Diego Ramírez-Cárdenas MD

was born April 11, 1930 in the town of Caceres, Spain, to José and Pilar.

His three brothers ( José Maria, Juan Antonio and Francisco) and sister,

(Maria Del Pilar) preceded him in death.

Diego grew up during the Spanish Civil War, one of the harshest wars known to mankind; it pitted brother against brother.

After high school, along with his brothers, Diego attended college in Madrid. Diego also attended medical school at the University of Madrid.

Toward the end of his medical education, Diego met his wife, Patricia May O’Neill ; she was an exchange student studying Spanish literature.

The following year, Diego and Patricia were married in Madrid.

Diego and Patricia moved back and forth from Spain to the US ( Canton OH, Madrid, Long Beach, finally settling in San Diego. Diego completed his fellowship program and additional surgical training at Mercy Hospital.Given his clinical acumen, and his excellent bedside manner, he became an instant success.

At the apex of his career, Diego aptly held down his three medical offices in the San Diego area.

Dr. Ramírez- Cárdenas was extremely busy in many hospitals, including Paradise Valley, Cabrillo hospital ( the former Doctor’s Hospital”) and Mercy Hospital.

He also enjoyed making his rounds of the nursing homes.

Dr Rámírez-Cárdenas practiced a wide spectrum of medicine and surgery and was loved by patients, nursing staff, and hospital administration.

Patients would bring him homemade food from all different ethnicities, and inundated his offices with gift baskets. He’d even occasionally bring home a puppy or kitten.

Diego’s weekdays were busy with full schedules. His free time he spent entirely with his family, and community events.

Despite being busy, he always had time for his nine children, whether it be in time of need, or a simple run to the local Dairy Queen or another of the children’s favorites.

Diego never had time for “boys night out“ or poker night. he was dedicated to his job, his family and his community

He made an instant connection with our San Diego Hispanic community, which was centered at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church. He was a regular at social family and church events, inviting everyone to his home and attending many celebrations.

Upon retiring, Diego found it hard to slow down, and yet, he still maintained a healthy and strong relationship with various religious organizations including the Oceanside Prince of Peace Abbey, San Ysidro Villanueva Housing project, Saint John of the Cross Church adjacent to his North Park medical office, Immaculate Conception Church, and several South Bay parishes. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church was his parish home for decades; Many of his beloved patients were parishioners.

Diego never turned away from helping anyone in need. Whether it was a young gardener who was troubled, a grandmother who had difficulty with her children, or couples seeking advice.

Diego returned home to Spain many times, and he and Patricia realized his dream of building a small country home on his ancestral land.

When age became a factor and he was no longer able to travel, Diego settled in his home of many years, in Mission Hills, surrounded by family, his dogs and canaries, and his caregivers. He lived to the last day with a smile. Just before he passed, Dr. Diego Manuel Ramírez-Cárdenas thanked all who loved him, saying three deeply felt words: “ I love you“.

Diego is survived by Patricia, his wife, his nine children (Diego, Joseph, Michael, John, Patricia, Pilar, Victoria, Isabel and Mary-Alice), 21 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held

Friday, October 4th, 9:30 am

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

1770 Kearney Avenue, San Diego, CA