Dr. Gerardo G. Vergara, 77, passed away on August 30, 2016. Visitation will be held on Mon. Sept 5 from 5-7 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS 66223. A rosary will be prayed at 5pm. A Mass of Christian burial Tuesday, September 6 at 10am at the church. A graveside service will be held at 1pm at Resurrection Cemetery at 83rd & Quivira. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.
Gerardo, “Gerry”, was born on September 30, 1938 in Isabela, Negros Occidental, Philippines to Marciano C. Vergara, Sr. and Paz G. Getalada. Gerry received his Medical Degree in 1964 from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. In the same year, he migrated to Kansas City to complete his internship and General Surgery residency at Menorah Medical Hospital, and Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Thus began his life immensely devoted to medicine and his patients. He even went as far as to bring his practices to the US Army Reserve as a physician. He retired as a Lt. Colonel. “He practiced pathology for greater than 40 years in the Kansas City area, where he was highly respected for his diagnostic skills and his uncompromising professional standards. He saw no efforts too great to make in his contribution to the quality of patient care. His wise counsel and kindness enriched all who knew him,” words of his best friend Dr. Allan Fleming.
Friends of Gerry and anyone else around him can easily say he was a very loving, generous, caring, helpful, romantic, and forgiving man. Most importantly, he was compassionate and fun. Gerry was always the life of the party. He loved hosting parties at his house with great food, wine and live music. He had the capability to draw out genuine smiles, laughter, and enjoyment from anyone. Everyone who joined him for dinner or a party always heard him preach the stories and benefits of having one glass of red wine a day. He loved the company of people as much as they loved his company. He found joy in sharing his music, one of his greatest passions. Gerry loved playing the piano, violin, and composing songs. He was also a graceful dancer.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Sheelah Changho. His children:Gerelean, Herbert (Jasmine), Gerard, Hans (Rowena), Maria (Michael), and Wendy. His grandchildren:Victoria, Wolfgang, Ethan, Asher, Nicholas, Isabella, Joshua, Benjamin, Jesse, Sam, and Paul.
May our loving Savior bless the Vergara family with his love, strength, and healing during this difficult time.
He is a quiet and gentle soul. Sad news so sudden. I can’t believe Uncle Narding is gone.