and writes,
    My thoughts and prayers go out to the Juliet and her family. I first met the Del Rosarios working my first job as a dining room server at the Summit. They left a meaningful mark on me and I am forever grateful that I had the absolute honor of meeting them. All my love for you
    03/19/2021 12:42 pm
    Marilyn Goldstein lit a candle and writes,
    What sad news! My most sincere condolences are with Joe and Juliet.
    03/19/2021 01:11 pm
    Joseph Cusumano writes,
    Del Rosario family, I know we've never met, but I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am that Dr. Del has passed away. He performed surgery on just about everyone in my family, me twice. I always held him in very high regard, not just because of his talents as a surgeon, but also because he was a very good man. We seem to have a great shortage of them these days and now that he's passed, we have even less. I grew up in Monroe, Michigan and he lived in the neighborhood across from ours. As a kid, we would see him either coming from or going to work in his Magnum P.I. style Ferrari, cruising through the neighborhood. You'd think that a guy that successful wouldn't give you the time of day, but he genuinely was a very nice guy. We were all sorry to hear that he was retiring and leaving Monroe, but family is far more important, especially in a small town. I'm very sure that all of us whose lives were saved and improved by Dr. Del are all sending out our love and prayers to your family. He's definitely earned his spot in paradise.
    03/19/2021 03:10 pm
    Gretchen Sheets Vandenberghe lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest sympathy to Mrs. del Rosario and to her family, especially J. Patricia, Many here in Monroe still remember Dr. del and what a wonderful Dr. and person he was. I was good friends with J. Patricia in grade school and high school and have many wonderful memories of time spent together. Another friend from high school informed me of Dr. del’s passing, Kris Krueger Miller, who also sends her deepest sympathy.
    03/19/2021 04:03 pm
    Vincent & Mary Rossi writes,
    Our prayers are with your family. When our daughter was 13, she had a ruptured appendix. Dr. del Rosario was the attending physician. She was very ill and Dr. del did a wonderful job with surgery and restoring her to health. We never forgot his kind manner and concern. She is now 58 years old. My husband often walked to work during the winter months. Dr. del would often stop him on the road and offer him a ride. Dr. del was the real deal. We are sorry for your loss and may you find comfort in Knowing how much he touched the people of Monroe, Michigan. Vince and Mary Rossi
    03/19/2021 04:26 pm
    Anthony Tisone lit a candle and writes,
    Im very sorry to hear of your passing. Unfortunately we only had a short time together but you made a huge impact on my life. Your smile and personality and true character would make my every day when i would make you a meal and see that smile, in that short time that I had to chance to speak to you we traded laughter and meals you made me feel like family.
    03/19/2021 08:17 pm
    Francisco Del Rosario LEGASPI & family lit a candle and writes,
    Kuya Pepito operated on a cyst on my left earlobe when I was in High School at Pasig City,Philippines where he had a clinic. He did a very good job that now I am 72 and it never came back. Several days back I remembered him and then came the news of his passing on to FULL-NESS OF LIFE!!! Many have attested to his being a great surgeon, very kind and caring to his patients and truly a compassionate human being always smiling . Prayers for Ate Juliet,Dr. Fernando and Mylene, Jo Patricia and Jose Jr. and their families . Kuya Pepito is now PEACE,LOVE,JOY,LIGHT IN GOD’S LIGHT!!!
    03/20/2021 02:26 am
    Portia and Michael Procy writes,
    So sad for the family and friends of this great man. No doctor will ever be as good a doctor or friend than Dr. Del. He was the best in Monroe and me and my family trusted and loved him. Have great memories ❤️
    03/20/2021 05:35 am
    Ron Fear lit a candle and writes,
    I’m so saddened to hear about Dr. Del’s passing. His Monroe Michigan family were so blessed to have him and his family a part of our community here. I remember his dear wife Juliet she was a good customer at my store Alladins in Monroe. Wishing the family the strength to heal from his passing and know that all of us in Monroe are grateful for all he did for the people of this city.
    03/20/2021 10:47 am
    Wilbur & Martha Robbins lit a candle and writes,
    Such a great man. Our sympathies for the family. Anyone that you ever talked to always had good things to say of Dr. Del . He was the best. He never forgot a patient's name. He will truly be missed by many. God Bless
    03/20/2021 11:32 am
    Jill Bolster (D'Alessandri) lit a candle and writes,
    Back in 1982, I was out with some friends and we got into a car accident and hit a tree. My friends ended up taking me to Mercy Hospital because I had passed out on the way home to my house. This is was the beginning of a long friendship with Dr. Del. The night of my accident, Dr. Del was working in the ER and he was asked to consult on my case, he immediately took me into emergency surgery and repaired a severed Aorta and removed my kidney. He told my parents that if I would have gone home that night, I would have bled to death in my sleep. Dr. Del was vigilant at my side the entire night even after taking me into a second surgery to fix a bleeder. He was easily at the hospital for at least 36 hours, never really leaving my side. Dr. Del saved my life that night. I owe him everything and all he asked of me was to stay out of trouble!! Such a selfless man and a beautiful soul. I would run into him several times over the years and he always remembered me and called me by name. Such a wonderful, skillful man with a heart of gold. I will always remember you, Dr. Del. There will never be another doctor like you, with your greatness to walk through those hospital doors. Your legacy will live on and on in Monroe and for this, I am eternally grateful!!
    03/20/2021 11:49 am
    Dr.S.R. Nair and Rema Nair writes,
    So sorry to hear the sad demise of Dr. Del. I knew him for for more than 40 years. Our heart felt condolences to Juliet and the family. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
    03/20/2021 02:02 pm
    Nancy Kuriwchak writes,
    My heart goes out to his family. Dr. Del was a GREAT Doctor I and my Daughter had him for our Doctor until he retired we hated to see him go he was the Best . There will never be any Doctor that can take his place. He had the best bed side manners never seen in any other doctor My Prayers go out to you R.I.P. Dr. Del you will be missed
    03/20/2021 07:41 pm
    Cody Barnes lit a candle and writes,
    I have never forgoten the way you took care of my father until his death and the way you comforted my family.my condolences to your family. RIP the great Dr.Del
    03/20/2021 11:00 pm
    Debora lit a candle and writes,
    What a wonderful person and Doctor who served the community of Monroe with a gentle ❤️. He was a great Doctor and I always enjoyed talking with him at MMH. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
    03/22/2021 01:46 am
    Cecelia Clifford writes,
    May I extend my sincere sympathy to Mrs. Del Rosario and family. He was the best Dr. Monroe was fortunate to have. He was fondly called Dr. Del by all. RIP Dr. Del
    03/22/2021 07:27 am
    Joanne and Billy Hawkins lit a candle and writes,
    Sending our condolences to the family . May God comfort the family through this sad time.
    03/22/2021 07:37 am
    Elizabeth P Silverio writes,
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you Auntie Juliet and family. I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the memory of his love, in the loss felt by each and every person/ family whose life he has touched by his innate goodness and excellent services as a surgeon and most of all in the thought that he will now take his rightful place in Paradise.
    03/22/2021 08:35 am
    Renee Saul writes,
    Dear family of Dr Del May God surround you with His comfort and peace as you grieve with much love for your wonderful husband father grandfather brother Dr Del My husband Don(whom Doc operated on) and I worked with him for many years a MMH...such a gentle soul gifted surgeon always with a smile he will be remembered fondly.
    03/22/2021 08:38 am
    April McHale-Strickler lit a candle and writes,
    Our sincerest condolences to all of you on the loss of Uncle Pito. I have so many fond memories of going to your house over the summers growing up. When I decided to get my Master’s in Nursing, I remember the only person I was worried about disappointing was your dad (since he wanted me to be a CRNA). Hoping he wasn’t too disappointed in me becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. He’ll be missed by all of us. Love and prayers to you all.
    03/22/2021 06:12 pm
    Rosalie Pasko lit a candle and writes,
    Dearest Juliet and children, It is with a sad heart I read your beautiful well-done obituary of Del. You wrote a very nice tribute to him, and it brought back memories. John always thought of him like a brother and they had great times together. John passed away June 10, so I am sure they are up there joking and laughing like old times. I know this is such a trying time to plan any remembrance of your loved one, but you have done a nice job. Love to you all, Rosalie Pasko.
    03/24/2021 10:49 am
    ihsan haq nusrat haq writes,
    Dear Juliet, we are so sorry,to hear about Joe. Nice memories of good times and friendship.Our prayers are for him and the family , and shall remember him as the nice and gentle kind man he always was. His service and dedication to his profession and life and family are definitely exemplary.May Lords blessing shower him, with best rewards and place in heaven. Amen
    03/24/2021 04:34 pm
    ihsan haq nusrat haq writes,
    Dear Juliet, We are so sorry to hear about Joe. Nice memories of good times and friendship. Our prayers are for him and the family. We shall remember him as the nice and gentle kind man he always was. His service and dedication to his profession and life and family are definitely exemplary. May Lord's blessing shower him, with best rewards and place in heaven. Amen
    03/24/2021 04:38 pm
    Kathy Costello writes,
    My deepest condolences to to Dr. Del. Family. That’s what we called him DR.Del. So many wonderful memories, we all have working so closely with him in mercy memorial hospital surgery Department. He will always have friends that will remember him. My deepest sympathy to his family Kathy Costello
    03/26/2021 12:21 pm
    Jan Carlson writes,
    Oh Dr Del, Bless your heart. For many years, you took such wonderful care of my Precious Mother, Naomi Carlson, and me. She really loved you as did my Dad and I. You are now in Heaven and I’m certain she and my Precious Dad, have already greeted you there. God Bless you and yours, With love, Jan Carlson
    03/28/2021 03:32 pm
    Robbin Stokes writes,
    In 1974, fairly new resident of Monroe, I was admitted to the hospital through the ER. Not yet having a physician in the area I was assigned to Dr Del as he was the on call physician that night. I could not have had anyone more qualified, compassionate and caring - yet still a personable and down to earth person. He was thorough in finding my problem and performed surgery. I returned to him on a few other occasions over the years and had another surgery sometime later. Dr Del would have always been my first choice. And it was obvious the respect he was given throughout the community and by others in the medical field. A true testament to his skill and also to his personal character, ethics and standards. A role model on a life worth remembering.
    04/04/2021 10:58 am
    Royce. Rose Ann Maniko writes,
    Our heart felt sympathy Juliet and family. We have such fond memories of Dr Del and Joe Jr. in particular because our son Jack and all the other boys always having things to do in the neighborhood. Dr. Del was known for being the very best at Mercy Memorial, wonderful reputation. God Bless you and your family at this sorrowful time and may he Rest In Peace
    04/25/2021 05:36 pm

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