Norberto F. Poquiz

Norberto Frias Poquiz peacefully passed away on August 1, 2022, after an extended bout of pneumonia. Known to all as simply Bert, he was born on June 10, 1941 into meager means in a small village in Pangasinan, Philippines. He was the eldest of a very large family. As the eldest, he was responsible for taking care of his younger brothers and sisters. Bert had a colorful childhood, and it was decided that he would enter the seminary. Thankfully, he met his future bride, Celerina, and those plans were changed. Bert and Cely were married on March 5, 1967. His family sacrificed, and he was the first to go to college and eventually medical school at Far Eastern University. His first son was born in January of 1969 during his anesthesia residency. In December of 1969, he and his wife immigrated to the United States and first lived in Seattle, WA. Their second son was born there in July of 1970. In November of 1973 they moved to New York City to continue his medical training. There his third and final son was born in February, 1974. He was transferred to Salt Lake City, UT to complete his anesthesia residency. After completing his residency, in July of 1977, he chose to serve in the United States Air Force as a physician officer. He was sent to Carswell Air Force Base in Ft. Worth, TX where he completed his service in the Air Force and was honorably discharged as a Major. He then entered private practice in North Richland Hills and eventually completed his career at St. Joseph Hospital in Ft. Worth. He moved to Arlington, TX in December 2008 and retired from medicine in 2011. Bert was always very involved in the community. He was one of the founders and past president of the North Texas Association of Philippine Physicians. He and his wife enjoyed the company of their many friends over the years. He was easy to locate at parties surrounded by large groups while loudly telling one of his favorite stories, often breaking out into his traditional booming laugh before the story ended. Bert and Cely traveled extensively, especially enjoying many cruises with family and friends.

A strong supporter of Catholic Education, Bert sent his sons to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, St. John the Apostle Catholic School, and Nolan Catholic High School. His passion was to sponsor students in the Philippines that otherwise would not be able to afford college. He always remembered the hardships he himself endured going to school and wanted to pass on the blessings of a good education to others less fortunate. He was very proud of the sixteen students from his hometown whose college education he fully funded. He also loved attending the activities of his eight grandchildren. He donated his time and talents for several medical missions. Later in life, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. Through the prayers of his family and his own personal strength, he beat that diagnosis and went on to conquer cancer three more times. He was a board member of Far Eastern University and a sponsor of the Fil Am Life Association. He and his wife were active members at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Arlington, TX. He especially enjoyed the fellowship of the church Men’s Club. He spent most of his last days tending to his plants and garden and spending time with the love of his life, his wife.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Celerina, his sons Raymund (Jane), Dennis (Karen) and John (Michele), and grandchildren Grant, Lauren, Parker, Noelle, Paris, Jenna, Joshua, and Tristan and numerous siblings, nieces and nephews.

May the Lord accept him into his Kingdom where he is assuredly entertaining the angels with his stories and laughter.