Dr. Socrates M. Festin, 89, of Vero Beach, passed away on July 21 in Atlanta, Ga. with his wife, Mary Anne Morin Festin at his side.
Born in Odiongan, Romblon, Philippines. He was eldest son of Crispina and Simplicio Festin.
He is predeceased by his sister Libertad “Betty” Galicha (Lope), Venancia “Nancy” Maravilla, his brother Capt. Tomas (Ida), his brother Samuel (Alice), his brother Juan “Johnny”(Sancha), and his sister Zita Fradejas (Peking).
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann; sister Elsa Hufano (George); children Kathy (Ken Kraft), Karen (Jack Daley), Christine Festin, Diane (Douglas LaRoss) and Stephen (Christine Burak Festin). He was Papa Nonoy to his nephew Paul John Fradejas (Kim). He was the very proud grandfather (Lolo) of eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren with one more on the way. He was uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
Festin studied General Surgery at the University of the Philippines and emigrated to the United States in 1953. He was recruited to work at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, N.Y. as a surgeon and also over the years as an emergency room physician. In later years he continued to have a thriving private practice and worked in the South End Clinic in Albany caring for the less fortunate. His proudest career achievement prior to retirement was his induction into the Academy of Family Physicians as a Fellow.
After retiring to Florida, he continued to be a caring physician as a Senior Physician at the County Health Department in Vero Beach where he received many awards until he was 87 years old.
His life revolved around his family. He was devoted to his wife Mary Anne. A strong believer in higher education, Festin was very proud of the educational achievements of his children and grandchildren. Nothing gave “Lolo” more pleasure than spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and attending family events.
He was well known for his dancing skills and square dancing which he loved to show off at family weddings. Other than his love of family and grandchildren, his other passions were beaches, seafood, traveling in his RV, camping, and cooking Filipino food at Christmas. He had an infectious smile and a huge heart. He will be greatly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital so that in death, he may continue to help those in need.
