Obituary for Dr. Godofredo P. Torres
Dr. Godofredo P. Torres, 84, died on Friday, March 31, 2017 in Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City, CA. He is predeceased by his wife, Fe, who passed away in 2015. He leaves behind his daughter, Evelyn Torres; his son, Roland Torres and his wife, Victoria Torres; his grandson, Nathan Torres; many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and close friends.
Born in Indang Cavite, Philippines, he was the son of Isidora and Francisco Torres. He and his six siblings then completed their high school and college educations while residing in Quezon City, Philippines. After completing his undergraduate degree in the University of the Philippines, he pursued his medical degree at Far Eastern University (FEU) School of Medicine. It is there where he met his wife of 56 years, Fe Nori Ganibi.
In 1957, Fred was awarded Outstanding Medical Graduate of FEU School of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency in General Surgery at FEU Hospital, where he was a Clinical Instructor, then Assistant Clinical Professor of General Surgery. Fred and Fe had thriving private medical practices in Manila; he in Surgery, she in Pediatrics. During this time, Fe gave birth to their two children, Roland and Evelyn. They lived fun and busy lives with their numerous friends, colleagues, and family members.
In 1967, the family immigrated to the United States. As a foreign medical graduate, Fred passed the ECFMG and completed his rotating internship at St. Luke’s Hospital, San Francisco. He became an active staff member of St. Luke’s Hospital in 1970 and was Chairman of Family Practice from 1982-1984. He opened his first medical office in San Francisco’s Mission District. He was a dedicated family practitioner, committed to providing the best care and maintaining the health and well-being of all his patients. He opened a second medical office in South San Francisco in 1983 and after two years, moved full time to his South San Francisco office. Many of his patients from San Francisco followed him to the Peninsula. He was an active staff member at Seton Medical Center in Daly City, CA while retaining staff privileges St. Luke’s Hospital.
Fred was a staunch advocate of promoting fellow foreign medical graduates in the Bay Area. As a member and former President of the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California, he fostered unity and support of the medical practices of ALL foreign medical graduates, regardless of country of origin.
His loyalty and dedication to his alma mater, FEU School of Medicine, was boundless. He helped organize a medical foundation in the United States which raised and donated funds to improve the medical school facilities, to donate new medical equipment to the hospital, and provide full scholarships to needy medical students. For his efforts, he was recognized by the medical school as well as the City of Manila.
In addition to his medical accomplishments, Godofredo was the first president and had a major role in establishing the Indang Cavite Association of Northern California—an organization that, for over 35 years, has been instrumental in providing scholarships for students pursuing degrees at Cavite State University in Indang, Philippines. This organization has provided a means of aid towards academic achievement, social networking, and a foundation in which individuals can make lasting memories celebrating Filipino heritage here in the United States.
Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He enjoyed travelling the globe with his loving wife, Fe, and his children, Roland and Evelyn. He took pleasure in eating at various restaurants in the Bay Area, but his favorite cuisine was Filipino food. After retiring from medical practice, his daily routine consisted of reading a San Francisco Chronicle while having breakfast at McDonalds or a favorite corner café. Being a kind and social man, he looked forward to running into friends, colleagues, and former patients at Serramonte Center in Daly City and taking the occasional trip to the casino. His ready smile, quick wit, and generosity to all will be missed.
Family and friends are welcome to visit at Cypress Lawn Tiffany Chapel on April 22 and April 23, 5-8pm. Rosary will begin at 5:30pm on April 22, and Vigil Service on April 23 at 5:30pm. Funeral service will be on April 24, 10:00am at Cypress Lawn Tiffany Chapel.