Dr. Gabriel Gutierrez Sanchez Sr.

Dr. Gabriel Gutierrez Sanchez was born in Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines, to Francisco Jimenez Sanchez and Caridad Cuizon Gutierrez on February 28, 1941. He graduated from University of San Carlos, and the Cebu Institute of Medicine (Class of 1964). He worked as a Medical Doctor for 57 years, even after he was diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Gabriel G. Sanchez started his career in the Philippines as a physician in private practice as a Surgeon, specializing in Internal Medicine. He later emigrated to Canada where he completed his residency in Emergency Medicine, when Emergency Medicine was in its infancy as a specialty. Dr. Gabriel G. Sanchez then immigrated to the United States and worked as an ER doctor in Louisville, Kentucky, St. Petersburg, Florida, Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Tampa, Florida, and still held a active medical licenses in the State of Oklahoma, and the Philippines. Dr. Gabriel G. Sanchez also was in private practice as a Family Physician and opened a wound care clinic in Palm Harbor, Florida, and in his native Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. He was an old school doctor in that he made “house calls” to the homes of his elderly patients, and those patients who were not able to travel to his clinics. Over decades, Dr. Gabriel G. Sanchez served as Medical Director of the Emergency Department and Chief of Staff at Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital (n/k/a Florida Hospital North Pinellas Hospital), and Town and Country Community Hospital (n/k/a Tampa Community Hospital). All while he undertook extensive training and served as an Inspector/Surveyor for The Joint Commission, which allowed him to travel throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Throughout and during the twilight of his medical career, Dr. Gabriel G. Sanchez simultaneously worked for and held Medical Directorships for an ambulance company, plasma centers, urgent care clinics, and was a Principal Investigator for clinical trials for vaccines and medications. He was a strong advocate for training and continuing education, and mentored aspiring doctors, physician assistants, and nurses.

Dr. Gabriel G. Sanchez dedicated his life to taking care of his family (and family pets); and patients, and to that of service through various philanthropies, which included serving as President of The Lions Club International-Mandaue City Chapter; President of The Jaycees-Mandaue City Chapter; serving on the Board and as an officer of the local Rotary Club in Florida and in Cebu, Philippines; and many other organizations. During a brief return to Mandaue City, Cebu, he ran for political office during the City’s mayoral races. Although he later became a United States Citizen, Dr. Gabriel G. Sanchez was profoundly proud of his Filipino heritage. He was a founding and active member of the Philippine Cultural Foundation in Tampa, Florida, served on the PCFI Cultural Advisory Board, and supported the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center.

Dr. Gabriel Gutierrez Sanchez is preceded in death by his wife, Emerita Camacaylan (married 1968-1980); his wife, Kathleen Ann McHugh (married 1981-2011); his brothers, Cecilio G. Sanchez; Ambrosio G. Sanchez; Hilario G. Sanchez II; and Rufino G. Sanchez.

Dr. Gabriel Gutierrez Sanchez is survived by his children, Erlinda Caridad Sanchez Dowers (Wayne Rardin Dowers); Gabriel C. Sanchez, Jr. (Kelli Jane Fidler); Raul Francisco C. Sanchez III (Stephany Noel Paddock); his siblings, Emilio G. Sanchez; Pauline Bernadette Sanchez Sarabia (Eduardo Sarabia (D)), Francisco G. Sanchez, Jr.; Dominga Aurora Sanchez Manaloto (Reynaldo Manaloto); his grandchildren, Noelani Knaus (Travis Knaus)-their children (his great-grandchildren), Boston Peck, and Olivia Knaus; Emerita Susan Erlinda Sanchez; Francisco Charles Gabriel Sanchez; Carissa Fidler (Shelby Fidler)-their 2 daughters; Cody Fidler (Clarisa Chavez)-their 3 daughters; Corrin Fidler; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews; and Erlinda Maningo Beltran.

The Family will hold a private visitation.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Incarnation Catholic Church, 5124 Gateway Dr, Tampa, FL 3361. Arrangements are by Blount and Curry Funeral Home Oldsmar West Hillsborough Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa, Florida 33635.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Society of Cebu Institute of Medicine Alumni, Inc. (“ASOCIMAI”), 14416 Maple Ridge Court, Baldwin, MD 21013 (https://asocimai.org/home) for the Gabriel G. Sanchez, M.D. Memorial Scholarship Fund to assist in providing a scholarship to a deserving medical student at Dr. Gabriel G. Sanchez’s alma mater, Cebu Institute of Medicine.

The Family of Dr. Gabriel Gutierrez Sanchez wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his dear friends, Bethsaida Hernandez, Dr. Judith Cimafranca, Thomas White, R.N., Dr. Mark Foppe, and the doctors, nurses, and medical staff, especially Christy Mills Seyss, RN, at Bayfront Mease Countryside Hospital; and Seasons Hospice, and his extended family, friends, and colleagues for their support.