Abraham Emperador Fontanilla

Abraham E. Fontanilla, MD, age 77, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at his home in Zionsville, Indiana, on October 21, 2020. Born April 17, 1943, in the Philippines, Abe graduated in 1969 from medical school at Far Eastern University (FEU) in Manila, after which he started training in Neurosurgery at North General Hospital, where he would meet his future wife, Angelita. In 1970, Abe moved to the United States and worked in the field of Alcohol & Addiction Rehabilitation in California. Abe returned to the Philippines in 1972 to marry Angelita after a 2-year long distance relationship. The couple moved to the United States, where Abe would complete his residency and training, leading to his lifetime’s work in General Surgery with an Abdominal Surgery specialty. Abe and Angie started up their private medical practice in Paterson, New Jersey, while living in Wayne, New Jersey, with their two children. In 1989, in order to pursue an opportunity to provide surgical care to a medically-underserved area, Abe and Angie moved from New Jersey to Greensburg, Indiana, where they would continue their medical practice and be known as “Dr. Abe and Dr. Angie” for the next 26 years until their retirement. Abe was an active member of the Indiana Board of Health, FEU Alumni Association, Indiana Philippine Medical Association (2000 President), Barangay Club of Indiana (Vice President and Board Member), Knights of Columbus, Block Rosary prayer groups, and the St Malachy Catholic Church parish. For several subsequent years, Abe participated in medical mission trips to the Philippines, where he would give back to his homeland in the form of free medical care and live-changing surgeries. In addition to community service, Abe enjoyed traveling with his family, especially road trips in the station wagon or van to the East Coast, the family’s annual December trip to Las Vegas, the family’s annual October trip to Maui, and international travel to Europe and Asia. Upon retirement, Abe would often be found at the weekly luncheon, monthly block rosary group, or casino with his wife and friends. After 6 months of being retired from private practice, Abe and Angie returned to work, serving as a hospital surgeon and pediatrician, respectively, in Watseka, Illinois, for 4 more years before officially retiring. One of his proudest moments was seeing his children graduate – Christine with her Bachelors, Masters, and PhD, and Anthony with his double-degree Bachelors. One of his best friends was a Maltese dog named Andre, who passed in 2003 and will welcome Abe to their forever home just as he did every day in Greensburg. Abe will be remembered for his jokes and sense of humor, unfailing work ethic, being an exceptional surgeon with a caring personality, a gifted ability of pencil-drawing portraits, unending luck at winning door prizes and raffles, and his “almost OK” reply when asked how he is doing. His memory will be kept alive by his loving, dedicated wife and longtime caretaker, Dr Angelita Fontanilla; daughter, Dr Christine Fontanilla; and son, Anthony Fontanilla. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, at St Malachy Catholic Church at 9833 E County Rd 750 N, Brownsburg, Indiana 46112. Father Michael O’Mara will graciously officiate. A viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan in Zionsville, Indiana. A live stream visitation will be available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a rosary service at 4 p.m. Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at Flanner Buchanan Funeral Home at 105 W Pine St, Zionsville, Indiana 46077.