Rafaelito Tumbokon Legaspi, M.D.

February 20: 1948 - February 7: 2024

Rafaelito was born in Kalibo, Aklan Philippines. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose & Rafaelina, and sisters Mercedes, Joselyn, Iris, and Corazon.

He is survived by his sister, Consuelo, brothers-in-law, Joseph O'Toole, Marshall Peralta, & Victor D. Conanan and adopted siblings also nephew and niece Joseph C. Legaspi M.D. & Frances C. Legaspi. His nieces Ariane Legaspi Peralta, PhD , Paulyn Legaspi Cabagnot-David, MD & Phoebe Legaspi Cabagnot and nephew Frenz Legaspi Cabagnot. Also survived by his Auntie Cita & Auntie Esteling, as well as, cousins in United States and the Philippines.

He completed his Undergraduate Studies in University of the Philippines Diliman, and graduated top of his class of 1972-B at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.

During his time at UPCM, he met best friend & colleague Jose C. Gonzales, M.D.: Colegio de San Juan de Letran high school classmate & lifelong friend, Ben Asa, M.D.; Mu Sigma Phi brother & lifelong friend Ruben Yatco, M.D. and lifelong friend & colleague Linda Roque-Kerekes, M.D.

He completed his first year residency in General Surgery at Philippine General Hospital. He finished his residency in General Surgery and was Board Certified at Detroit Macomb Hospital in Detroit, MI June 1980.

In July 1980 he joined as a partner with Rodolfo M. Almase, M.D. to practice General Surgery in northwest Indiana. He retired January 2014 due to End Stage Renal Disease. He was in solo practice from 2003 to 2014. He practiced General Surgery for 34 years in Northwest Indiana. On September 15, 2015 he was able to extend his life with kidney donation from his adoptive sister/niece, Frances.

His favorite pastime was watching the Filipino Channel and all Asian Dramas. He frequently walked in Lincoln Center with his lifelong best friend, Linda Roque-Kerekes, her husband Istvan, along with Consuelo, and Frances. He was able to attend his 50 year University of the Philippines College of Medicine Class Reunion with his lifelong friends & classmates at Boston on July 2022. He led a humble and quiet life. His kindness and generosity is incomparable. In February 20, 2023 he celebrated his 75th birthday in his birthplace of Kalibo and in Manila with family & friends. He was considered fondly as a living saint by his loved ones for his devotion and sacrifice to provide for his family in the Philippines and United States. He joined his creator peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He will be missed infinitely.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, on Saturday, February 17, 2024, DIRECTLY AT St. John the Evangelist Church, 10701 Olcott Ave, St John, IN. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 9:00 AM until time of Mass. Services conclude at the church. Solan Pruzin Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.