Orlando Habibe was born on November 20, 1929 on the Caribbean Sea in the city of Santa Marta, Colombia. He passed away peacefully on May 25, 2022. His parents, Nicholas Habibe, and Elena Gnem, emigrated from the Holy Land during the last years of the Ottoman Empire. He was the 6th of 7 children (Marie, Nicholas, Olga, William, Clara, and Carmen), all of whom preceded him in death.
After the family immigrated to Santiago, Chile, around 1950, Orlando attended medical school at the University of Chile, graduating with his M.D. in 1957. After performing service in a rural hospital, he came to the U. S., to complete his medical training. After internship in Chicago, residency in Washington D.C., and fellowship in Jersey City, he came to California to be near his brother. After obtaining his citizenship and gaining his medical license, he met his wife of almost 58 years, Maria Monica Soloaga, in Newport Beach, where they married.
He came to Fresno and worked for 4 years as a Staff Internist at the VA Medical Center from 1965-1969. He then went into solo-private practice, working until his son Alex, took over the practice in 2005. Though retired, he still saw many of his long term patients until 2015.
His life was devoted to his family, friends, and patients. He provided medical care for many patients who had nowhere else to go. He enjoyed swimming, skiing, and tennis. He loved to travel and was able to give his children a chance to see other parts of the country and the world. He was always trying to learn something new, and no sacrifice was too great to assist others. He treasured the simple joys of sharing meals with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Maria Monica, his son Dr. Michael Habibe, Dr. Alex Habibe & wife Kristen, and daughter Monica Gilbert & husband Brandon. And the grandchildren he adored, Cameron, Natalie, and William.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00am in the Whitehurst chapel on Monday, June 13, 2022.
