Ramon Balgoa Gustilo

Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo, age 94, of Eden Prairie, MN, and Manapla, Negros Occidental, Philippines, passed away peacefully at his family's home in Eden Prairie on December 19, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family and joins his beloved wife, Gloria Gustilo, who passed in August 2023. He received the final sacraments of the Catholic Church. A beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he leaves behind five children and their spouses: Melissa and Steven Hanson; Nicholas and Tracy Gustilo; Lillian Gustilo and Roderick Hamar; Christopher and Rinna Gustilo; and Tara and Gregory Gustilo. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous in-laws. Born on September 21, 1930, in Manapla, Negros Occidental, Philippines, Dr. Gustilo is also survived by his eldest sister, Theresa Fayette, and his younger siblings, Rudy Gustilo, Thelma Espeleta, and Dolores Galvan. He is fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and colleagues. Professional Legacy: Dr. Gustilo earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines in 1957 and, emigrating to the US, completed his orthopedic training at the University of Minnesota in 1964. His illustrious career included 25 years as Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center and being a founding member of the Philippine Orthopedic Institute in Makati, Manila. Dr. Gustilo was a leader in the orthopaedic community, being a skilled clinician and surgeon, educator, and mentor. The 1976 Gustilo-Andersen fracture classification system has been globally recognized and is taught to this day. Both in public and private practice in the U.S. for over 40 years, he did total knee and hip replacements on thousands of patients, and after his retirement in the United States, he continued to operate for over two decades in the Philippines. Through his international fellowship program, he trained over a hundred hand-picked fellows and residents from the United States, Asia and Europe. Especially through the biomechanics lab he founded at Hennepin County Medical Center, he published extensively in peer review journals as well as wrote four highly respected orthopaedic books. He also founded several medical societies in the U.S. and the Philippines. A prolific inventor, Dr. Gustilo held numerous patents for orthopedic implants and devices, significantly advancing the field of orthopedic surgery. His contributions were globally acknowledged, and he was a corresponding member of the National Academy of Science and Technology in the Philippines. This November, Dr. Gustilo was named in the 2024 "World's Top 2 Percent Scientists" list by Stanford University for his professional achievements. Commitment to Community: Since his retirement, he spent the majority of his time in the Philippines. On Luzon, he started the first Filipino orthopedics company, Orthopedics International, Inc. In his home island of Negros Occidental, he focused on investing in and developing his hometown of Manapla. He rebuilt and supported St. Roch, the local church, and started numerous businesses including the housing development of Villa Verde and Northland Town Resort and Hotel. The project most dear to his heart was building a state-of-the art hospital to provide health care to his Manaplahanon family and friends, the Dr. Ramon B. Gustilo Hospital. Dr. Gustilo's warmth, kindness, and dedication to his family, colleagues, and community were felt by all who knew him. He was an extraordinary person who lived an extraordinary life. Services: The wake will be on Sunday, December 29, from 2-5 PM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6820 St. Patrick's Lane, Edina, MN. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 30, at 10:00 AM at the same location. A reception will follow immediately after the service. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, 4403 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made per his request, Ramon and Gloria Gustilo Foundation, Inc., which provides support for college education for local, talented Filipinos as well as support for medical treatment for local indigent patients (email: bepzaguirre@yahoo.com) (not US tax deductible). Donations can also be made to SHARING AND CARING HANDS, sharingandcaringhands.org (501(c)(3)).

Tributes

Ramon Balgoa Gustilo

September 21, 1930 - December 19, 2024

Tributes

Ramon Balgoa Gustilo

September 21, 1930 - December 19, 2024

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