Dr. Danilo “Toto” Guanzon M.D., 79, of Morgantown, and formerly of Meadville, Pa., passed away in the embrace of his family and friends on Monday morning, Aug. 12, 2019, at JW Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
A man of few but well-chosen words, he was a remarkable presence, gentle and kind, celebrated for his wisdom and generosity.
He was born on Dec. 14, 1939, in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, Philippines, a son of the late Jose Barile Guanzon and the late Daniela Lacson Guanzon.
He received his medical degree in 1963 from the University of Santo Thomas in Manila at the age of 23. Following his residency in Urology at Meadowbrook Hospital, Long Island, N.Y., he moved to Conneautville, Pa., in 1972 where he practiced family medicine and often made house calls. Settling in Meadville, Pa., in 1977 with his family, he continued to practice Urology until 2015 in Meadville, Union City, Corry and Erie, Pa.
Dr. Guanzon was a member of the local Elks Club, Lions Club and Rotary Club in Meadville, Pa., and supported many other local organizations. He was a fixture at fundraising events, especially when it included meeting famous people and getting their autographs. Golf was his game, with many exploits involving the Van Clan and the Early Birds. Highlights include playing at St. Andrews in Scotland and getting a hole-in-one at Wailea Golf Club. He was a boxing enthusiast and an Elvis fan, with whom he shared a lush head of hair and affection for Las Vegas. He enjoyed traveling and Filipino feasts with his loved ones and friends. No dish of adobo was complete without his approval.
Dr. Guanzon’s pride and joy was his family including six children, Christine Battin and spouse Dr. John Battin of Morgantown, Brian Guanzon of Liberty, Tenn., Mark Guanzon of Pittsburgh, Nicole Cantwell and spouse Jeffrey of Philadelphia, and their mother Bonnie Hilbert of Spring, Texas, and Evan Guanzon of Rochester, N.Y., Noah Guanzon of Meadville, Pa., and their mother Jennifer Guanzon of Meadville, Pa.; grandchildren Connor Battin and spouse Courtney of Zelienople, Pa., Alexander Battin, and Kienan Battin of Morgantown, Austin Guanzon of Meadville, Pa., and Gavon Guanzon of Morgantown; his siblings, Edgardo Guanzon, Maria Elena Soriano and spouse Dr. Jose Soriano of the Philippines, and Ferdinand Guanzon and spouse Mary Ellen of Spring Valley, N.Y. He will also be remembered by his many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Othello Guanzon.
A gathering of family and friends to honor Dr. Guanzon’s life will be held at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville, from
2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. Dr. Guanzon’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Church in Meadville at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dr. Guanzon’s honor to the Rotary Club of Meadville, District 7280, P.O. Box 119, Meadville, PA 16335.
Locally, the family was assisted with professional services by Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover / Morgantown.
Condolences: www.smithfcc.com or www.waidcolemanfuneralhome.com
