Dr. Ernesto Duterte

DUTERTE,  Dr. Ernesto Saldana , 74 of Flint, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2020, with family by his side. Ernie, as he is fondly called, is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Clarinda Soriano Duterte a registered nurse, daughters Michelle (Stephen) Galbraith and Lorelei (Robert) Grabarsky, son Ernesto, Jr. and four grandchildren whom he adored, Mia, Rhea, Olivia and Dylan. He leaves behind loving cousins, nieces and nephews, countless loved ones and friends whose lives he touched. He had trusting, loyal patients that had been under his care thru the years for whom he refused to retire. Known for his kindness, gregariousness and generosity, he was beloved by family, friends and community. He led a life defined by compassion, charity, integrity and he always made every effort to be there for a birth, graduation, game, meet or performance. He is preceded in death by his parents Emilia and Filomeno Jr. and brothers Filomeno III, Raphael and Eduardo Duterte. Dr. Duterte, emigrated from the Philippines to the United States as a young man after graduating from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine. He specialized in Internal Medicine, after residencies at McLaren Medical Center and Hurley Medical Center. He founded a solo practice caring for patients in the greater Flint area for 43 years. Dr. Duterte was an Assistant Clinical Professor at Michigan State University College of Medicine for 25 years. He helped train and prepare the next generation of physicians in Michigan. He served as the Vice Chief of Staff for a number of years at McLaren Regional Medical Center, as Chairman of the Credentials Committee, as Member of the Executive Committee, Ethics, Bylaws and the Professional Conduct Committee, Utilization Management Committee as well as many others. He also served the Michigan State Medical Society as Chairman of the Orientation and Policy Committee and was an active member of the Genesee County Medical Society. These were just some of the many ways he gave back to the community in his profession. Ernie was about living life to the fullest and sharing that zest with everyone. He strived for perfection, but what he truly believed, was doing your absolute best and inspired everyone around him to do the same. If he wasn’t in the office, doing rounds at the hospital or in board meetings, he’d be on the golf course with his buddies competing for skins or winning the championships at Flushing Valley Country Club and GCMS Invitational Tournaments. Ernie was a master juggler; from doting on his private practice patients for over four decades, to fundraising for his alma matter UERMMMC for over a decade, to hitting the greens with his cronies, to fostering his cultural roots by being active with the Philippine American Association of Greater Flint as folk dancer and as a seasonal Philippine Medical Association of Michigan choir member. He was an avid fan of the Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Lions. Dr. Duterte was a devout member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. His highest priority in life was his faith in God and his family. He enjoyed spending quality time with loved ones, taking great pleasure traveling near and far and creating long lasting memories. His love was shared not only with his immediate family, but also with his extended family all over the world. He made it a point to bring families together and was looked up to for advice by all. He made everyone he touched feel important. His laughter, storytelling and singing will be sorely missed by his family and those who knew and loved him and his company. This is why it is so difficult to let him go. His passing is an incredible loss not only to our family, but to our whole community. We are going to miss you so much "Grandpa Doctor" and though you left this earth, we know that you are watching over us from above. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 AM, Saturday, Nov 14 at St. Mary  Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 4413 Morrish Road, Swartz Creek. Interment will take place at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-6 PM Thursday, Nov 12 and Friday, Nov 13 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.