Dr. Plaridel Palma Tordilla

Dr. Plaridel Palma Tordilla passed peacefully on the 19th of March, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. He will be remembered by his warm infectious smile, selflessness, piousness, generosity, compassion, and devotion to his wife Trudy of almost 52 years, and to their children, Dr. John, Dr. Jeffrey, and Dr. Jennifer, and Joey Tordilla, son-in-laws Dr. Hormuz Wadia, and Jeffrey Gray, and his grandchildren Rayana and RiZaal. He is survived by the families of his late brothers Achilles and Nestor Tordilla, his sister-in-law Lina Tordilla and family, his Aunt Emerita Palma Avila, and members of the Tordilla and Palma families.

Plaridel, “Ding,” was born on June 12, 1934 in Goa, Camarines Sur, Philippines in the Bicol region to his parents Jose Baldemore Tordilla and Asteria Palma Tordilla. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Medical School in 1964 and immigrated to the United States in 1967. He married his lovely bride Gertrudes Navalta Cudiamat in 1969.

Plaridel practiced pediatrics and anesthesiology at the Cumberland Hospital in Brooklyn, Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, Staten Island Hospital, and Beth Israel Hospital in New York City. He took care of the retired military at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home at King, in Waupaca, Wisconsin. He served the rural community in Man, West Virginia. Ding demonstrated dedication to his career and support to the impoverished people in the Philippines through medical missions, church services, and Filipino community outreach programs. He retired to Tampa, Florida, spending quality time and travelling the world with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was involved in the following organizations and shared many memories with the people he was blessed to know: Member of the American Medical Association and the Logan County Medical Association; Treasurer of the American College of International Physicians; Board of Governor, Auditor, and Treasurer of the Association of Philippine Physicians in America; President, Secretary, Physician of the Year, and Family of the Year of the Philippine Medical Association of West Virginia; Eucharistic Minister at the St. Edmund Catholic Church in Man, West Virginia; and Member of the Filipino Choir at St. Mark Evangelist Church in Tampa, Florida.

In his last days, Ding struggled from a rapid decline in health and dementia while in the hospital. But he passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

It is with sincerest heartfelt gratitude that we express our thanks and appreciation for the outpouring of your uplifting prayers, mighty support, and collective love that you have shown the entire Tordilla family which will help us get through this difficult time together. Thank you for sharing in living his life to the fullest. His bright smile and easy-going spirit will forever bring joy to our minds and hearts. May his soul rest in everlasting peace.

In love, peace, remembrance, and gratitude,

The family of Dr. Plaridel Palma Tordilla

FUNERAL SERVICES

Please kindly RSVP to the following services to Jennifer 813-435-8728.

Monday, April 5, 2021

5 - 8pm: Visitation/Wake Service at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, 3207 W Bearss Avenue Tampa, FL.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

10:30 am: Funeral Mass at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 9724 Cross Creek Boulevard, Tampa, FL.

12:30 pm: Graveside Service in the House of Eternity Mausoleum at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive, Trinity, FL.

Lunch to follow at Hibachi Buffet, 13151 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL.

***In lieu of your generosity through contributions and flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or cause, as Ding’s wish was philanthropy - to give whatever you can to support what your heart believed in.