Melchor Mallare

Dr. Melchor “Mel” Pulido Mallare, Sr. passed away Thursday, February 22, 2018, at the age of 92 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, surrounded by family.  Mel was born in the Philippines on December 26, 1925, to the late Don Saturnino Mallare and Zoila Pulido.  His parents died when Mel was a young child and so he was raised by his siblings, spending much of his childhood with his eldest brother’s family and his eight nephews and nieces.  His nephew, Rudy, just a few years Mel’s junior, remained his lifelong friend and confidant. Mel completed medical school at the University of the Philippines in 1954 and immigrated to the United States to complete his surgical residency at St Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York, where he met his future wife, Gina.  Mel and Gina were married in 1959.  They moved to Miami, Florida, where Mel completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery in 1962.  They then lived briefly in Kentucky before settling in Danville, Virginia in 1963 where they raised their family.  Mel was a beloved general practitioner and thoracic surgeon, and is remembered for providing passionate and tireless care to his patients. To Mel, family always came first, and he treasured any opportunity to be surrounded by family, friends, love, and laughter.  He particularly enjoyed family trips to the beach, where he would spend countless hours casting his net for shrimp and fish.  He was an ardent storyteller, always beginning with his signature phrase “In fact, it’s amazing,” which embodied his approach to life— he cherished and celebrated each moment as a gift.  Mel was the consummate sports fan, and especially enjoyed golf.  His ability to recall details of almost any sporting event was legendary. Mel is predeceased in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Regina “Gina” Mallare and son, Michael Mallare.  He is survived by his children, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Mallare and fiancé David Morgan, Kathy Victor and husband Charles, Alicia Neu and husband Michael, Melissa Newton and husband John, Melchor Mallare and wife Maria, Christopher Mallare and wife Beth, Jeffrey Mallare and wife Jennifer.  He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren:  Sarah and Meghan Mallare, Andrew, Nathan and Bryce Victor, Elizabeth and Rachel Neu, Jeffrey, Katherine and Matthew Newton, Caroline Mallare, Cameron, Kayleigh and Morgan Mallare and Sophia Mallare, as well as numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on March 10, 2018, at Sacred Heart Church in Danville, Virginia.  Visitation begins at 10 a.m. with a funeral mass at 11 a.m.  Gravesite burial will immediately follow.  Memorial Contributions for Mel can be made to The Michael Mallare Scholarship Fund at Sacred Heart School, 540 Central Blvd, Danville, VA 24541.