Roberto A. Bacani, M.D. 1938-2026

Roberto (known as “Bob” to family and friends) was born May 13, 1938, in Quezon City, the Philippines.

As a young scholar, he excelled in school and graduated high school at the age of 14. Upon high school graduation, he attended the University of the East in Manila, graduating in 1961. Shortly afterwards, he emigrated to the United States, in 1962,

Dr. Bacani began his medical career in Youngstown, in the early 1960s, and was one of the area’s preeminent nephrologists in the Mahoning Valley. He was a pioneer in the study of kidney disease, establishing the area’s first hemodialysis unit at Northside Hospital in Youngstown in the early 1970s. At the time the unit opened, area options for such critical conditions were limited for patients needing alternative care.

Greatly admired by his patients and colleagues, with a career that spanned nearly six decades, he was recognized by the Mahoning County Medical Society naming him their “Distinguished Physician of the Year” in 2022.

He married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Fitzpatrick (aka ‘Beth’), in June 1965, after both meeting at Northside Hospital at the start of their health care careers — she as a nurse in training and he as a first-year resident. They raised their three children on the North Side of Youngstown and fostered lifelong friendships with numerous families to this day.

Bob was happiest in the company of his family and friends. His various interests over the years included photography, music (he loved playing his guitar), travel, history, golfing, skiing, playing cards with his PCPA group and was an avid moviegoer and book collector.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Beth, and is survived by his three children, Dante Bacani, Cynda Bacani Brainard and Robert Bacani. His two surviving grandchildren, Lily and Wilson Brainard, were adored by their “PopPop.”

Furthermore, he was predeceased by his parents, Alberto and Nina Bacani, and by his siblings, Lyda, Vina and Jose; he is survived by his youngest sister, Mimi.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation (https://www.kidney.org).

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, at Shriver Allison Courtley Funeral Home, 292 Madison Ave., Youngstown.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at St. Edward Church, 240 Tod Lane, Youngstown.

Arrangements by The McCauley Funeral Home, proudly serving the community for more than 124 years.

Send thoughts and condolences to the funeral home website www.mccauleyfuneral.com.

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