Dr. Manuel E. Comia

On January 2, 1929, Manuel was born in Palawan, Philippines to a school teacher named Juan Comia and his wife, Maria Consolacion Enriquez. In his young age, he went to a school in Bauan, Batangas then attended Batangas High School. After high school graduation, he attended Santo Tomas University School of Medicine in Manila, completing his studies and graduating in 1954.

Soon after medical school, he travelled to the United States to further his medical studies. Upon arrival, he entered St. Anthony's Hospital in Kentucky to do his residency; continued his studies in anesthesiology in Richmond, Virginia and then in Albany, New York where he expanded his licensing. Manuel held licenses in many places including the Philippines, Guam, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, New York, and California.

In 1959, he returned to the Philippines and worked in The Maternity and Children's Hospital in Manila until 1962. That same year he married the love of his life, Norma Banta on May 28. The following year, he practiced anesthesiology in Batangas Provincial Hospital until 1963.

Later that year, the Government of Guam hired him to work at Guam Memorial Hospital. Two years later, he was awarded certification as a Diplomate of The American Board of Anesthesiology. He continued working in Guam until 1967. Later that same year, he came back to the United States with his family. He practiced at the Veteran's Hospital in Westwood, Los Angeles until 1969. From 1969 to 1987, he practiced at Coastal Community Hospital (formerly Mercy Hospital in Santa Ana, CA) until he retired.

He is survived by his wife Norma; their children James, Joanie, Michael, Eileen, Norman; their grandchildren Calvin, Caitlan (Tippy), and Alyson; his six sisters Josefina, Purita, Ester, Charity, Evelyn, Elsa; and two brothers Antonio and Juan Jr.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Monday, April 21, 2014 at Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary.

The funeral mass will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Irvine.

Interment to follow the mass at Pacific View Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary FD1176, Corona Del Mar, CA.