FRESNO, CALIF. — Dr. Horacio A. Padua, 71, died peacefully in Fresno, Calif. on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 with his wife and children at his side.
Living both in Fresno and Upper Chateaugay Lake, Lyon Mountain N.Y. in retirement, Dr. Padua spent 25 years of his life in Malone as a general surgeon at then-named Alice Hyde Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Padua was born on April 1941 in Isabela Philippines where he grew up. He attended the University of the Philippines in Manila where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1962. He then attended medical school in Manila at Far Eastern University where he earned his M.D. in 1966.
Dr. Padua then immigrated to the United States where he began his surgical internship and residency at Bellevue Hospital and Jewish Memorial Hospital in New York City, which he completed in 1972. After practicing in surgery for a couple of years in the Bronx, he was recruited to come to Malone to be a general surgeon on staff at Alice Hyde in 1975.
During his career at Alice Hyde, Dr. Padua practiced all facets of general surgery including trauma, cancer surgery, and gastrointestinal surgery. He introduced more minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques to Alice Hyde. In addition to surgery, Dr. Padua also practiced primary care to many patients in the community.
During his tenure, Dr. Padua was a member of the American Society of General Surgeons, the New York State Society of General Surgeons, the Franklin County Medical Society, New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He also served a term as president of the Alice Hyde Medical Staff Organization. Dr. Padua was also an active member of the Rotary Club where he received a service award for his years of assistance with their eye donation program.
Dr. Padua was very committed to his patients and the Malone community. He enjoyed gardening at his home on Marion St. He also enjoyed fishing in the area. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time at his camp on Upper Chateaugay Lake, which he always considered his second home. He retired in 2000.
Most of all, Dr. Padua was most proud of his 46 year marriage and the raising of his three sons. Over the last two years, Dr. Padua had been enjoying his new role as grandfather immensely.
Dr. Padua is survived by his wife Adoracion (Dori) his three sons, Horacio (Harry) Padua Jr., Joseph, and Eric. A daughter-in-law Crista Martinez Padua and one granddaughter Alannah also survive him.
A small memorial mass for family will be held in Fresno on Dec. 14. No services are planned for Malone. In lieu of flowers, the Padua family is asking donations to be directed to the Alice Hyde Medical Center or the charity of your choice. Online donations to Alice Hyde Medical Center can be made on the hospital website www.alicehyde.com and click on the Give a Gift link where you can make a donation in honor of Dr. Padua. Alternatively, donations can be mailed to the Alice Hyde Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 133 Park Street, Malone, NY 12953.
