Rolando Guiang Paragas

PARAGAS, GALVEY

Posted By: Stacy Bliesener (email)
Date: 12/8/2014 at 20:35:29

Dr. Rolando Guiang Paragas M.D, 79, of Burlington, Iowa passed away peacefully at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on October 6, 2014. Throughout his 50+ years of pediatric practice in Southeast Iowa, Dr. Paragas touched the lives and hearts of many families. His children fondly remember the echoes of "Your dad is my doctor" over the years as Dr. Paragas grew his practice as a pediatrician. With his loving and beautiful wife, Liwayway, he made Burlington, Iowa his home.
Dr. Paragas was born in Pura Tarlac, Philippines on April 15, 1935. He graduated with his medical degree from Far Eastern University in 1957 and arrived in the United States in 1960. As a resident at St Barnabas Hospital, he met the love of his life, Liwayway Galvey, a surgical nurse. A short courtship ensued and Dr. Paragas and Liwayway Galvey married on May 5, 1963 in Jersey City, NJ. Their union produced 4 children: Suzanne (Eric), Richard (Jessica), Esther (Craig), Dawn (Chad) and 11 grandchildren: Avalon, Ethan, Madison, Jade, Tigerlily, Brynn, Caden, Jake, Cael, Ryan and Yazmin.
Dr. Paragas was a member of the American Pediatrics Association, American Medical Association and was recognized for years of service with Community Health Center of Southeast Iowa as outstanding physician services for the Burlington community. In addition, he received the distinguished service award from Iowa Community Action Association. Dr. Paragas worked tirelessly with Dr. Sixto Guiang for 40+ years in private practice. After which he briefly retired and returned to work as pediatrician at the Community Health Center. Dr. Paragas was a devoted lifetime parishioner of St. John's/St. Paul's Catholic Church where he served as Eucharistic minister. He generously gave his time, treasure, and talent to the people of Southeast Iowa.
He was dedicated to his family and enjoyed spending his free time with his many grandchildren. His enthusiasm was evident while watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and any other sports in which his grandchildren participated. His sense of humor and his laughter will be remembered and cherished. He was an incredible father, grandfather and husband. He was a kind soul and well loved by his patients. Many stories and memories have been told and retold as we remember his legacy as a physician in Burlington, Iowa. He was proud of his acceptance into this community which he loved. He felt that he was part of so many families and remembered each of his patients fondly.
Dr. Paragas was preceded in death by his mother, Ester, his father, Epifanio and his sister, Alicia Paragas. He is survived by his sister, Rebecca Orendain (Springfield, MO) and his brother, Epifanio Paragas, Jr (Philippines).
The Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 11th at St. Paul Catholic Church. The Rev. Father Marty Goetz will be the celebrant and Rev. Father Patrick Hilgendorf and Rev. Father Joseph Sia will concelebrate. The Des Moines County Resurrection Choir will provide music. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 10th at St. Paul Catholic Church where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 8:00 p.m.
Memorials have been established for SS John & Paul Catholic Church and the Burlington Notre Dame Foundation.

http://www.lunningfuneralchapel.com/obituary/128500/Rolando-Paragas-of-Burlington//
 

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