Dr. Julio Figueroa-Lugo

Keeping his memory alive are his wife of nearly 62 years, Myriam, and their children, Julio (Annette), Fernando (Debbie), and Maria (Robert), as well as loving grandchildren (Amanda, Julian, Jamie, Elena, Christian, Jonathan, Christopher, Tessa, and Ana).

After graduating from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1960, Julio trained in internal medicine at San Juan City Hospital and studied nephrology at the Cleveland Clinic under the tutelage of Dr. Willem Kolff, a pioneer in kidney dialysis and artificial organs. With that expertise, Julio moved to Ochsner Clinic-New Orleans in 1965 and was instrumental in bringing hemodialysis to south Louisiana. Because of his great devotion to his vulnerable kidney patients, he also spearheaded the creation of the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana to provide much needed assistance and programming. The Foundation also provides public information on prevention of kidney disease.

He held many leadership roles at Ochsner Clinic, but his titles were not why he chose to be a physician at the age of 4. For him, it was a labor of love; and those under his care were as touched by his empathy as they were by his expertise. He raised their spirits while working to improve their health. As a teacher, he trained many doctors in the art and science of medicine using his gifts of laughter and candor.

Those of us who called him Papi or Papito remember him as a committed parent who exemplified the beauty of family to celebrate the best of times and to sustain us in times of loss.

Ask his family what they loved in their Papito and you will get different answers but one clear theme: He wanted the best for them. We all remember how he freely gave of himself to help bring out the best in us. Ask his family and each will have a story where Papito opened a door for them to reach their best self.

How does a kid from the tiny town of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, come to fill such a large role in the lives of so many? Julio’s parents (Guillermina and Antonio) and his grandmother (Elvira) raised him to love people and work hard in service to others. He never forgot their gifts to him, and he made sure he paid their gifts forward in his family. In that small town, he was fortunate to meet his true love early in childhood. Myriam and Julio played as children and grew into a life-long loving relationship. Together they left the small town to make their mark on the mainland.

Besides medicine and being with family, Julio enjoyed gardening, traveling, and dancing/listening to live music. In addition to traditional Latin music, he learned to love opera and classical symphonic music at an early age. He had a deep appreciation for musicians’ artistry and generously supported the arts. Many in the family inherited his love of music.

No words can truly capture this man. But we who knew him will tell the stories, share the laughs, and shed the tears to honor this man we know still looks over us.

Peace, Papito.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana. https://www.kidneyla.org

Services will be held in San Antonio and New Orleans:

San Antonio – May 3, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Memorial Chapel at Oblate School of Theology, 285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78216.

New Orleans – May 18, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115.

*Everyone in attendance is required to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols in Texas and Louisiana which include wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing at all times. Thank you!