Dr. Renato V. Pizarro

Dr. Renato Vitalis Pizarro, a resident of Gresham, Oregon, died on May 10, 2010 in Clackamas. He was 73 years of age.

Renato was born on March 20, 1937 in Manila, Philippines and he was the son of Pio and Elvira (Basa) Pizarro. He was raised and educated in Santo Domingo, Philippines and graduated from University of Santo Tomas Medical School in 1960.

Renato started his medical practice as family physician in the Philippines. Even as young doctor, he was still able to gain respect and gratitude from his patients. After 10 years of private practice in the Philippines, he moved to Gresham, Oregon where he was a Public Health Physician for Multnomah County for 8 years. In 1981, Renato transferred to Dammasch, the former Oregon State Hospital that was located in Wilsonville. He served as a medical doctor for psychiatric patients at the facility and when the location of the Oregon State Hospital moved to Portland he transferred as well. He also worked as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Public Health and Preventative Medicine at Oregon Health and Sciences University. He retired from his profession in 2000.

Renato married Bella O. Luistro on September 25, 1960 in Manila, Philippines. They had three children and resided in the Gresham Area for 37 years where they were members of St. Henry Catholic Church and also St. Anne Catholic Church. Renato was also a member of the Knights of Columbus at the St. Henry Parish.

Renato had many other affiliations in the Portland including the Filipino American Association of Portland; he belonged to the American Geriatrics Society, The American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Diabetic Association and was a medical director for various nursing homes throughout the Portland Metro Area.

Renato was a hard worker; selfless and thoughtful. He took great pride in the care he provided his patients and developed many lasting relationships with those he cared for, especially with his patients in the Philippines who, even after many years, made a point to visit him every time he visited. He was quiet and reserved but had a subtle sense of humor that would take his family and friends off guard from time to time. He was a nurturer, a caregiver and the most generous husband and father that anyone could ask for. Renato also made time in his life for his favorite pastimes which included, fishing, camping, reading, watching movies and traveling. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.

Renato is survived by his wife, Bella of Gresham, daughter, Charisse (husband, Bob) Osilla of Portland, sons, Jet (wife, Ireen) Pizarro of Portland and Eric Pizarro of Santa Clara, CA, mother, Elvira Pizarro of San Francisco, sisters, Lourdes Pizarro of San Francisco, Irma Nery of Orange, CA and Teresita Gimeno of San Francisco and brother, Mariano Pizarro of The Philippines along with 1 granddaughter, Jade Osilla and numerous nieces and nephews. His father and his sister, Lirio Edora both preceded him in death.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 10:00 am at St. Anne Catholic Church in Portland. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 13th and Friday, May 14th from 10:00 am-8:00 pm with a Rosary on Friday, May 14th at 6:30 pm all at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. Interment will be at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of Dr. Renato Pizarro to the American Diabetes Association.