Gonzalo Angel Cortes Espino, MD

Gonzalo “Lito” Espino of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born on July 26, 1942, in Manila, Philippines.

He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in 1963 and received his medical degree from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in 1968. After marrying his wife, Hortencia, in 1970, they immigrated to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to begin their medical internships. In 1971, they moved to Florida for their residency at the University of Florida.

Dr. Espino worked as a doctor of medicine for 57 years. His career included over 30 years in private practice as a general surgeon, trauma and burn specialist. He then earned a Masters in Health Management Administration from the University of Central Michigan before serving as a Chief Health Officer for the State of Florida.

He was actively involved in professional organizations, having previously served as president of both the Philippine Medical Society of Northeast Florida and the Jacksonville Medical Club. He was also a member of the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons and the American Burn Association.

Lito loved singing karaoke, dancing, and sports. He was also an avid reader of medical-related articles. His friends and family loved his sense of humor. He was a very thoughtful husband and father, and a champion ‘baby whisperer’ to his grandchildren. He was a good, kind, and loving man.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gonzalo Santos Espino, and his mother, Maria Cortes.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Hortencia; daughters Michelle Mullins (Lee), Angeline Garcia (Cezar), and Regina Loperfido (Patrick); sister Mina Ong; and seven grandchildren.