Jose Garcia Bacallao

Dr. Jose “Pepe” Garcia Bacallao peacefully passed on August 30, 2019, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 90. He was surrounded by his family and received phone calls from his grandchildren and sons-in-law, who expressed memories and gratitude.

Pepe, born on October 20, 1928, in Havana, Cuba, to parents Maria Josefa Bacallao Garcia and Jose Pio Garcia Alvarado, was an only child who won their full attention. His curiosity sparked an adventurous spirit that led him to new places which he would photograph. Pepe followed his father’s footsteps into the medical field and graduated from the University of Havana Medical School in 1953. Although he made an excellent choice to study medicine, he made an exemplary choice in the woman he married. Both choices brought him a lifetime of happiness. Pepe married Clara “Clarita” Loumiet on April 29, 1954, in Havana, Cuba.

They had three daughters; Martica, Ana, and Clairette. In October of 1960, the couple arrived to the United States with two young daughters and Clarita’s mother and went to Chicago. In December 1964, they settled in Centralia, Illinois, and called it their home. Whenever someone would first hear Dr. Bacallao’s Cuban accent, they would ask where he is from, and he would say with a smile, “Centralia, Illinois.” Dr. Bacallao loved living in this rural, southern Illinois town for the kindness and friendliness of the people. He was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed every day of his 29-year medical practice and was devoted to caring for his patients and his family. When he and his family would attend a church activity or a festival where German sausages were grilling and music was playing, it was not uncommon for a patient to approach him with a health concern. Dr. Bacallao patiently listened and wisely advised.

He served as an Internist for three generations of families in this caring community. After 29 years of medical practice, Dr. Bacallao retired in October 1993. He and Clarita then moved to Key Biscayne, Florida, and lived by the beach until 2016. These were glorious retirement years warmed by the Florida sunshine, family, and friends. Pepe especially enjoyed snorkeling, walking along the beach, and riding his bike along the island with friends. In 2016, Pepe and Clarita moved to Dallas, Texas, where their daughter Ana and her husband Rob reside. Although Pepe’s memory faded in his later years, his memory will live on in the hearts of his loving family, friends, and patients he treated. Pepe was always the first on the dance floor, had a wonderful sense of humor, chose to believe in the good of people, and lived life to the fullest.

Dr. Bacallao is survived by his devoted wife, Clarita of Dallas TX; his daughters, Martica Bacallao (Paul Smokowski) of Banner Elk, NC, Ana Harshaw (Rob) of Dallas, TX, and Clairette Lopes (Constantine) of Raleigh, NC; his grandchildren, Christopher Harshaw, Meghan Harshaw, Jason Lopes, Melanie Lopes, Chandler Lopes, Jose Smokowski, and Cesar Smokowski; his niece, Cristina Velarde (Jorge and children); nephews, Juan Pedro Loumiet (Lucre and children), and Carlos Loumiet (Cristina and children), and many cousins. Pepe was a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and an Honorary Life Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

The family extends a depth of gratitude to the nurses, nurse assistants, Hospice Care, and everyone at Presbyterian Village North who helped Pepe remain comfortable, warm, and cared for during his final years.

Funeral Mass and Inurnment will take place at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 21st at Calvary Hill North Chapel, located at 3235 Lombardy Lane in Dallas, TX. A reception will be held immediately following the Inurnment.

Memorials in honor of Dr. Bacallao may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church, 424 E. Broadway, Centralia, Illinois, 62801.