Roger David Suares

SUARES, Roger D., 73, of Plant City, Florida passed away on October 28, 2023. Roger was born on October 26, 1950 in Belgaum, India to the late Bell Joseph and Merlyn Alexandria (McGready) Suares. Roger is survived by his daughter, Erica Ann Suares, mother, Merlyn Suares, brother Keith Suares, and sister Jennifer Suares Arul. Roger was a doctor by profession, and moved from India to the United States in 1975. He was a graduate of the Montfort School in Yercaud, Loyola College, and Stanley Medical College in Chennai (Madras), India. After moving to America, Roger lived across the northeastern United States, finishing a residency program at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester, MA, and hospital fellowships in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. He settled in his beloved Florida in 1983. Roger was a resident of Plant City, Florida for most of his life, and practiced medicine in Lakeland for close to 40 years. He achieved his dream of being his own boss by opening Southside Medical Clinic in Lakeland, which recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary. A quintessential renaissance man, and bon vivant, Roger had varied interests and hobbies over his lifetime. He loved information, and was a lifelong learner of topics ranging from geography to art to the Animal Kingdom to politics, and more. He was an unmatched storyteller, and could discuss topics for hours. He loved traveling with his daughter Erica, and his yearly visits to see family in India, especially his dear mother, brother, and sister. Roger was a lighthearted soul, who traversed the ups and downs of life with ease, which came from his faith and trust in God. He regularly attended his parish church, St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City. Roger made time for so many – his family, his employees, his patients, and even his beloved Kitty. Knowing Roger meant you would have a fuller life, one of good humor and cheerfulness, as well as one full of depth, faith, character, and intellect. A visitation will be held Friday, November 10, 2023, 10 am – 12 pm at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be at 1:30 pm at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, Safety Harbor, and a graveside service will immediately follow Mass at 3 pm- 3:20 pm at Sylvan Memorial Park. Roger will be laid to rest in Clearwater at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, near his dear cousin Brenda and her husband Ron Pereira, who lived in Safety Harbor. A memorial tribute will also be held in Lakeland at Southside Medical Clinic on Saturday, December 2nd, from 2 pm to 5 pm.