Boris Serrano Imperial M.D.

Boris S. Imperial, M.D. Psychiatrist dies at 94.

Dr. Boris Imperial died peacefully on January 13, 2023.  Born in Cavite City, Philippines to Elvira Ganuran Serrano Imperial and Gregorio Estrada Imperial, he earned his medical degree from The University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He began his medical career as a ship’s doctor for the Philippine Steam Navigation Company.  Dr. Imperial married Socorro (Corrine) Pagalilauan in 1956.  He then immigrated to the Yonkers, New York in 1957 to begin his career in the United States.  Mrs. Imperial followed her husband to New York in 1958.

After residencies in surgery and psychiatry, he chose psychiatry. Dr. Imperial’s professional path took him to Binghamton, New York; Saskatoon and North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri; Jamestown, North Dakota; and Terre Haute, Indiana. Dr. Imperial began private practice in 1976 in Terre Haute until retiring from private practice in 2000.  He continued to practice psychiatry as a Locum Tenens and fully retired in 2015 at age 87.  He was passionate about his work and helped countless people throughout his career.

Boris and Corrine lived through the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II. During family gatherings they told fascinating stories about the war and encounters with the Japanese military. Boris saw firsthand how his father, Gregorio Imperial, who was a District Engineer, assisted the American troops in the retaking of northern Luzon in the Philippines.

Boris was the fourth of ten children whose mother died during the war.  The siblings, ranging in ages 2 to 16 at that time, depended on each other and their father to survive.  They remained close throughout their lives and instilled the importance of family to their children.

Boris and Corrine were avid travelers throughout their lives both at home and abroad. Dr. Imperial was a voracious reader until the very end.  He was especially interested in world history and he always amazed his family with his deep knowledge and insights.

Boris and Corrine were longtime members of St. Margaret – Mary Catholic Church in Terre Haute and current members of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carmel. He was a man of deep faith and his love of Christ gave him strength throughout his entire life. His generosity extended to many Catholic charities and other organizations.

Dr. Imperial is survived by his wife, Socorro Pagalilauan Imperial, of 67 years and their children: Olga Imperial Keegan (Don), Leo Imperial (Tina), John Imperial (Jean Deering), grandchildren: Taylor, Luke and Ian Bossung, Alaina Keegan, Tessa and Austin Imperial, Azra and Amira Imperial. He was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Milo and Remy Bossung. He also has one remaining younger brother in the Philippines, Enrique (Ike) Imperial.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in the mausoleum chapel.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the chapel.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Meinrad Archabbey Monastery in St. Meinrad, IN or Carmelite Monastery in Terre Haute, IN.  Arrangements were entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Carmel.  Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.