Dr. Manuel S. Tayao, a distinguished physician, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023, at his home with his family and caregiving team by his side. As his family reflects on his life, they are filled with both fond memories and a profound sense of loss.
A private family service will be held.
Dr. Tayao was born on Jan. 26, 1929, in Hagonoy, Bulacan. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Josefina Peña Tayao; children, Cordella (Mike), Manuelita (Anthony), Oscar, Josephine (Don), Anna Maria (Sam), Joselito; and grandchildren, Matthew, Malaya and Kobe.
Throughout his career, Dr. Tayao distinguished himself by pursuing opportunities for professional development and service to underserved populations. After graduating from the College of Medicine at the University of the Philippines in 1954, he achieved significant milestones. Here is a highlighted list of his notable accomplishments:
- Resident, general surgery, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massuchusetts.
- Chief resident, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, New York.
- Resident, thoracic surgery, Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, New York.
- Fellow, special surgery service, Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, New York City.
- USPHS fellow, cardiovascular surgery with Drs. Michael E. DeBakey and Denton Cooley, Houston, Texas.
- Surgical team surgeon, first kidney transplant, Philippines.
- Head of the open-heart surgical team, Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, Philippines.
- Head of the open-heart team and cardiac graft team, UP/PGH Hospital, Philippines.
- Chairman, Department of Surgery, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Philippines.
- Assistant professor, Department of Surgery, UP/PGH Medical Center, Philippines.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Tayao’s contributions to the medical field in the Philippines were diverse and impactful. His legacy as a surgeon who performed surgeries for free will forever remind us of the power of empathy, the importance of accessibility to health care, and the profound impact that a single individual can make in the lives of others.
Upon returning to the United States in 1979, he was the chief of surgical services for the Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas, and later transferred to the Fayetteville VA Medical Center in North Carolina. He also began his military career as a reservist for the U.S. Army in 1980. He was a veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In 1997, he retired from both the VA Medical Center and the U.S. Army Reserve as a colonel.
Playing tennis was a passion that he embraced in his younger years. His competitive spirit was a testament to his vitality and love for the sport. As he entered the golden years of his life, he pursued his passion for gardening, particularly his love for day lilies. Together with his wife, they participated in activities with the Seton Senior Citizens and Cumberland County Parks & Recreation. Throughout his life, he was an avid reader, and his love for books remained unwavering until the very end. Dr. Tayao’s dedication to his profession is a reminder of the transformative power of medicine and the importance of human connection in healing. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, N.C. 28301
Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Manuel S. Tayao, M.D., please visit our floral store.